Modern Xiaomi smartphones come with a pre-installed suite of apps, and the Mi Browser browser is often the first in line to launch links. However, many users prefer more functional or familiar alternatives, such as Google Chrome, Yandex.Browser or Opera. The process of changing the priority application to open web pages can seem confusing due to the features of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can assign a new browser by default, and we will not only touch on the standard settings of the system, but also the nuances of working with Chinese versions of firmware, where system applications can be rigidly assigned to certain actions, and understanding these mechanisms will allow you to fully personalize the device to your habits.
You will also learn how to properly clear the cache of previous choices if the system stops asking you about your preferred app.Tune in your digital environment properly starts with managing basic functions, and replacing your browser is one of the first steps to comfort.
Why Change Your Browser by Default on Your Smartphone
Xiaomi’s standard browser, despite having a traffic-saving mode and built-in ad blocker, is often criticized for intrusive notifications and excessive resource consumption in the background. Users who appreciate speed and sync with desktop versions are most likely to want to install Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox as their primary surfing tool.
Changing the primary browser not only affects which pages are opened when you click on links in messengers, but also determines which application will be offered for crawling. QR-codes, opening file formats HTML And we're going to use the widgets to process search queries. MIUI Make the system more modular, allowing you to flexibly customize these interactions.
⚠️ Note: When changing your browser, make sure you are logged in to the new app so your passwords and history are available. Account sync is a critical step before you fully transition.
Using alternative rendering engines, such as Blink in Chrome or Gecko in Firefox, can significantly improve the display of complex web pages and improve security when visiting sites. Some users also note better work with extensions and plugins in third-party browsers compared to a stock solution.
Preparation for the change of the main browser
Before you make changes to your system settings, you need to make sure that the alternative application is already installed and configured correctly. APK-The file or download from Google Play is not enough – you need to make an initial setup inside the application itself.
☑️ Preparing the browser for work
It’s important to check if the new browser has the necessary permissions. In modern versions of Android and Xiaomi shells, access to storage, camera and location can be limited by default. Without these permissions, functionality can be reduced, which will negate the sense of replacement.
It is also recommended to update the operating system to the latest available version. In older MIUI builds, there may be bugs that do not allow you to reset the default application selection correctly.
Instructions: Assigning a browser through system settings
The most reliable way to change the priority app is to use the system settings menu. The interface may vary slightly depending on the shell version, but the logic remains the same for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices.
To start, open the main smartphone settings menu. Find a section that could be called Apps, Apps and Notifications, or Application Management. Depending on the interface language, the names may vary, but the icon is usually a set of geometric shapes or a list.
Inside this section, you need to find the "Default Apps" option. In some versions of MIUI, it is hidden in the optional menu, which is called by clicking on three dots in the upper right corner of the screen.
| Item | Action. | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Default applications | Pressing | List of application categories opens |
| browser | Choice from the list | A list of installed browsers appears |
| New browser | Tap by name. | The system remembers the choice for all links |
| Resetting settings | Clean by default | Return to the selection request when opening |
Once you select the browser from the list, the system will immediately apply the changes. Now all links from WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS and other sources will open in the app of your choice. Rebooting the device to apply the settings is usually not required.
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System method through Settings is a priority and overrides the choices made within individual applications.
Alternative method: Configure through the application itself
Many modern browsers have their own mechanisms for capturing the status of the main application, which is convenient because it does not require a deep dive into the system menus, but in the face of severe MIUI optimization, this method may not always work steadily.
Open the browser you have installed (like Chrome). Click on the three-dot menu, usually located in the upper right or lower corner. In the drop-down list, find Settings. Scroll down to the Default App section.
The system can redirect you to the appropriate Android menu, where you will need to confirm the choice. If the browser suggests doing this internally, follow the prompts on the screen. In some cases, you will need to click the "Use by default" button several times.
What to do if the button is inactive?
It is worth noting that on devices with the Chinese version of the firmware (CN ROM) Without Google services installed, this method may not work for Chrome, in which case the only option is to manually configure through the system menu or use it. ADB-Teams for Advanced Users.
Problem Solving: When Choices Are Not Remained
Sometimes users are faced with a situation when after a reboot the phone again starts to open links in Mi Browser.This can be caused by aggressive operation of the energy saving system or failures in the cache of shell settings.
The first step is to remove the cache of the system component that controls preferences. Go to Settings → Apps → All applications. Find in the list of “Settings” (cog icon) or “Android System” and click “Clear Cache.” Don’t confuse it with “Clean Data” as this will reset all your personalizations.
⚠️ Attention: Cleaning system applications data can cause network settings, alarm clocks and desktop design to reset. Use only cache cleaning if you are unsure of your actions.
The second reason could be a conflicting optimizer or antivirus application that forcibly returns the stock browser as the default safe. Check the settings of such programs and add your browser to exceptions.
The problem may also be a bug in a particular version of MIUI, where the temporary removal of stock browser updates via the application management menu helps, and once the factory version is rolled back and priority is reset, the problem often disappears.
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If nothing works, try disabling Mi Browser completely. Go to the app properties and click "Disable." This will force the system to look for an alternative to open links.
Comparison of popular browsers for Android
Choosing a browser is a matter of taste, but Xiaomi owners also care about battery consumption and ecosystem integration, and the different engines interact differently with the Snapdragon and MediaTek processors installed in the brand’s smartphones.
- 🌐 Google Chrome: Perfect PC sync but high RAM consumption.Recommended for devices with 6GB of RAM and higher.
- 🚀 Opera Mini/Turbo: Great for saving traffic and battery power thanks to server data compression.Good choice for Redmi budget models.
- 🦊 Mozilla Firefox: Extensions support and privacy needs separate setup for maximum performance.
- 🇷🇺 Yandex.Browser: Deep integration with Yandex services, convenient Turbo mode and voice assistant. Often works best with the Russian segment of the Internet.
When choosing, consider not only the speed of work, but also the availability of useful features such as built-in page translator, night mode and tracking protection. HyperOS provides advanced rights for browsers, allowing them to use network resources more efficiently.