How to replace Google search on Yandex in the smartphone Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Why Xiaomi users want to change Google to Yandex – and should they?

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the fact that Google search is installed by default in the system – both in the browser and in the widget on the home screen. For Russian users, this is not always convenient: Yandex better understands Russian-language queries, offers relevant news for the region and is integrated with local services like Yandex.Maps or Yandex.Music.

But it's not easy to replace a search engine in MIUI, because the manufacturer works closely with Google, and many of the features are sewn into firmware. In this article, we'll discuss 5 working ways to get around the limitations and make Yandex the default search, from standard settings to installing alternative launchers. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, we'll highlight these cases separately.

Before you start, check your firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI. On MIUI 14/15 (and later), some of the ways may not work due to tightening security policies. Also note that after resetting to factory settings, all the changes will have to be repeated again.

Method 1: Replace search in the browser (Chrome, MIUI Browser, Firefox)

The easiest way is to change the search engine directly in the browser. This won’t change the widget on the home screen, but at least the requests from the address bar will go to Yandex.

On Google Chrome:

1. Open your browser and tap on the three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select Settings → Search engine.
3. Click Yandex (if it is not in the list, manually add the URL https://yandex.ru/search/?text=%s).

In MIUI Browser (standard Xiaomi browser):

1. Launch the browser, go to Settings → Additional.
2. Find the search engine and select Yandex.
3. If Yandex is not available, add it via Other by specifying the same URL as for Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open the menu (three points) → Settings → Search.
2. Select Yandex from the list or add it through Add a search engine.

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If after changing the search engine in Chrome, requests still go through Google, clear the browser cache in Settings → Privacy → Clear the data.

Method 2: Installation of Yandex widget on the main screen

If you need to have quick access to Yandex search directly from your desktop, install the official widget:

1. Download the Yandex app from Google Play or AppGallery.
2. Click the empty space on the home screen and select Widgets.
3. Find the Yandex.Search widget (usually 4×1 or 4×2) and drag it to the screen.
4. If necessary, adjust the size and transparency through a long press on the widget.

The advantage of this method is that the widget works independently of system settings and does not require root rights. However, it takes up space on the screen, and it cannot be made by default search for the system (for example, when you click on a magnifier in the notification bar).

Download the official application of Yandex|Free up space on the main screen|Check if the widget is on the list|Update the application to the latest version-->

Method 3: Use of alternative launchers (Nova, Apex, Microsoft Launcher)

The standard MIUI launcher doesn't allow you to change the default search engine, but third-party shells do.The best options for Xiaomi are:

• 🔹 Nova Launcher – Supports search widget replacement, flexible settings and gestures.
• 🔹 Apex Launcher – a lightweight launcher with the ability to integrate Yandex search.
• 🔹 Microsoft Launcher – has built-in support for Bing, but allows you to add Yandex through the widget.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the blank space on the screen → Widgets → Find Nova Search.
3. Drag the widget on the screen and select Yandex as a search engine in the settings.
4. In Settings Nova → Search, turn off Google App Search if it interferes.

The downside is that some MIUI features (like Quick Commands or Smart Assistant) may not work properly with third-party launchers, and you’ll also have to get used to the new interface.

Method 4: Change system settings through ADB (without root)

For advanced users, there is a way to change the default search through ADB-This will work on most Xiaomi devices without rooting. MIUI 12-14, but requires a computer connection.

Steps:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) Adb shell settings put global assistant ru.yandex.searchplugin/.SearchActivity adb shell settings put global voice_assist ru.yandex.searchplugin/.SearchActivity
4. Reset the device.

After that, voice search (via the button in the navigation bar) and some system queries will be redirected to Yandex.Please note: on MIUI 15+, this method may not work due to new restrictions on changing global settings.

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ADB-commands do not require root, but their action may reset after the update MIUI. Repeat the procedure after each major update.

Method 5: Complete root and system file editing

If you're willing to take drastic measures, you can turn off Google services at the system level.

• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 🔧 Installed Magisk or other root solution.
• 🔧 Backup of data (risk of “bricking” of the device).

Instructions:

1. Install Root Explorer or Mixplorer with superuser rights.
2. Cross the path. /system/priv-app/QuickSearchBox and rename the folder to QuickSearchBox_bak (This will disable Google Search).
3. Download the modified APK Yandex.Search for system installation (see forums like this) 4PDA or XDA).
4. Install APK in /system/priv-app/ with 644 (rw-r-----).
5. Reset the device.

Warnings:

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to loss of warranty and device inoperability.Before acting, check compatibility with your Xiaomi model on thematic forums.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global may stop working Google Play Services after such an intervention, which will lead to errors in applications, solved by installing MicroG or rolling back changes.

What do you do if nothing works?

If none of these methods helped, check the following points:

• 📱 Region of the device: On some firmware for China (CN) Google services are not available initially, and Yandex can be made the main one through standard settings.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI: After the firmware update, system settings may be reset. Reconfigure the search settings.
• 🛠️ Castom firmware: Install MIUI EU Pixel Experience – it’s easier to set up alternative search engines.

If the problem is in a particular model (such as Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5), look for instructions on the forums with the exact name of the device.

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On devices with pre-installed MIUI for Russia (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G), Yandex can already be integrated into the system. Check your search settings in Settings → Additional → Search.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing search in Xiaomi