Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS provide users with huge customization options. However, a standard software suite does not always meet the needs of each owner. Often, when you open a link, the browser is not running the one you prefer, or calls are processed by a standard “bell ringer”, although you have installed a more functional counterpart. Understanding how to manage these priorities is a key skill for effective use of the device.
Android architecture requires processing software for each type of activity, which can be opening files of a specific format, launching navigation on a specific site. GPS-Xiaomi device owners often find that the system imposes its own services, ignoring the alternatives set by the user. Changing the default settings allows you to return control of the gadget to your hands.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways you can manage application priorities, not only the standard methods through the settings menu, but also the deeper configuration options available in different versions of firmware, and you will learn to forcefully change your browser, messenger, or even dialer, bypassing the interface limitations.
The default application principles in MIUI and HyperOS
The mechanism for selecting priority software in Xiaomi shells is based on standard Android Intent protocols. When you click on a link in the messenger, the system sends a request to open. URL-If there are multiple browsers in the device's memory, the operating system must know which one to run, and that's the choice that's recorded as the default action».
MIUI and HyperOS shells have their own implementation features. Often system applications have a hidden priority that prevents the user from immediately switching to a third-party counterpart. For example, a standard file manager can intercept opening archives even if you installed a more powerful WinZip or RAR. The system remembers your last selection with the “Always” tick, but it is not obvious to reset this choice.
⚠️ Warning: Forced replacement of system components such as launcher or keyboard with non-optimized counterparts can lead to unstable interface operation or cyclical device reboots.
It is important to understand the difference between default settings and just running programs. The application can run in the background, but not be a processor of certain types of files. These connections are managed through a special section in the system settings that aggregates all possible types of actions.
Why does the system reset choice?
Where to find the default application settings
Finding the menus you want can vary depending on the version of the operating system you installed. Current versions of HyperOS and new MIUI 14 have made the logic of the layout of the elements more unified, but in older versions, the path may differ. The main control hub is the settings section of the smartphone itself.
To access the configuration, you need to go to the main settings menu of the device, and you should find a section that is usually called "Applications" or "All Apps." Inside this section, you can find a rights and priorities management menu.
Settings → Applications → Application settings → Applications by default
In some firmware versions, this item can be placed in a separate sub-menu "Additional settings" or be immediately at the root of the settings menu if the advanced display mode is enabled. If you use the old Redmi with Android 9 or lower, look for the "Additional" item inside the app menu.
It is worth noting that in some regions of the firmware (Global, EEA, China) item names can be translated differently. If you can not find the item "Default Apps", try to search by settings by typing the phrase "default apps" or "default apps". System search Xiaomi perfectly indexes all hidden menus.
How to change browser, call and SMS-manager
The most common way users tend to replace three key components: a web browser, a phone book, and a messaging service. These are the most intrusive system features that are activated with every appropriate action. Replacing the standard Mi Browser browser with Chrome or Firefox greatly improves comfort and security.
To change your browser, go to the Default Apps menu and select Browser, and the system will list all the browsers you have installed, and if you choose the browser, you will fix it as your primary browser, and the same thing happens with your phone: if you have installed a Google Phone or a Truecaller, you must select them under Phone.
☑️ Verification of replacement functions
With a replacement. SMS-Many modern Xiaomi smartphones do not have a classic module. GSM for calls in some regions or using VoLTE, but the standard Messages app can often not be removed without root permissions. RCS You can use the same settings menu.
Once a new application is selected, the system may request additional permissions, such as access to contacts and a call log, for an alternative call to work, without these permissions, functionality will be limited, and the program may not be triggered when an incoming call is made.
Resetting and forced selection change
Often, the problem is, you've chosen "Always Open in this app," and now you want to return the choice or change the program, the system stops asking, considering the choice the final one, in which case you need to reset the default settings, and this will not delete your data, but only clear the associations of files and links.
To do this, the Default Apps menu often doesn't have a generic "Reset All" button, you need to do a point. Go to the settings of the particular application that is currently the primary one (such as Mi Browser), find the "Open Default" button and click "Clear Default Settings."
| Action. | Place on the menu | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Browser reset | Settings → Applications → Browser → Open by default | When you click on the link, the system will ask for a choice again. |
| Resetting the call | Settings → Applications → Phone → Open by default | Incoming call can be accepted by any installed application |
| File reset | Settings → Applications → Explorer → Open by default | Certain types of files will stop opening automatically. |
| Total reset | Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points → Resetting Settings | Reset all preferences for all applications at once |
If a standard reset doesn't work, you can use "heavy artillery" -- clearing the data from the shell application itself, which handles the settings. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find Settings (the gear icon) and clear the data. Attention: this will reset all your personalizations in the settings menu, but it won't affect your personal files.
⚠️ Warning: Cleaning up the Settings system application will reset all changes you make to your system configuration, including network, sound and display settings.
Managing File and Link Associations
The hardest part of setting up is working with specific file types. Android doesn't always let you choose an app for all PDFs at once. Often you have to set up associations for each type of content separately, and this is especially true for users who use specialized software to work with documents or graphics.
When you try to open a file of a specific format (e.g.,.docx or.mkv), the system checks the list of applications that have declared support for this type. If you previously set the Always tick, the system will remember this choice. To change it, you first reset the current application settings, as described above, and then select a new program when you next start the file.
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Use advanced file managers like Solid Explorer or MiXplorer, which allow you to flexibly configure which player or editor will run for each file type, override system settings.
For Deep Links, things are even more interesting: apps like Telegram, Instagram, or TikTok can intercept browser-based links, and newer versions of Android on Xiaomi have a special section called Open Links, where you can choose for each app, “Open in this app,” “Always ask,” or “Do not open.”
This feature is extremely useful for combating intrusive social media behavior, so you can prevent YouTube from opening links to videos in its own app, leaving them open in the browser if you prefer, which gives you complete control over the digital environment.
Problems with Xiaomi system applications and their solution
Xiaomi owners often complain that the system ignores their choices and keeps running their own services. For example, when trying to clear memory, the built-in Cleaner can run even if you want to use a third-party tool.
In some cases, the only way to get around this restriction is to turn off the system application, and if you don't use the standard Mi Browser browser, you can turn it off in the application menu, and then the system will have to look for an alternative, but you need to be careful not to disrupt the system widgets.
Another common problem is smart recommendations: MIUI can offer “enhanced” ways to open files by slipping its services, and you can turn it off in the security settings or in the Recommendations menu.
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Completely shutting down or freezing the system application is the only guaranteed way to make the system forget about its existence and switch to an analogue.
If nothing works, you can use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tools, which, by connecting your phone to your computer, you can force the system packets that interfere with your work to be removed or disabled, and the team looks something like this:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browserThis command will disable the standard browser and the system will be forced to use your choice, but using ADB requires caution and understanding which package you are disabling, so as not to get a brick instead of a smartphone.