How to install Google Chrome browser by default on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: instructions 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 9A with MIUI shell offers users flexible settings, but not always obvious. One of the common tasks is to change the default browser from native Mi Browser to Google Chrome. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can be difficult due to system features and manufacturer limitations. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to make Chrome the main browser, including hidden settings and solutions to typical problems.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 9A runs Android Go Edition (depending on the firmware version), which puts certain limitations on functionality, and MIUI is actively promoting its own services, so the path to settings may differ from standard Android.

Why is Google Chrome better than the native browser on Redmi 9A?

Before we get to the settings, it’s worth figuring out why you should change your default browser at all. Xiaomi’s native Mi Browser has a few features that not everyone likes:

• 🔍 Data collection: the browser is integrated with the Xiaomi ecosystem and can transmit data about visited sites (even in an anonymous form).
• 📦 Advertising and promos: built-in banners and offers of company services that are not always appropriate.
• ⚡ Productivity: on a budget Redmi 9A Mi Browser can run slower than Chrome.
• 🔄 Sync: Google Chrome has better integration with Google account, making it easier to move bookmarks and history.

But there are also advantages to the Mi Browser: it consumes less RAM and is better adapted to MIUI. If you want to save resources, you might want to keep it as a backup option, but for most users, Chrome remains a more versatile and secure choice.

⚠️ Note: After changing the default browser, some system links (such as from notifications or settings) may still open in Mi Browser. MIUI, It cannot be completely eliminated.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you assign Chrome to your default browser, follow a few preparatory steps:

1. Install Google Chrome from Google Play. If the app is already installed, upgrade to the latest version.
2. Check out MIUI: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Redmi 9A has the current version – MIUI 12.5 or later.
3. Clear the native browser cache: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Browser → Clear the cache.
4. Turn off Mi Browser auto-update if you don’t plan to use it: Google Play → Menu → Settings → Auto-Update apps → Do not update Mi Browser.

If you have previously tried to change the default browser and encountered errors, it is also worth rebooting the phone. this will reset the temporary system settings that could interfere with the procedure.

Install/update Google Chrome|

Verification of MIUI (12.5+) |

Clearing the Mi Browser| cache

Disable auto-update Mi Browser|

Phone reboot-->

Method 1: Standard configuration through the application menu

The most obvious method is to use Android's built-in settings. However, on Redmi 9A, this path can be hidden or modified by MIUI.

1. Open the phone settings.
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.
4. Find the Browser item and tap it.
5. In the list of available browsers, select Google Chrome.

If the default App item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

1. Open any web link (for example, in a message or note).
2. When the browser selection window appears, tick Always and select Chrome.

On some versions of MIUI, this method doesn't work well, so if you still open links in Mi Browser after you select Chrome, move on to the next one.

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If Google Chrome isn’t on the browser list, try opening it manually and waiting for the full load. Sometimes the system doesn’t display apps that haven’t been launched at least once.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the standard method doesn’t work)

If Chrome doesn’t show up in the default browser list or the settings aren’t saved, the problem may be in the system’s cache, in which case resetting the app settings will help:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Reset application settings.
3. Confirm action. This will reset all default settings (including the browser, SMS-annex.).
4. After reset, repeat Method 1 for Chrome assignment.

This is also useful if you've been experimenting with settings before and the system is now unstable, but note that the reset will affect all applications, not just the browser, for example, you may need to re-select an application for SMS or phone calls.

⚠️ Note: Resetting application settings does not delete data (such as browser bookmarks or message history), but may require re-authorization in some services.

Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change (for power users)

If none of the previous methods worked, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a debugging tool that allows you to manually change system settings, which requires you to connect your phone to your computer and can cause the system to malfunction if you use it improperly.

You'll need:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB on the phone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate Developer Mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 9A to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on your phone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).

1. Run the command to change the browser by default:

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "http://" -n com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

Once you have completed the commands, reboot your phone.This method forcibly assigns Chrome to the web link handler, but may not affect other types of content (e.g., Chrome, PDF-file).

Table: comparison of methods of changing the browser to Redmi 9A

For most users, a combination of standard settings and application resets is optimal, and the ADB method should only be used if other methods have failed, as it requires technical skills.

What if Chrome is not saved as the default browser?

Sometimes, even after a successful setup, Chrome is no longer the default browser after a reboot or system update, due to the features of MIUI, which can reset settings to promote its own services.

• 🔄 Turn off auto-update MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and disable automatic update checks (if possible on your version).
• 🚫 Freeze Mi Browser with apps like App Freezer (root rights required) or turn it off: Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Shut down.
• 🔧 Use third-party utilities like Default App Manager (available on Google Play) that allow you to more flexibly manage default settings.
• 📱 Create a Chrome shortcut on the home screen and use it to open links manually if the automatic method doesn’t work.

If the problem repeats after each MIUI update, it’s worth considering a custom firmware option (like LineageOS), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may take you out of warranty.

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The most reliable way to avoid resetting is to disable or freeze Mi Browser, but this can affect some system functions, such as opening links from notifications.

Google Chrome Optimization for Redmi 9A

After a successful browser change, it is recommended to set up Chrome for better performance on Redmi 9A, which is in the budget segment:

• 🔍 Turn on Easy Mode: Open Chrome, go to Chrome ⋮ → Settings → Easy mode and activate the option, which will speed up the loading of pages by making it easier to display them.
• 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly: Settings → Confidentiality → Clear the browsing data. 9A With limited memory, this will help to avoid slowing down.
• 🚫 Disable unnecessary functions: Autocomplete forms (Settings) → Autocomplete. Article suggestions on the home page (Settings) → Background synchronization (Settings) → Synchronization).
• 🔒 Use Ad Blocker: Install the uBlock Origin extension (requires Chrome for Android with extension support or Kiwi Browser browser based on Chromium).

Also, consider that Redmi 9A has only 2-3 GB of RAM (depending on the modification).To keep the browser running smoothly, close the background applications before it starts and avoid opening a large number of tabs.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions