How to make Google Chrome browser by default: full instructions with pictures

The default browser on Xiaomi smartphones is the tool that opens when you click on any link from messengers, emails or social networks. The standard MIUI Browser app (formerly Mi Browser) seems uncomfortable to many users due to aggressive advertising, slow operation or lack of synchronization with a Google account. Switching to Google Chrome solves these problems, but it is not always obvious how to do it correctly - especially given the features of the MIUI firmware.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the default browser to Xiaomi, including hidden settings, bypass system limitations and solve typical errors. The instructions are relevant for models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra to MIUI 12-15 (including global and Chinese versions). If you are faced with the fact that the browser selection button is inactive or Chrome does not appear in the list at all, here you will find a solution.

Before you start, make sure your device has the latest version of Google Chrome installed (you can download it from Google Play). Also check the version of MIUI: Settings path → About phone → MIUI version. If your firmware is older than MIUI 12, some steps may differ - we'll mention this too.

Why is Chrome better than Xiaomi’s standard browser?

Comparing MIUI Browser to Google Chrome shows the difference not only in interface but also in functionality. Here are the key advantages of Chrome that make Xiaomi users switch to it:

• 🔄 Sync with Google account: history, bookmarks and passwords are automatically synchronized between devices (PC, tablet, smartphone).
• 🚀 Speed: Chrome is optimized for modern web standards and often runs faster than the built-in browser.
• 🛡️ Security: Regular updates to protect against phishing and malicious sites (in the MIUI Browser this feature is often disabled by default).
• 🎨 Dark theme and customization: flexible look settings, including adaptive dark theme.
• 🔍 Integration with Google services: quick access to Google Search, Translate and Google Lens directly from the address bar.

However, there are downsides: Chrome consumes more RAM, and on budget models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi 9A or Poco M3) can slow down when opening heavy sites, in such cases, it is worth considering alternatives like Firefox or Brave.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models for the Chinese market (with China firmware) ROM) Google Chrome may not be installed due to lack of Google services, in which case you will need to manually install via Google Chrome. APK org-change.

Method 1: Standard browser change by default (MIUI 13-15)

Since MIUI 13, the default browser selection process has become easier, but still has nuances.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. Select Google Chrome (if not, read the next section).

If you still open links in MIUI Browser after these steps, follow these additional steps:

• 📱 Restart your smartphone (sometimes the system doesn’t apply changes right away).
• 🔄 Clear the cache. MIUI Browser in Settings → Annexes → MIUI Browser → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔗 Check the settings of a particular application (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) where your browser can be registered by default.

Install the latest version of Chrome from Google Play

Check the MIUI version (should be at least 12)

Clear the cache of the standard browser

Reset the device-->

On MIUI 12 and older, the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Applications → All Applications → Three Points (Menu) → Default Applications → Browser

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) post-update MIUI 14 browser list can be reset. If Chrome is gone from the menu, reinstall it and repeat the steps.

Method 2: If Chrome is not displayed in the browser list

A situation where Google Chrome is installed but does not appear in the default settings is typical for Xiaomi with Chinese firmware or after resetting.

• 🔧 Enable Chrome in the App Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find Google Chrome in the list and tap it. Activate the Open Supported Links (or Set as default in English).
• 🔄 Reset the application settings by default: Settings → Annexes → Three dots (menu) → Reset the application settings After that, repeat the browser selection from the first method.
• 📦 Reinstall Chrome: Remove the current version of Chrome. download the fresh APK Google Chrome official website (not from third-party sources!) Install the file and restart the smartphone.

If the problem persists, check if Google services are disabled in the settings:

Settings → Google → Google account → Synchronization

Make sure the Chrome switch is on.

Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change (advanced)

If the standard methods do not work, you can resort to ADB-Android Debug Bridge, which requires you to connect your smartphone to your PC and enable Debugging. USB, It is guaranteed to solve the problem on any firmware MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (shap 7 times)
2. Activate USB Debugging: Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux).
4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
5. Run the default browser reset command: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main
6. Reboot your smartphone.

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Poco) F3 GT) post-execution ADB-The team may need to reselect Chrome manually through the settings. If the command 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

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can cause system failures if you type in the wrong commands. ADB without understanding the consequences!

Google Chrome

MIUI Browser

Firefox

Brave

Other-->

Method 4: Set up the default browser for individual applications

Even if you choose Chrome as your primary browser at the system level, some apps (such as Telegram, VK, or Gmail) may ignore this and open links in their built-in browser or MIUI Browser to avoid this:

• 📱 For Telegram: Open Telegram and go to Settings → Data and memory → Open links. Choose Always Ask or Google Chrome.
• 📧 For Gmail: Open a letter with a link → Tap the link. → Select "Open in Chrome" → Press "Always"
• 💬 For WhatsApp: Open a chat with a link. Press the link and select Open in Chrome. In the window that appears, tick the box Use by default.

For social networks (Vkontakte, Facebook, Instagram), it is usually enough to select Chrome once when you open the first link - the application will remember your choice. If this does not happen, clear the social network cache in the application settings.

💡

To check which application ignores your browser settings, use Settings → Apps → Permissions → Auto Run. Here you can see which programs have the right to open links themselves.

Problem Solving: Chrome is not saved as default browser

If Google Chrome is not the default browser after all the manipulations, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Automatic update MIUI Browser: system can reset settings after updating the built-in browser.Solution - disable automatic updates to MIUI Browser in Google Play.
• 🛠️ Optimization MIUI: function MIUI Optimization sometimes blocks changes to settings. Turn it off: Settings → Special facilities → MIUI Optimization (disable)
• 📱 Conflict with other browsers: if multiple browsers (e.g. Firefox and Chrome) are installed, the system may confuse priorities.
• 🔧 System Failure: Perform Cache Reset via Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.