Why Xiaomi is difficult to change the default browser and what to do about it
Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their flexibility, but changing the default browser often becomes a headache for users. Unlike “pure” Android, where the process takes a couple of clicks, the manufacturer imposes restrictions through branded services. The main problem lies in the pre-installed Mi Browser browser, which is integrated into the system at the service level of applications.
After upgrading to MIUI 12 and later, the algorithm has changed: now the system actively offers to use native applications, and alternative browsers (such as Chrome, Firefox or Opera) have to “push” through additional settings. Moreover, on some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco X3 Pro) after resetting, the browser defaults again to Mi Browser – this is not a bug, but a feature of firmware.
In this article, we will discuss all working ways to change the default browser to Xiaomi, including bypassing restrictions. MIUI, tuning ADB (for advanced users) and solving problems when the system ignores your choices. MIUI 11 MIUI 14.
Method 1: Standard browser change through settings (MIUI 12-14)
Since MIUI 12, the path to changing the default browser has become less obvious, but is still available without further manipulation.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings → Applications.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Find the Browser item and click on it.
- In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).
If you don't have a Browser item on the menu, your version of MIUI is blocking that path. Go to Method 2.
Install an alternative browser from Google Play|
Update MIUI to the latest version|
Close all background applications |
Check if Mi Browser has administrator rights (in Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Permissions)
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⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 9) after selecting an alternative browser, the system can display a notification: "For better work, use Mi Browser." It's not a bug, just a cumulative window that you can close. Your selection is saved.
Method 2: Bypassing restrictions through application settings
If the standard path didn't work, try an alternative method through permission management, which is suitable for MIUI 11-14 and does not require root rights.
Algorithm of action:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Mi Browser list and tap it.
- Select Open by default → Clear the default settings.
- Go back to the main settings menu and repeat Method 1.
After cleaning the settings, the system should suggest selecting a browser when the next link is opened. If this does not happen, check:
- 🔄 Is Mi Browser Updated via App Store (sometimes updates reset settings).
- 📱 Is the Child Mode Activated or Guest Mode (they block default setting changes).
- 🔒 Are there limits to digital well-being.
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If after changing the browser links from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) still open in Mi Browser, clear the cache of these applications in Settings → Applications.
Method 3: Using ADB to Forced Shift (Advanced)
For users who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a reliable method of changing the browser through the command line, which is true for MIUI 13/14, where the manufacturer has made the process as complicated as possible.
What you need:
- 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔗 Installed alternative browser (e.g. Chrome with com.android.chrome package).
Instructions for entering into ADB (in order):
adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser
adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "http://example.com"Once you have completed the commands, open any link, and the system will prompt you to choose a browser, the only method that is guaranteed to work on Xiaomi with global firmware (EEA), where the manufacturer blocks the standard methods.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It resets some of the app settings. After the procedure, you may need to re-authorize in Google services and reconfigure the widgets on the home screen.
Table: Method compatibility with MIUI versions and models
| Method | MIUI 11 | MIUI 12 | MIUI 13 | MIUI 14 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard change in settings | ✅ | ⚠️ Partially. | ❌ | ❌ | MIUI 12 only works after cleaning the Mi Browser settings |
| Cleaning up default settings | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Requires a reboot. | ⚠️ Requires a reboot. | MIUI 13/14 may not work the first time |
| ADB-team | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | The most reliable method, but requires a PC |
| Reset to factory settings | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | It works, but it deletes all data. |
For the Poco F3, Redmi K40 and Black Shark 4 models, MIUI 13 is most often helped by a combination of the second and third methods: first cleaning the settings, then fixing the selection through ADB.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after a successful browser change, users are confronted with bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 🔄 Links from apps open in Mi Browser: Clear the messenger cache (WhatsApp, Telegram) and restart the phone. If it didn't help - in the settings of the application (for example, Telegram) manually specify the browser to open links.
- 🚫 You can't select a browser in your settings: Check if there are restrictions through Digital Well-Being or Parental Control. MIUI — roll back on a stable firmware.
- 🔒 After updating MIUI Browser reset: This is a feature of the firmware for Redmi Note 11 and Poco X4 Repeat the procedure of changing the browser or use ADB fixation.
- ⚙️ Browser default settings disappear after reboot: Remove updates for Mi Browser via Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Three points. → Remove updates.
Why Xiaomi is restricting browser change?
Alternative solutions: Launchers and workarounds
If none of the methods worked, consider workarounds:
- Using alternative launchers (like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) that allow you to assign default apps for specific actions, including link opening.
- Wrapper apps like Better Open With, which intercept intents and redirect them to the browser of choice.
- Manually copying links from Mi Browser to an alternative browser via the clipboard (inconvenient, but works without restrictions).
For Xiaomi 12T and Xiaomi 13 models on MIUI 14, users often use the Nova Launcher + Tasker combination to automatically redirect links. This requires customization, but gives full control over the opening of web pages.
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On Xiaomi with global firmware (EEA), the default browser change is often blocked at the system level, in which case ADB remains the only reliable solution.