Why can’t you just change your default browser on Xiaomi?
Xiaomi smartphone owners regularly face the same problem: MIUI stubbornly ignores attempts to change the default browser, automatically opening links in the standard Mi Browser. This is not a fluke, but a deliberate policy of the company that integrates its browser into firmware at the system application level. Unlike “pure” Android, where the choice of browser takes 30 seconds, on Xiaomi this process requires workarounds.
The main reason is that the Mi Browser is closely linked to Xiaomi Cloud services, updates, and even some security features.The manufacturer has no interest in users abandoning proprietary software – this reduces control over the ecosystem and reduces revenue from ad impressions. However, there are several working methods to circumvent this limitation, and we will look at them all – from official (but hidden) settings to radical solutions for advanced users.
It’s important to understand that since MIUI 14, Xiaomi has made it a bit easier for European firmware (EEA) to change the default browser, but the limitations remain for global and Chinese versions, which means that your success depends not only on the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11), but also on regional firmware. Next, we’ll look at all the current ways, including those that work even on locked devices.
Official method: configuration through application parameters
The safest method is to use the built-in Android settings, but taking into account the features of MIUI. This method is suitable for most models (Redmi 10/11/12, POCO F4/F5, Mi 12/13) on MIUI 12-14 firmware, but may not work on Chinese versions of the software.
- Open “Settings” and go to the Applications → Application Management section.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Scroll down to the Browser point and tap it.
- In the list of available browsers, select the desired one (for example, Google Chrome or Firefox).
If your browser is not listed:
- 🔍 Make sure it is installed from Google Play (not via Google Play). APK).
- 📥 Reboot your smartphone after installing the browser.
- 🔄 Try clearing the cache and Mi Browser data in Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Warehouse.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13 for China region), the default paragraph of the Annex may not be available.
Alternative method: resetting application settings
If the standard method didn't work, try resetting the default application settings, which will force the system to re-query your choice the next time you open the link.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots at the top and select Reset app settings.
- Confirm the action (this won’t delete the data, only reset the default settings).
- Open any link (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp) – the system will prompt you to choose a browser.
This method works on 70-80% of devices, but has a drawback: reset affects all applications by default (for example, a call app or SMS can be reset).
Install an alternative browser from Google Play
Clear the Mi Browser cache in the settings
Reboot your smartphone
Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)
Make a backup copy of important data-->
For advanced: changing settings through ADB
If the official methods do not work, there is still an option using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This requires connecting the smartphone to the computer, but it is guaranteed to work even on locked firmware. USB and may cancel the warranty in case of incorrect actions.
Steps:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC, install ADB-tools and execute the command:
adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser
adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.browser/com.android.browser.BrowserActivityAfter that:
- 🔧 Install the desired browser (such as Chrome) as the default app through settings.
- 🔄 Reset the device.
- 📱 Check if links are opened in the selected browser.
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you're not sure what you're doing, skip this method or see a specialist.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Radical method: disable Mi Browser through system settings
If you don't need Mi Browser at all, you can disable it (but not remove it completely, as it's a system application), which will force MIUI to automatically offer an alternative browser when you open links.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Mi Browser on the list and tap it.
- Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Remove Updates first).
- Confirm the action – the application will be stopped, but not removed.
After the shutdown:
- 🌐 All links will be opened in the browser you installed last.
- 🔄 There may be bugs with opening some system links (for example, from Mi Account).
- 🔙 To return the Mi Browser, turn it back on in the app settings.
| Method | Difficulty | Works on MIUI 14? | You need a PC? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official settings | ⭐ | Yes (EEA-firmware) | No. | Low. |
| Resetting applications | ⭐⭐ | Yes. | No. | Medium (resetting all silences) |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐⭐ | Yes. | Yes. | High (with errors) |
| Mi Browser's shutdown | ⭐⭐ | Yes. | No. | Medium (system bugs) |
Problems and Solutions: Why Can't You Change Your Browser?
Even if you follow the instructions, you may encounter errors.
- 🚫 No Default Apps: This means you have Chinese firmware (e.g., Xiaomi 13 Ultra for domestic market). EEA-version MIUI via Fastboot.
- 🔄 After the reset, Mi Browser opens again: The system can automatically restore settings. Try freezing the Mi Browser through ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser
- 📱 Links open in WebView: This is a bug MIUI 13–14 Install Chrome as Android System WebView in Settings → Annexes → WebView.
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If you often encounter MIUI issues, consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that will remove Xiaomi’s restrictions completely, but require unlocking the bootloader and may take away warranty.
Comparison of browsers for Xiaomi: which one to choose?
Before changing the default browser, you should decide on an alternative. Here is a comparison of popular options for Xiaomi:
| browser | Pluses | Cons | Suitable for weak devices? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Maximum compatibility with websites, synchronization with Google account | High RAM Consumption, Slow Running on Redmi 9A/8A | ❌ No. |
| Mozilla Firefox | Privacy, extension support, low power consumption | Sometimes it slows down on MIUI due to optimizations | ✅ Yes. |
| Brave | Ad blocking, high speed, crypto rewards | Not all websites are working properly (e.g. banking) | ✅ Yes. |
| Opera | Built-in VPN, turbo mode for slow internet | Collects user data for targeted advertising | ✅ Yes. |
For devices with 4 GB of RAM or less (Redmi 10A, POCO M3), we recommend Firefox or Brave – they are optimized better than Chrome. If the priority is stability with banking sites and social networks, stay on Chrome, despite its “gluttony”.
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On weak smartphones (Redmi 9/8 series), disabling the Mi Browser can free up to 150-200 MB of RAM, which will significantly accelerate the work of an alternative browser.