How to change the default browser on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face intrusive system applications. After buying a device or updating the MIUI firmware or the new HyperOS, the Mi Browser automatically becomes the main tool for Internet access. This solution is entitled to life, but many users prefer more functional analogues such as Chrome, Firefox or Yandex.Browser.

Changing your priority app is not just a matter of habit, but also a way to improve speed and security. A standard browser can consume more resources or display some web pages incorrectly. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to reconfigure the system so that links from messengers and other programs open in the application that is convenient for you.

The procedure for changing the settings may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system and the manufacturer’s shell, but the basic algorithm of actions remains the same for most modern models. We will consider all the nuances, including situations where the desired item is not on the menu or the system blocks the changes.

Why Change the Standard Browser on Xiaomi

The main reason users are looking for a way to change the default browser on Xiaomi is because of the functionality.The system application is often overwhelmed with news feeds and recommendations that distract from the point. Third-party solutions offer a cleaner interface, advanced PC sync capabilities and effective ad blockers.

Alternative browsers are also often faster on older smartphone models, and are better optimized for heavy scripting and modern layout standards, especially for the Redmi and Poco budget lines, where every megabyte of RAM counts.

Privacy is also important, and many independent developers are betting on privacy by introducing built-in security trackers and advanced incognito modes, and the system browser can collect more telemetry, which is not always acceptable to advanced users.

Preparing for the change of the browser: installation and update

Before you start setting up your system, you need to make sure that the alternative app is already installed on your device. Without a second candidate, Android will simply not offer you a choice. Download the desired APK file from the official Google Play store or GetApps.

When you install it, you should start the new app right away. Many browsers suggest that you assign them to the primary app when you first start, and if you miss this step or the system doesn't respond, you'll have to manually change the settings through the settings menu, and it's also important to check for updates for Android itself.

Make sure that the new browser has all the necessary permissions. Sometimes, not having access to the network or storage can block it as the main tool. Check these settings in the application management section.

Instructions: how to change the browser in the settings MIUI and HyperOS

Xiaomi’s shell interface can confuse the inexperienced user with its abundance of items. To change the default browser, open the main smartphone settings menu. Find a section that may be called “Apps” or “All Apps.” In some firmware versions, this item is listed in a separate “Apps and Notifications” menu.

Inside the section, find the App Management tab, which stores the complete list of all the software installed, not the list of all the programs, but the default settings. At the top of the screen or in the three-dot menu (depending on the version of MIUI), select Default Apps.

In the list that opens, find the Browser category. Click on it. The system will offer a list of all browsers installed. Choose the option you want, such as Chrome or Opera, and then all links will open in the selected application.

Alternative path through the "Default" menu

There is a faster way to get to the right settings bypassing the deep menu levels. In modern versions of HyperOS and current MIUI 13/14, search is very efficient. Click on the magnifier icon at the top of the settings screen and type in the "browser" request.

The system will give you several options. Choose the one that leads to the default application management. Often this is an item called "Browser" in the search results section.

This is especially useful if you have updated your firmware and your menu items have moved, and if you search for settings, you ignore the changes in the interface structure, and you find the desired parameter directly.

If the search fails, try the command in the hidden test menu, but it requires caution. For the average user, a standard search by settings is enough.

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Use Google Assistant or XiaoAI voice search by saying “Open browser default settings” to save time navigating the menu.

Changing the search engine inside the browser

Users often confuse the default browser with the default search engine. The first is which application will open when you click on the link; the second is which engine will handle your requests in the address bar. These settings are independent of each other.

To change the search engine, you need to go to the settings of the browser itself. Usually it is three dots in the corner of the screen → Settings → Search engine. Here you can choose Google, Yandex, Bing, DuckDuckGo or add your URL to search.

This is important for those who prefer certain search algorithms or want to anonymize their queries.Switching search engine does not require superuser rights and works instantly.

Troubleshooting: If the settings are not saved

Sometimes, after selecting a new browser, the system resets the choice to Mi Browser again after a while, this may be due to aggressive battery optimization or an error in the cache of system services, in which case you need to reset the default settings.

To do this, go to Settings → Apps → Application Management. Find the current default browser (or the one you have right now) in the list. Click on it and select Default → Clear Default Settings.

After this operation, the next time you click on a link, the system will ask you again than to open the link, select the desired browser and click "Always." This action will force you to overwrite the priority.

⚠️ Note: If the reset doesn’t work, check if Xiaomi’s security settings include “Secure Browser” or a similar one that can force the use of a system application to protect against phishing.

Another reason could be access rights: Make sure the new browser has permission to run in the background, and if the system kills the browser process to save power, it won’t be able to intercept links correctly.

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Forced resetting default settings for the current application is the most effective way to shake up the system and make it offer a choice anew.

Features of working with Android WebView

An important component of the Android ecosystem is the Android System WebView, a system component that allows applications to display web content without running a full browser, and many applications use it to open internal pages.

In some cases, it is the update of this component through Google Play that can reset your browser settings. If after updating the system you notice strange link behavior, check the version of WebView.

For most users, the best option is to use the current version of the component, but if you experience constant glitches, you can try rolling back the version or manually updating it.

Do not remove or disable system WebView, as this can lead to unstable operation of many applications associated with web content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

⚠️ Note: Do not install browsers from unknown sources (APK-forum files, if you don't trust the developer, this can lead to passwords and bank data leakage.