How to find and change the default browser on a Xiaomi phone: a detailed guide

On Xiaomi smartphones, the browser defaults to determine which app will open web links from messengers, mail or other services. If you accidentally installed the wrong browser or the system automatically assigned an uncomfortable application (for example, Mi Browser instead of Chrome), this can create discomfort with daily use. Unlike Android in its pure form, the MIUI shell hides some settings, which makes it difficult to find the desired partition.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to find and change the default browser on Xiaomi in 2026, including hidden methods for older versions of MIUI (12-14) and new chips in MIUI 15. Instructions will be suitable for all models, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14 and POCO F6. You will also learn how to reset your browser settings if the system “forgot” your choice, and what to do if the desired application is not displayed in the list.

Why it’s important to set up your default browser on Xiaomi

Many users do not pay attention to the default browser until they encounter problems:

• 🔗 Links from Telegram, WhatsApp or Gmail open in an uncomfortable browser (for example, in the standard Mi Browser instead of Chrome or Firefox).
• 📱 Apps like YouTube or Twitter are redirected to the web instead of a mobile client.
• 🛡️ The built-in Mi Browser can block some websites or display ads even if you don’t want to.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI settings are reset and the system reassigns the standard browser.

On Xiaomi, the problem is complicated by the fact that the MIUI shell actively promotes its own Mi Browser, even if you do not use it. For example, after resetting the settings or installing a new application (say, Brave or Opera), the system can automatically return a standard browser. This is not a bug, but a feature of the firmware, so Xiaomi tries to keep users in its ecosystem.

In addition, some models (such as the POCO X6 Pro or Redmi K70) come with Google Chrome preinstalled, but after the first MIUI update, it may “disappear” from the list of available browsers.

Method 1: Through Application Settings (MIUI 14–15)

This is the simplest and most versatile method that works on all modern Xiaomi smartphones with current versions of MIUI. Instructions are suitable for models 2022-2026:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select the Apps.
3. Tap it on Application Management.
4. At the top of the screen, select the default tab.
5. Find the Browser section and click on it.
6. From the list of available apps, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not on the list, make sure it is installed and updated to the latest version. Sometimes MIUI does not display applications that were installed from third-party sources (not from Google Play).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi 12 or POCO M6 Pro) the default section can be called the default Apps or hidden behind an additional menu. If you don't see the desired item, try method 2 or 3.

Method 2: Through the settings of a particular browser

If the system settings do not allow you to change the browser by default (for example, due to the limitations of MIUI for European firmware), you can do it in the browser itself.

1. Open the browser you want to make the primary (like Google Chrome).
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner (menu).
3. Select Settings.
4. Scroll down to the default browser section (in Chrome) or make the default browser (in Firefox).
5. Click the button and confirm the selection in the system window.

In some browsers (such as Brave or DuckDuckGo), this item may be called: Default settings or Default Apps. If you do not see such a partition, upgrade your browser to the latest version - in older versions this feature may not be available.

It is also worth considering that on Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (China ROM), this method may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case you will have to use ADB (mode 5) or install a global version of MIUI.

💡

If after changing the browser by default, links still open in Mi Browser, try clearing the cache and data of the Settings app (but be careful - this will reset some system settings!).

Method 3: Through the Open with Menu (for individual links)

If you need to temporarily open a link in another browser without changing your system settings, use the Open with Help context menu, which is convenient when you want to test a new browser or open a site that is not working properly in the current one:

1. Find the link you want to open (for example, on Telegram or WhatsApp).
2. Keep your finger on the link until the context menu appears.
3. Choose Open with (or Open with in English firmware).
4. In the list of applications, tap on the desired browser.
5. Check Always (or Just Once if you want to open only once).

This method doesn’t change the default browser globally, but it allows you to flexibly manage link opening, for example, you can open YouTube in an app and all other links in Chrome.

Note that some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi A2 or POCO C65) may not have the Open with Help option, in which case try long-clicking on the link itself (not the preview) or using method 1.

Method 4: Reset application settings (if the browser “disappears” from the list)

Sometimes, after updating MIUI or resetting your phone, the browser defaults and the desired application disappears from the list of available ones. This happens due to a failure in the Android settings, and you can reset the problem:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a password or a pattern lock).
4. After resetting, restart your phone and reset your browser by default (method 1 or 2).

This method will also help if:

• 🔄 The default browser resets after each phone restart.
• 📱 The list only shows system applications (Mi Browser, HTML Viewer).
• 🚫 When you try to change the browser, an error appears.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting app settings will return all permissions to factory values, which means you have to reconfigure access to contacts, camera and microphone for each application.

Method 5: Change the default browser via ADB (for power users)

If none of the previous methods worked (for example, on Chinese firmware or custom build MIUI), you can resort to ADB, the Android debugging tool, which requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until you become a developer!. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your computer through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).

Platform Tools

ADB

cmd

Terminal

adb devices

If the phone is connected correctly, you will see its serial number. Then run the command to assign the default browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package):

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

List of packages of popular browsers:

• 🌐 Google Chrome: com.android.chrome
• 🦊 Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• 🎭 Opera: com.opera.browser
• 🛡️ Brave: com.brave.browser

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not change the settings of other applications unless you are sure of their purpose, and this method may not work on some custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

Additional tips for working with browsers on Xiaomi

Even after successfully configuring your browser by default, you may encounter the nuances that are characteristic of MIUI. Here are some useful recommendations:

• 🔄 If the browser defaults to reset after the update MIUI, Turn off automatic update of system applications in Settings → Annexes → Updating the applications.
• 📁 To prevent Mi Browser from getting in the way, you can turn it off (but not delete it!): Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find Mi Browser and click Disable.
• 🔒 If you use Chrome, enable sync with your Google account so you don’t lose your bookmarks and passwords when you reset your settings.
• 🛠️ To speed up the browser, clear the cache every 1-2 months: Settings → Annexes → [Your browser] → Clear the cache.