How to set up the default browser on Xiaomi smartphone: all ways

Are you tired of having links to your Xiaomi automatically open in the standard Mi Browser browser, even though you prefer Chrome, Firefox or Edge? This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones on MIUI - the brand shell often ignores Android default settings. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to change the default browser to Redmi, POCO or any other Xiaomi device, including bypassing the system restrictions.

Feature MIUI And the problem is that even after you have an alternative browser, you can still open links to Mi Browser, because of the aggressive integration of the branded services, and we're going to show you not only the standard method through your Android settings, but also the hidden settings. MIUI, which allow you to completely disable forced use of the built-in browser. MIUI 12, 13 and 14 based on Android 10–14.

Why Xiaomi ignores the default browser choice?

The problem lies in the MIUI architecture. Unlike “pure” Android, where the default application selection works uniquely, Xiaomi introduces additional layers of control:

• 🔄 Dual system of defaults: MIUI It has its own “preferences” database over Android, which can override standard settings.
• 🛡️ Protecting branded services: Mi Browser is closely integrated with Xiaomi cloud, synchronization and push notifications.
• 📦 Pre-set limitations: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro), the browser is blocked by default at the firmware level.

Also, after the updates, MIUI often resets user defaults, which is not a bug, but a feature of Xiaomi's policy to promote its own services, but you can get around these restrictions - more on that.

Method 1: Standard settings through the Android menu

Let’s start with the classic method that works on most devices. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management and follow the steps:

1. Scroll through the list to the Default Apps section** (on some versions of MIUI it is hidden – see the next method).
2. Click Browser** and select the desired app from the list (e.g. Chrome).
3. Confirm the choice with the “Install” button**.

If the default app is not on the menu, then your MIUI version is using an alternative path.

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → All parameters. → Special facilities → Default applications.
• 🔄 If there is no option, try to open any link (for example, in Telegram), and the system will prompt you to choose a browser.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Close all open tabs in Mi Browser

Turn off data sync in Mi Browser (Settings → Synchronization)

Restart your phone before changing your settings-->

Important: On some models (e.g. POCO X3 Pro), a default browser notification may appear, “Mi Browser will still be used for some links”**, which means that the system reserves the right to open certain types of links (e.g., from push notifications) in the proprietary browser.

Method 2: Reset applications by default (if the selection is blocked)

If you see a message that says, “You can’t change your default settings”** when you try to change your browser, MIUI has blocked this option, in which case resetting all defaults will help:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Threefold (⋮) → Reset application settings.
2. Confirm the action. This will reset all default settings (not just the browser).
3. After rebooting, repeat the steps from Method 1.

This method works on MIUI 12-14, but has a side effect: you have to reconfigure the default apps for calls, SMS and other actions, but it is guaranteed to unlock the browser selection.

Method 3: Disable Mi Browser through the application settings

The Radical method for those who are ready to completely abandon the branded browser. disabling Mi Browser will force the system to use the alternative browser by default:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser.
2. Click “Disable” (on some versions of MIUI, this button is hidden – first click “Delete Updates”).
3. Confirm the shutdown. The system will warn you that it may affect other functions -- ignore the warning.

Warning: Disabling Mi Browser may disrupt the operation of:

• 🔔 Xiaomi push notifications (some links only open through Mi Browser).
• 🔗 Links from system applications (such as Themes or the Cloud).
• 🛠️ Quick Commands** features in Google Assistant (if integrated with Mi Browser).

💡

If some links stop opening after disabling Mi Browser, install Via Browser or Bromite browser – they are best compatible with MIUI.

Method 4: Using ADB to force a browser change (for advanced ones)

If all previous methods fail, the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) remains, which requires connecting the phone to the computer, but is guaranteed to change the default browser even on blocked firmware.

Instructions:

1. Enable “USB Debugging”** in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm resolve-activity -n com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main | awk '{print $2}' | xargs adb shell pm set-default (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package, for example, org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox).
3. Reset the device.

To check the current browser by default, use the command:

adb shell dumpsys package | grep "home:"

If the output contains com.miui.browser, then Mi Browser is still active.

💡

ADB-This method is the only way to bypass the lock on the firmware with the forced use of Mi Browser (for example, on some Redmi for the Chinese market).

Compatibility table with MIUI versions

Please note: MIUI 14 for global firmware (Global) ROM) The standard method often doesn't work because of Xiaomi's policy. ADB or shutting down the Mi Browser.

Solving problems after changing the browser

Even after successfully changing your default browser, you may encounter problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🔄 Links from some apps still open in Mi Browser Reason: The app (like Facebook or Twitter) has its own default settings. Solution: Go to the settings of this app and reset defaults for it separately.
• ⚠️ There is an error "No application to handle this action" Reason: The alternative browser is not registered in the system as a link handler. Solution: reinstall the browser or clear its cache (Settings) → Annexes → [browser] → Clear the cache).
• 📱 After updating MIUI Resetting the settings Reset Reason: Update overwrote system settings Solution: Repeat default browser settings or use ADB fixative.

💡

If after changing the browser, bookmarks from Mi Browser are missing, export them in advance: open Mi Browser, go to Bookmarks → Management → Export and save the file to the cloud or memory card.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models for the Chinese market (China) ROM) Changing the default browser may result in blocking system updates, due to Xiaomi's policy of linking critical features to branded services. ROM, Before changing settings, create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a browser on Xiaomi