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

Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones based on the MIUI shell often put users in a dilemma: how to replace the pre-installed Mi Browser browser with the usual Chrome, Firefox or Edge. Even after installing an alternative browser, links continue to open in the standard application, and attempts to change the settings through the menu do not always lead to results. The problem is complicated by the fact that MIUI aggressively blocks the change of the default browser through standard Android settings, offering instead internal solutions.

In this article, we will analyze all working methods - from the official (through the Settings menu). → Annexes) to bypasses using ADB-We'll focus on the nuances for different versions. MIUI (from 12 before 14) Redmi Note models, including Note 10/11/12 If you are faced with the fact that after clicking on a link in the messenger or mail opens the wrong browser – here you will find a solution.

Why Xiaomi Redmi Note does not allow you to change the browser by default?

The reason lies in the policy of Xiaomi and the features of the MIUI shell. Unlike the “pure” Android, where the default browser change takes 2 clicks, MIUI imposes restrictions:

• 🔄 System-based application binding: Mi Browser is integrated into the shell and is responsible for processing web links at the system level, MIUI will redirect traffic through your browser.
• 🛡️ Security restrictions: In some regions (e.g. China), Xiaomi blocks default browser change due to local content control laws.
• 📦 Manufacturing settings: On devices with firmware for the global market (Global) ROM) The restrictions are milder than on the Chinese versions (China) ROM).

It's important to understand that the problem is not with Android itself, but with Xiaomi customization, like on Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy, you can change your browser without any obstacles, but there are workarounds for the Redmi Note, too.

⚠️ If your Redmi Note is working in China ROM (Chinese firmware, some methods may not work without unlocking the bootloader and installing Global ROM. Check the firmware version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Method 1: Officially change browser through MIUI settings

Let's start with the simplest method that works on most Redmi Note devices with Global ROM, which doesn't require superuser rights or PC connectivity.

1. Open the settings on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list, 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 it helps to restart the device after installing an alternative browser.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 13/14 The browser option may not be in the default App menu, which means that Xiaomi has completely blocked the browser change at the software level – go to the following ways.

Method 2: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If the standard method doesn’t work, you’ll have to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC, but doesn’t need root permissions.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the assembly number → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi Note to the PC and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the command to change the browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package): adb shell pm set-default-browser com.android.chrome
5. Reboot your smartphone.

List of packages of popular browsers:

adb shell pm clear-default-browser

Then repeat the main command.-->

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (e.g. Default App Manager)

If ADB seems too complex, you can use specialized utilities from Google Play, one of the most reliable is Default App Manager (developer Uhrmacher).

Advantages of this method:

• 📱 It does not require a PC connection.
• 🔧 It works even on blocked versions. MIUI.
• 🔄 Allows you to reset default settings for all types of content.

Instructions:

1. Install Default App Manager from Google Play.
2. Open the application and give it the right to change the system settings (when a request appears).
3. In the list, find the Browser category or Opening Web Links.
4. Select the browser you want from the list.
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (such as Avast or Dr.Web) may block Default App Manager from working as “potentially dangerous.” This is a false positive – add the utility to the exceptions.

Method 4: Manually Assigning a Browser Through Application Settings

This method is suitable for cases where links are opened not in the browser, but in other applications (for example, Facebook or Twitter), where you need to manually specify which application should handle web links.

Algorithm of action:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find an app that opens links incorrectly (like Facebook).
3. Switch to Open by Default (or Default Settings).
4. Click Clear the default settings.
5. Return to the application and at the next opening of the link, select the desired browser, ticking Always.

This method does not change the default browser at the system level, but solves the problem for specific applications, for example, after such manipulations, links from Telegram will open in Chrome, and from WhatsApp – in Firefox.

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If, after cleaning the default settings, MIUI redirects links to Mi Browser again, this means that the shell ignores user preferences, in which case only ADB or third-party utilities will help.

Method 5: Remove or disable Mi Browser (for power users)

A radical but effective method is to completely disable (or remove) the standard browser, which will force the system to use the alternative browser by default.

• ⚠️ Without root rights, you can only disable Mi Browser, but not remove it completely.
• 🔧 On some firmware, the shutdown leads to malfunctions in work. MIUI (For example, web tabs in the notification menu stop opening).
• 📌 After disabling Mi Browser, some system functions (such as checking for updates) may not work properly.

How to turn off Mi Browser:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Browser (or Mi Browser) in the list.
3. Click Disable (the button may be gray if MIUI blocks the action).
4. Confirm the blackout.

If the button is inactive, try using it. ADB-team:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later disabling Mi Browser may make it impossible to open links from system applications (for example, from Settings or Weather).In this case, return the browser to the working state by command: adb shell pm enable com.android.browser

Problem Solving: What to do if nothing works?

If none of the methods worked, the reason may lie in:

• 🔒 Regional restrictions: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) The solution is to reflash the device on Global. ROM.
• 🛠️ Damaged system files: Try resetting to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and reset, but note that this will delete all data.
• 📡 Update errors MIUI: Sometimes, after updating the firmware, the default settings are reset. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If you are sure that the problem is in MIUI and not in the hardware, you can try:

1. Install OpenWith – a utility for forced selection of applications when opening links.
2. Use Tasker or MacroDroid to create an automatic rule for redirecting links to the desired browser.
3. Switch to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where there are no MIUI restrictions.

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On devices with an unlocked bootloader, you can use Magisk modules such as the Default Browser Switcher to flexibly configure the browser by default.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note