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

You installed a new browser on your Xiaomi Redmi, POCO or Mi, but the system persistently opens links in the standard Mi Browser? This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones with MIUI firmware. The fact is that the manufacturer imposes its own software, and Android restricts freedom of choice due to security policy. But there is a way out!

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the default browser to Xiaomi – from standard settings to workarounds for stubborn versions of MIUI 12/13/14. You will learn why some methods stop working after updates, how to return browser selection when opening links from messengers, and what to do if the desired browser does not appear at all in the list of available applications.

Special attention will be paid to hidden MIUI settings that allow you to bypass Google’s restrictions on choosing the default browser in new versions of Android, these techniques work even where standard methods are powerless, for example, when opening links from WhatsApp, Telegram or Vkontakte.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the browser change by default?

Xiaomi's browser-based manufacturer has a reason to limit the ability to choose a browser, and these are the main reasons for this behavior:

• 🔒 Politics MIUI: The firmware is actively promoting its own services, including Mi Browser, which is integrated with the Xiaomi ecosystem (synchronization of bookmarks, quick access to the company's services).
• 🛡️ Security: By default, Mi Browser has access to secure system API, Reduces the risks of opening unsafe links.
• 📊 Analytics: The standard browser collects data about user behavior, which helps Xiaomi improve its products (and show targeted ads).
• 🤝 Agreements with Google: In new versions of Android (starting with Android 10), Google has tightened the rules for choosing the default browser, which also affected the development of the browser. MIUI.

In addition, MIUI 12.5+ has a Quick Links feature that automatically redirects some URLs to Mi Browser even if you choose a different browser, designed to speed up the loading of frequently visited pages, but often interferes with users.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with global firmware (Global) ROM), Some browser change methods may not work due to additional restrictions imposed by Google Mobile Services (GMS).

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

This is the most obvious method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 11-14, but in the latest firmware versions it can be hidden or limited.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on Browser.
4. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Google Chrome, Firefox or Edge).

If your browser is not listed, make sure that:

• 📥 The app is installed from Google Play (not available) APK).
• 🔄 You have updated your browser to the latest version.
• 🔧 In the browser settings, the option “Open supported links” is enabled».

Install the browser from the official store|Open the browser at least once.|Allow all requests for access to files and media|Check for updates in the Play Market-->

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), the default App item may be directly in Settings → Applications without additional submenu.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI default browser settings may be reset. To avoid this, prior to updating, record browser selection via Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Backup.

Method 2: Setup link opening for specific applications

Even if you choose the default browser, some apps (like Telegram or Instagram) can ignore this choice and open links in Mi Browser. To fix this, you need to configure each messenger separately.

Example for Telegram:

1. Open Telegram and go to Settings → Data and memory.
2. Find the Open Links option and select an External Browser.
3. In the list of browsers, specify the desired one (for example, Chrome).

For other applications, the path may be different:

If the app doesn’t have an explicit browser selection option, try the following trick:

1. Long click on the link in the app.
2. In the context menu, select Open in the browser.
3. The system will offer to select a browser and tick Always.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on the Xiaomi Mi 11 with MIUI 13), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a connection to a computer, but is guaranteed to work even on locked firmware.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

ADB Tools

Win + R

cmd

cd C:\platform-tools

adb devices

(The name of your device should be displayed).

adb shell pm list packages | grep browser

Examples of packet names:

• Google Chrome: com.android.chrome
• Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• Microsoft Edge: com.microsoft.emmx
• Install the browser by default: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome (replace com.android.chrome in your browser name).

This method is especially useful for enterprise firmware devices (e.g. Xiaomi for Business), where many settings are blocked by the administrator.

If the option Additional browser settings does not appear, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone after activation of the Assistant MIUI.
• 📱 Install the latest version of Mi Security from the Mi App Store.
• 🔧 Enable in the Developer Settings option Background optimization for the browser.