How to set up the main browser on the Xiaomi smartphone: from selection to optimization

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer users the flexibility to work with browsers, from the standard Mi Browser to popular alternatives like Google Chrome or Firefox. However, many face challenges: the browser spontaneously resets settings, opens the wrong links or works slowly. In this article, we will discuss how to assign a master browser to Xiaomi, optimize its performance and protect personal data.

Feature MIUI — It's a built-in application prioritization system that can ignore your preferences, for example, even after you install Chrome, links from messengers can open in Mi Browser, and we'll show you how to fix that at system, application, and even through the system. ADB-And also, compare the pros and cons of each browser for Xiaomi devices (from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

Why Xiaomi does not save the default browser choice

The reset browser problem is typical of MIUI since version 12, and it is due to three key factors:

• 🔄 Automatic optimization MIUI: The system periodically resets the application cache, which can affect default settings, especially after security updates.
• 📦 Packet conflict: if multiple browsers are installed on the device (e.g. Chrome, Edge, and Mi Browser), MIUI They can arbitrarily choose between them.
• 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: on some models (for example, Redmi for the Chinese market), the browser is by default rigidly tied to the Mi Browser due to agreements with partners.

Another nuance is Xiaomi cloud sync. If you are logged in to your Mi Account on multiple devices, your browser settings can sync with another smartphone that has a different browser installed by default. To avoid this, check your sync settings in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Sync.

Comparison of browsers for Xiaomi: which to choose the main

The choice of browser depends on your priorities: speed, privacy or integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem.

On devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro), the speed difference between browsers is minimal, but on budget models (for example, Redmi 12C with Helio G85), the Mi Browser can work more stable due to deep optimization under MIUI.

If you care about privacy, look for Firefox Focus or Brave, which block trackers by default, but for full integration with Xiaomi services (for example, quick access to Mi Cloud or Mi Video), you should leave Mi Browser.

Step-by-step: how to assign a browser by default

To secure your browser as your primary browser, follow the following steps. Note: on some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global for Europe), the path may be.

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 the Browser item and select the desired application from the list.
4. Confirm your choice by pressing OK.

If after these actions the browser is still reset, try additional measures:

Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Browser → Storage

Disable battery optimization for the browser in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization

Remove updates for Mi Browser (if you use another browser)

Reboot the device after changing the browser by default-->

MIUI 14+ firmware has a hidden setting that can block the browser change to turn it off:

adb shell settings put global default_browser_package com.android.chrome

Replace com.android.chrome with your browser ID (e.g. org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox).

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If you often open links from Telegram or WhatsApp, check the settings of these applications - they may have a separate setting "Open links in..."

Optimizing your browser to save battery and traffic

Browsers are some of the most voracious apps on Xiaomi, especially if you use the mobile Internet. Here's how to reduce their appetite:

• 🔋 Limit background activity: in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization Select Browser Mode Restricted.
• 🌐 Turn on traffic compression: in Chrome, this is Settings → Lite mode, in Mi Browser - Settings → Saving traffic.
• 🗑️ Clean the cache automatically: in Settings → Warehouse → Clean up add your browser to the automatic cleanup list.
• 🛡️ Turn off autoplay video: in Firefox, this is Settings → Confidentiality → Auto-reproduction.

On devices with AMOLED-In the Mi Browser, you can use a dark theme in your browser to reduce battery consumption by 10-15%. In the Mi Browser, dark mode is activated automatically when you turn on the system dark theme.

For MIUI 15 users, the Mi Browser's experimental Smart Web Optimization feature is available, which speeds up loads by 20 to 30 percent, but can break some sites' layout to disable it:

1. Open Mi Browser.
2. Go to Settings. → Laboratory.
3. Turn off the Smart Optimization switch.

Synchronization and security settings

If you use multiple Xiaomi devices (like a smartphone and a Xiaomi Pad 6 tablet), setting up your browser sync will save you time. In Mi Browser, this works through Mi Account:

1. Open your browser and tap on the profile avatar.
2. Select Sign in to Mi Account and log in.
3. Activate the synchronization of Bookmarks, History and Passwords.

For Google Chrome or Firefox, sync is configured through their own accounts. Importantly, if you use Mi Browser and Chrome at the same time, the passwords from Mi Browser don't sync with Google Smart Lock - they'll have to be manually transferred through export/import.

To protect the data in the browser:

• 🔐 Set up password lock: in Chrome, this is done through Settings → Confidentiality → Blocking of the application (required) PIN print).
• 🚫 Turn off password saving in Mi Browser if you use a password manager (e.g. Bitwarden).
• 🛡️ Include phishing warnings: in Settings → Security activate secure browsing.

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Sync via Mi Account only works between Xiaomi devices. For cross-platform sync (like PC), use Chrome or Firefox.

On MIUI firmware for China, the Mi Browser defaults to Quick Access to Xiaomi Services, which sends your search queries to the company's servers to disable it:

1. Open Mi Browser.
2. Go to Settings. → Confidentiality.
3. Disable Personalized Recommendations and Submit Usage Data.

Solving browser problems on Xiaomi

If the browser on Xiaomi is unstable (flys out, does not load pages or opens them in another browser), use these tips:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13 and below after resetting to factory browser default always resets to Mi Browser, even if you have removed its updates.

After the update MIUI The browser has stopped opening certain websites (for example, VK Telegram Web, the problem may be built-in DNS-To turn it off:

adb shell settings put global private_dns_mode off

On some models (e.g. POCO F5), after manually updating the browser through the APK, the icon may disappear from the home screen.

1. Hold your finger in the free seat of the main screen.
2. Select Widgets → Application shortcuts.
3. Find the browser in the list and drag it to the screen.

Alternative ways to manage the browser

If standard methods don’t help, consider advanced options:

• 🔧 Using Tasker: Automate the default browser change depending on the time of day or connected Wi-Fi network.
• 📱 Install custom firmware: Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS is not tied to Mi Browser.
• 🔗 Interceptor Apps: Intent Intercept or Better Open With allow you to select a browser for each link separately.
• 🖥️ Editing system files: you can delete Mi Browser completely through Magisk (requires root rights).

For users who often work with multiple browsers, it is convenient to use Island (sandbox for the Internet). MIUI). This application allows you to create an isolated profile where you can assign another browser by default without conflicts with the main system.

If you decide to remove Mi Browser via ADB, consider:

⚠️ Note: Removal of the system browser can lead to errors in the work MIUI, Especially on firmware in China, for example, you will stop opening links from system notifications or the Mi Home app.

For safe removal, use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

This command does not remove the browser completely, but only hides it for the current user.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a browser on Xiaomi