Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer flexible settings, but many users face a problem: the system automatically assigns standard apps to open links, photos or messages. For example, instead of Google Chrome, Mi Browser opens, and instead of Google Photos, the standard Gallery. This not only limits functionality, but can affect the performance of the device.
In this article, we will discuss all the ways to change the default programs on Xiaomi, including hidden settings. MIUI 14/15, Bypassing system constraints and solving common errors, you will learn how to assign preferred browser applications, SMS, Calls, multimedia, and even opening specific files (PDF, APK). Instructions are relevant for Redmi Note models 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 13/14 and other Android-based devices 12-14.
Why does Xiaomi automatically change its apps?
The MIUI shell aggressively promotes its own services, part of Xiaomi’s business model, and can reset default settings after:
- 🔄 Updates MIUI (minor)
- 📱 Resetting to factory settings
- 🔧 Cleaning the cache of system applications (for example, Settings or Security)
- 🛠️ Installation of new applications (the system proposes to change the standard software)
MIUI 14+ also features a Defult App Protection mechanism that blocks changes to certain file types (for example, APKs are always opened through Mi File Manager), which is done for security reasons but often interferes with users.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI global-market (EEA) Some settings may be blocked due to European Union requirements, for example, it is impossible to completely disable Mi Browser without the need to ADB-team.
Method 1: Change standard apps through Android settings
The most obvious method is to use the built-in Android menu, which works for most file types and actions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
- In the list, select a category (for example, Browser, SMS, Phone).
- Click on the current default app and select an alternative from the list.
This method is suitable for:
- 🌐 Browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
- 📧 Postal Client (Gmail, Yandex Mail)
- 📞 Calling apps (Google Phone, Truecaller)
- 💬 SMS-Messages (Messages, Textra)
☑️ Verification of success of changes
If the application you want isn’t on the list, make sure it:
- ✅ Installed on the device
- ✅ Not disabled in settings (Settings) → Annexes → [Name of the annex] → Turn on)
- ✅ Supports this type of file/action (e.g, VLC can't be SMS-messenger)
Method 2: Configure with Open with (for files)
For multimedia files (photos, videos, music) and documents (PDF, DOCX), it is more convenient to use the context menu:
- Find the file in Explorer (Mi File Manager or Google Files).
- Slip the file and hold your finger, then select Open with help.
- In the list of applications, click Always next to the desired option.
For APK-This method may not work due to Default App Protection:
How to get around the APK limit
| File type | Standard MIUI application | Recommended alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Photo (JPG/PNG) | gallery | Google Photos, Simple Gallery |
| Video (MP4/MKV) | Video player | VLC, MX Player |
| Mi PDF Viewer | Adobe Acrobat, Foxit PDF | |
| APK | Mi File Manager | Package Installer (systemic) |
⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi resets again after changing the default application, check the activity of the Mi optimization function in Settings → Special facilities → Mi optimization. Turn it off temporarily.
Method 3: Using ADB to Forced Shift (Advanced)
If the standard methods do not work (for example, for APK or URL-References can be used ADB-It requires a computer connection, but it gives you complete control.
Instructions:
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices (your device should appear)
- To change the browser by default: adb shell cmd role add-package com.android.chrome android.role.BROWSER (replace com.android.chrome with the desired browser package)
- To reset all default settings: adb shell cmd role remove-role-holder android.role.role.BROWSER
List of popular application packages:
- 🌐 Google Chrome: com.android.chrome
- 📁 Google Files: com.google.android.apps.nbu.files
- 📧 Gmail: com.google.android.gm
- 💬 Messages: com.google.android.apps.messaging
💡
Before using ADB, back up your settings via Settings → Google → Backup. This will allow you to quickly restore configuration if you make errors.
Method 4: Configure through third-party apps (without root)
If you don’t want to use ADB, you can use the utilities from Google Play:
- Default App Manager (link): Shows all categories by default Allows you to reset settings for specific types Works without root, but requires Usage Access permission
SetEdit
Android 11+
- Can force applications for rare formats (e.g. M3U playlists)
- Has a database of packages of popular applications
⚠️ Note: Applications like SetEdit can cause conflicts with MIUI Optimization. If you have lags after the changes, restart the device in Safe Mode (press the power button). → Safe Mode) and return settings.
Typical problem solving
Even after setting up correctly, Xiaomi users are faced with bugs, and here are the most common solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Settings are reset after rebooting | Active Mi Optimization or Battery → Background Limitation | Turn off optimization for system applications in Settings → Battery → Application Selection |
| You can not change the application for APK | Default App Protection in MIUI 14+ | Use an ADB or a third-party file manager (see Method 2) |
| The default browser does not change | Conflict with Mi Browser (app blocked) | Disable Mi Browser in Settings → Applications → Control → Disable |
| Google Assistant doesn’t work as a voice assistant | In MIUI, XiaoAI is used by default. | Install Google App, then Settings → Google → Settings for Google Apps → Search, Assistant and Voice Choose Google Assistant |
If the problem persists, check:
- 📱 Version MIUI: In Settings → Some bugs only get fixed after the update.
- 🔧 Developer Settings: Disable Background Process Limits.
- 🛠️ System Application Cache: Clear the Cache for Settings and Security.
💡
If none of these methods worked, try resetting your applications to factory settings: Settings → Apps → Resetting your application settings. This won't delete the data, but it will return all default permissions.