Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the imposition of branded applications, in particular, the Mi Browser browser. This software, preinstalled in the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS, has its own features that may not suit advanced users. For example, it can block the installation of extensions or aggressively clean the background processes. Fortunately, the Android system allows you to easily change these settings and assign your favorite application to the main one.
Changing the default browser is not just a matter of user-friendliness, but also an important step to ensure data security and privacy. When you click on a link in a messenger or open a document, the system needs to know which rendering engine to use. In this article, we will detail all the nuances of the configuration, including hidden parameters and methods for solving problems when the system refuses to remember choices.
The process may vary slightly depending on the operating system version and regional firmware. We will look at the current algorithms for the latest updates from Xiaomi. You do not need root rights or connection to the computer, all manipulations are performed directly on the device.
Why you should consider changing the standard browser
The standard Mi Browser is often criticized for over-advertising in the news feed and consuming resources. In contrast, specialized solutions like Chrome, Firefox or Brave offer more flexible privacy settings, and switching to an alternative application allows for powerful ad blockers and scripts, which significantly speeds up page loading.
In addition, many users prefer synchronizing history and passwords through the Google or Apple ecosystem, rather than through the Mi Account. If you use the desktop version of the browser on your computer, it is logical to assign it to the main one on your smartphone, which ensures the unity of the digital space and simplifies the work with tabs.
⚠️ Note: When installing third-party browsers from unknown sources, the system may issue security alerts. Make sure you only download apps from the official Google Play Store or trusted resources like F-Droid.
Another important aspect is the support of modern web standards. Third-party developers often implement new features faster than the standard software does. This is especially true for web developers and those who use complex web services. The design of a modern engine by default guarantees the correct display of sites.
Preparing the device for changing system settings
Before you make changes to system settings, you need to make sure that the alternative application is already installed and ready to go. APK-The file is not enough; you need to make an initial setup inside the application itself. Launch a new browser, accept the user agreement and, if necessary, perform a primary login to the akka-unt.
It’s also worth checking for updates to MIUI or HyperOS shells. In older versions of firmware, the settings menu might have been placed differently, and new energy-saving algorithms can aggressively unload a new browser from memory.
It is recommended to clear the cache of the old browser in advance if you plan to completely abandon it.This will free up space in memory and prevent conflicts when choosing applications for opening links. ADB-No teams are needed, as this can lead to unstable operation of the system.
☑️ Preparation for the browser change
The browser assignment algorithm through Android settings
The most reliable and standard way to change a priority app is to use the system menu. The path to it can vary, but the logic remains the same throughout the Android ecosystem.
In the list that opens, look for the Apps section. Some firmware versions may call it All Apps or Application Management. Inside this section, we're interested in Settings (usually located at the top right or bottom of the list) where system preferences are hidden.
Next, select the default App option. Here you will see a list of the types of actions for which you can assign a specific software. Find the Browser and click on it. You will see a list of all installed browsers. Choose the one you want, such as Chrome or Yandex.
| Parameter | Description of action | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Settings menu | Main entrance to the configuration | Wheels in a curtain or on a desktop |
| Section of annexes | Installed software management | Settings → Applications |
| System settings | Global preferences | Inside the App menu (three dots or button) |
| Choosing a browser | Assigning priority | Default applications → browser |
Once selected, the system will automatically remember your preference, and all links from other programs will open in the selected application, and if this did not happen, the reset mechanism or version conflict may have worked.
💡
If the list “Default Apps” does not have the “Browser” item, try to enter the phrase “default” in the search for settings – this will immediately open the desired menu.
Setup through a pop-up window when opening a link
There is a faster, but less reliable method that often works when you first launch a link after resetting your settings or installing a new app. URL-To the address from the messenger or mail, the system can show a dialog box with the question: "Than open the door?».
This window will show you a list of suitable applications. Choose your preferred browser. It is critical not just to click on the icon, but to pre-select the option "Always" (or "Default"). If you click "Only now", the system will ask you every next transition.
Sometimes users miss this moment and the system remembers the wrong choice or remains in question mode, in which case you need to reset the default settings for the current browser to call this menu again, and we will talk about this in more detail in the next sections.
⚠️ Note: If the choice dialog box doesn't appear, check if another browser is already assigned. Android doesn't show the choice if the priority is already rigidly set in the settings.
This is convenient because it's contextual, and it allows you to quickly check the new browser without going through the deep settings menu, but to be sure, it's better to combine it with manual system checks.
Problem Solving: If the settings are not saved
Xiaomi owners may find themselves in a situation where the system stubbornly returns the Mi Browser as its primary, ignoring user choice, often due to aggressive memory optimization or regional firmware features (especially the Chinese versions of the CN ROM), which require manual preference resets.
Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Find the default browser in the list (like the Mi Browser) and go to it and find the Open default button or Start default. Press Remove default settings.
Then repeat the procedure for assigning the desired browser. If the problem persists, try turning off notifications and auto-start for the old browser to “forget” its existence.
Hidden ADB commands for advanced users
In rare cases, the problem lies in a specific shell update. If nothing helps, wait for a security patch or consider installing a global firmware version where third-party policies are less stringent.
Comparison of popular browsers for Android
Choosing an alternative is a matter of taste, but it’s important to understand the differences in rendering engines. Most Android browsers are based on Chromium (like Chrome, Opera, Edge, Yandex), which provides high compatibility with sites. Firefox uses its own Gecko engine, which gives advantages in privacy, but can slightly differ in the display of some elements.
For devices with a small amount of RAM (budget models Redmi) it is better to choose lighter versions such as Via Browser or Opera Mini. They consume less CPU resources and do not overload MIUI. flagship models Xiaomi easily pull heavy Chrome or Edge with many tabs.
- 🚀 Google Chrome: Perfect PC sync, best page translator, but high consumption RAM.
- 🦊 Mozilla Firefox: Support for extensions (uBlock Origin), strict privacy, its own engine.
- ⚡ Brave: Built-in ad blocking and trackers out of the box, high download speed.
- 🛡️ DuckDuckGo: Maximum anonymity, automatic data deletion, but fewer features for comfortable surfing.
It's also important to consider the ecosystem. If you're using Windows, Edge or Chrome will be the most logical. For macOS users, Safari (if it were on Android) or Firefox with synchronization would be a great choice. On Xiaomi devices, it does well with Yandex Browser thanks to its turbo mode to save traffic.
💡
The best browser is the one you have set up for yourself, and don't be afraid to experiment with different engines to find a balance between speed and functionality.