How to assign the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi: all ways for MIUI

Changing the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge that many users face after buying a device. The manufacturer installs as a standard application for browsing the web, the proprietary Mi Browser browser, which is not always suitable for owners due to limited functionality, advertising or interface features. Meanwhile, alternative solutions like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera often offer better performance, synchronization with other devices and advanced features.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to assign a default browser to Xiaomi Redmi running MIUI 12, 13 or 14, including nuances for different versions of the firmware. You will learn how to change the standard application through the system settings, what to do if the desired browser does not appear in the list, and how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI with additional tools.

Why Xiaomi Redmi can’t just change the default browser?

Many Xiaomi users find that after installing an alternative browser (such as Chrome or Firefox), the system continues to open links in the standard Mi Browser, due to the features of the MIUI shell, which aggressively promotes branded services.

• 🔄 Linking to system applications: MIUI It defaults to Mi Browser to handle all web links, even if you've installed a different browser.
• 📱 Android Limitations: Starting with Android 10, Google has tightened the default app assignment rules, but Xiaomi has added its restrictions from the top.
• 🔧 Hidden settings: In some versions MIUI the default browser change option is hidden in the depth of the menu or is not at all in the standard interface.
• 📦 Pre-installed services: Mi Browser is integrated into Xiaomi’s ecosystem and used to synchronize bookmarks, history and other data through your Mi Account.

It is important to understand that the problem is not Android itself, but customization from Xiaomi. For example, on a “pure” Android (for example, on Google Pixel), it takes 2 clicks to change the browser by default, whereas on Redmi it can take up to 5-7 steps or even third-party utilities.

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in system settings. It works on most Xiaomi Redmi devices with MIUI 12-14, but may vary depending on the firmware version.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
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 that appears, select the browser you want (e.g. Chrome or Firefox).
6. Confirm the choice by clicking Ready or Install by default.

If your browser is not listed, make sure that:

• 📥 The application is installed and updated to the latest version.
• 🔄 You rebooted your smartphone after installing your browser.
• 🛠️ In the browser settings, the option to Open supported links is enabled (usually located in the Settings section of the application). → Opening default links).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi Redmi devices with MIUI 13/14 The default application may not be in the Application Management menu, in which case try an alternative path: Settings → Memory. → Default applications.

Method 2: Assigning a browser through application settings

If the standard method didn’t work, try changing the settings directly in the browser you want to make the primary one, which is especially relevant for Google Chrome and Firefox, which have built-in default destination tools.

For Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and tap three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select Settings → The application by default.
3. Click Open Supported Links and turn on the switch.
4. Go back and tap the default (if the option is active).

For Mozilla Firefox:

1. Launch Firefox and go to Settings (three points → Settings).
2. Select Make Firefox the default browser.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (the system will redirect you to Android settings).

If after these actions links still open in Mi Browser, try to clear the cache and data of the standard browser:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Browser and select it.
3. Slip Warehouse → Clear the cache and Clear the data.
4. Reset the device.

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If, after changing your browser, links from some apps (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) still open in Mi Browser, check the settings of these apps. Most messengers have the option “Open links in the default browser”, which you need to enable manually.

Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and executing commands through the terminal, but is guaranteed to work on even the most stubborn versions of MIUI.

First, prepare everything you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB (You can download it through Android Studio or separately).
• 📱 Enable Developer Mode on Smartphone: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times tap on the item Version MIUI.
• 🔌 Turn on Debugging. USB In the Settings section → Additionally. → For developers.
• 🔗 Connect Redmi to your computer via USB-cable (use the original cable for a stable connection).

Now run the following commands in the terminal (command line):

adb devices

(Checks device connectivity. If the list is empty, make sure that USB debugging is on and drivers are installed.)

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

(Clears the settings of the standard browser.)

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

(For another browser, replace com.android.chrome with its package, such as org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox.)

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "http://example.com"

(It checks if the link is opened in the new browser.)

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not change settings unless you are sure of their purpose, for example, the pm clear command deletes all application data, including bookmarks and history.

Table: Browser comparison for Xiaomi Redmi

Before you assign a default browser, it is worth comparing the main alternatives to the standard Mi Browser. Below is a table with the key characteristics of popular solutions:

Important: On Xiaomi Redmi devices with Snapdragon processors, Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Opera, Brave) work faster than on models with MediaTek chips due to driver optimization.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When trying to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🔍 The browser does not appear in the Default Apps list: Make sure the application supports web link processing. For example, some lightweight browser versions (e.g. Chrome Lite) may not have this feature. Also check if browser permissions are disabled in the security settings.
• 🔄 After resetting, the settings are reset: This is typical for MIUI 13/14 with active function Optimize memory. Turn it off in Settings → Battery and productivity → Optimize memory or add browser in exceptions.
• 📱 Links from some apps open in Mi Browser: Some programs (like Facebook or Instagram) have their own settings for link processing. Check the settings of these apps or use the Open in the browser feature in their menu.
• 🔒 System requires unlocking bootloader: On some Xiaomi firmware, the default browser change can be blocked before unlocking the bootloader. MIUI. In this case, you will either have to accept Mi Browser, or install global firmware.

If none of these methods helped, try resetting the app settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.

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On Xiaomi Redmi devices with Chinese firmware (CN ROM), the default browser change is often blocked at the system level. The only way out is to flash the global version of MIUI or use ADB.

Additional tips for optimizing the browser

After successfully changing your browser by default, it is recommended to configure it for maximum performance and convenience. Here are some useful tips:

• ⚡ Enable Page Acceleration: In Chrome, activate Traffic Savings (Settings) → Save traffic, and Opera has Turbo mode, which will speed up the loading of pages on the slow Internet.
• 🛡️ Set up ad blocking: In Firefox, install the uBlock Origin extension, and in Brave, activate the built-in blocker (Settings) → Brave Shields).
• 🔄 Sync data: If you use a browser on multiple devices, enable sync via your account (Google, Firefox or Opera) and this will save bookmarks, history and passwords.
• 📱 Optimize battery consumption: In the browser settings, turn off background activity (Settings) → System system → Battery → Optimize your battery and limit your use of mobile data in the background.

For users of Xiaomi Redmi with limited memory, you should pay attention to the “lightweight” versions of browsers:

• Chrome Lite (does not support the default shift, but takes only ~10 MB).
• Opera Mini (optimized for slow networks)
• Firefox Focus (without history and bookmarks, but with enhanced privacy)

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions