How to assign a default browser to Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways and nuances

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

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often face an unexpected problem: after installing Google Chrome, Firefox or Yandex Browser, the system persistently opens links in the standard MIUI Browser (formerly Mi Browser), unlike “pure” Android, where changing the browser by default takes 2 clicks, in the MIUI shell this process is complicated due to the aggressive integration of branded services.

Xiaomi blocks direct browser change by default through the standard Android menu, which is due to the company’s policy to promote its own applications (including ads in MIUI Browser) and the features of the firmware, but there are workarounds, which we will discuss in this article.

It's important to understand that the methods differ depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14), regional firmware (global, Chinese, EEA) and even the model of a smartphone. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13, the algorithm will be one, and on the Redmi 12 with MIUI 14, the other. We will cover all relevant scenarios.

Official method: configure via "Default Applications"

Despite the limitations, in some versions MIUI It's still possible to partially configure the default browser through system settings, and it works on global and global settings. EEA-Firmware (European), but can be blocked in Chinese assemblies.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser section (or Opening Web Links).
4. If the item is active, select the browser you want from the list (for example, Chrome or Firefox).

⚠️ Note: Many Redmi devices have a Browser section missing or inactive on this menu. If you have this, then go to the alternative methods below.

Alternative method: resetting application settings

If the standard method didn’t work, you can try to “reset” the default application settings, which will force the system to request browser selection again the next time you open the link.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the top corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).
4. After reset, open any web link (e.g. from Telegram or WhatsApp) and the system should prompt you to choose a browser.

⚠️ Warning: This method resets all application settings by default, not just the browser. After the procedure, you will have to reconfigure the applications to open files, calls and other actions.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Close all background applications

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi (recommended)

Make a backup copy of important bookmarks from MIUI Browser-->

For Advanced: Change through ADB (no root)

If the previous methods didn’t work, the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) option is still available, which does not require root rights, but requires a computer and minimal technical skills.

Step-by-step:

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

ADB

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

This command will reset the settings of the standard browser.

adb shell am start -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS

This will open the default app menu directly.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB It may vary depending on the version MIUI. On some firmware after performing these actions, you will need to restart the device.

Features for different versions of MIUI

MIUI firmware is constantly updated, and with each new version, the default browser logic changes. Below is a comparison table of methods for current versions:

Important: On Chinese ROM devices, the default browser change is often completely blocked at the system level, and the only way out is to reflash the phone to the global version of MIUI.

What do you do if nothing works?

If all of these methods have not yielded results, radical measures remain:

• 🔄 Installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will remove the restrictions completely. MIUI, but will require unlocking the bootloader and may deprive the warranty.
• 📱 Using alternative launchers (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) Some launchers allow you to reassign link handlers.
• 🔗 Forced opening of links in the selected browser through the settings of specific applications (for example, in Telegram you can choose which browser to open links with).
• 🛠️ Shutdown MIUI Browser through ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser Careful: This may disrupt some system functions!

⚠️ Attention: Disconnection or deletion MIUI Browser on some firmware leads to critical errors in the system, including the inability to open web links at all.

💡

If you need to temporarily open a link in another browser, use the "Open in..." function. To do this, hold your finger on the link and in the menu that appears, select "Open link in" → the desired browser.

Why Xiaomi is restricting browser change?

The main reasons are three:

1. Monetization through advertising: MIUI Browser contains built-in ad units and affiliate links that generate revenue for Xiaomi, for example, when searching through the browser address bar, sponsored results are shown.
2. Data collection: The branded browser is integrated with Xiaomi services and collects data about user behavior (as part of the company’s privacy policy).
3. Ecosystem binding: Xiaomi is committed to keeping users in its ecosystem, where MIUI Browser syncs with Mi Account, Mi Cloud and other services.

Interestingly, on POCO devices (a sub-brand of Xiaomi), the restrictions are often less stringent. For example, on POCO F3 with MIUI 13, the browser defaults to 2 clicks, while on Redmi Note 11 with the same firmware, this menu item is blocked.

💡

If you are critically important freedom of choice of browser, when buying a Xiaomi smartphone, give preference to models with a global or EEA-Chinese versions of the firmware. MIUI limit user settings as much as possible.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi