How to Remove the Default Browser on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide 2026

Why do users want to change the default browser to Xiaomi?

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones come pre-installed with Mi Browser (or Mint Browser on some models), which automatically becomes the default application for link opening. Despite integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem, many users prefer alternatives: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Brave – because of greater speed, sync with other devices or lack of advertising.

The problem is that since MIUI 12, the system has been actively resisting changing the default browser by hiding or resetting settings after updates, and in this article, we’ll look at all the current ways, from standard settings to circumventing restrictions through ADB and third-party utilities.

It's important to understand that the process differs depending on the version of MIUI (global, Chinese, European) and the model of the smartphone. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, the path to settings will be different than on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5.

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use Android’s built-in settings, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-14, but can be blocked on Chinese firmware or in regions with limited settings (such as India).

Instructions:

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 Browser.
4. In the list, select an alternative browser (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If there is no default paragraph of the Annex:

• 🔍 Try the way: Settings → All settings → Annexes → Application settings (cogs) → Default applications.
• 📱 In some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) You need to first open any browser, then in its settings select Make by default.
• 🔄 If you reset after rebooting, go to method 2 or 3.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (firmwareware) RU) The default application may not be available due to local law restrictions. ADB (4).

Method 2: Reset browser settings via "Special features"

This method bypasses MIUI locking by resetting the current default settings for all applications, and is suitable for devices where the standard method does not work (for example, Xiaomi 12T with MIUI 13).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Special features → Special features services.
2. Enable the default Reset option (may be called Reset App Settings).
3. Confirm the action – this will remove all current default settings (browser, launcher, SMS-annex.).
4. Now open any browser (such as Chrome) and when you first start, select Always in the Open with window.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔓 It works even on blocked firmware.
• 📱 Does not require root rights or ADB.
• ⚡ Faster than manual cache removal.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting, you will have to reconfigure the default apps for calls, SMS Home screen (if you use a third-party launcher).

Method 3: Remove Mi Browser via ADB (for advanced)

If MIUI ignores your settings, you can completely disable or delete the pre-installed browser via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires you to connect to your PC and enable the developer mode.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install it ADB-drivers and execute the command:

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

For Mint Browser, use:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser

What to do if the team is not working:

• 🔌 Check the connection. USB (Select the mode of file transfer on the phone).
• 🔄 Restart the device and PC.
• 📋 For Chinese firmware (CN) may need root.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI or update errors before executing commands ADB Create a backup copy through adb backup.

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If ADB seems complicated, you can use the default settings management apps.

• 🛠️ Default App Manager (from F-Droid) – Shows all categories by default and allows you to reset them.
• 🔧 App Inspector – Helps you find hidden settings MIUI.
• 📱 SetEdit (requires) ADB, but with a user-friendly interface).

Examples of Default App Manager:

1. Install the application from F-Droid.
2. Open it and allow permission to access the settings (ADB may be required for some features).
3. Select the Browser category and assign the desired application.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Nana MIUI 14 Some utilities may not see the browser category.
• ⚠️ Apps from Google Play (e.g. Default App Manager Tool) are often removed for violating policies.
• 🔒 Full access may be required ADB root.

💡

If links still open in Mi Browser after changing your browser, clear the Settings (com.android.settings) app cache via ADB or manually in the application settings.

Method 5: Manual editing of settings files (for experienced)

This method is suitable for users with root rights or custom firmware (like LineageOS), and involves directly changing the Android configuration files where the default settings are stored.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

/data/system/users/0/

1. Find the file. settings_global.xml Open it in the text editor.
2. Find the line with default_browser and replace the value with the desired browser package (for example, com.android.chrome for Chrome).
3. Save the file, restart the device.

List of packages of popular browsers:

• 🌐 Google Chrome: com.android.chrome
• 🦊 Mozilla Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• ⚡ Brave Browser: com.brave.browser
• 🔍 DuckDuckGo: com.duckduckgo.mobile.android

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing settings_global.xml This can cause a cyclical reboot of the device. Before making changes, back up the file!

What do you do if nothing works?

If all of these solutions are useless, consider alternative solutions:

• 📦 Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) – there are no restrictions MIUI.
• 🔄 Reset your phone to factory settings (save data before you do!). After reset, immediately assign the default browser.
• 🛠️ Use a browser with the Open to.. function (such as Kiwi Browser or Vivaldi) that ignores system settings.
• 📡 Update. MIUI until the latest version - in new builds sometimes fix bugs with default settings.

If the problem is related to regional restrictions (for example, firmware for India or China), the only reliable way is to unlock the bootloader and install a global version of MIUI.

💡

On devices with MIUI for EU (EEA firmware), the default browser change usually works without problems. Check the firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi