Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face aggressive policies on preinstalled software, such as Mi Browser, which is the default browser on Redmi 9, which tends to impose its services, display ads and intercept links even when other apps are installed, which irritates users who are used to pure Android or prefer alternative solutions like Chrome or Firefox.
The process of changing the priority application to open web pages does not require obtaining superuser rights or complex flashing of the device. It is enough to correctly use the built-in tools of the MIUI shell. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will help you permanently rid your smartphone of automatically running unnecessary software. You will learn to forcefully change the system settings and block pop-ups, which often appear when using a standard browser.
It's important to understand that you can't completely remove a system application without special tools, because it's embedded in the firmware. However, it can be effectively "de-enabled" by depriving you of the rights to launch links and removing it from the favorites list. We'll look at a few methods, from simply changing the priority in settings to more profoundly cleaning the cache and data, which will help you reset the erroneous file associations. Follow the instructions carefully so you don't knock down other important parameters of the operating system.
Why Redmi 9 is Opening Mi Browser
By default, the MIUI operating system installed on Redmi 9 is configured to keep the user as much as possible in the manufacturer's ecosystem. Mi Browser is positioned as the main tool for browsing the Internet, so it has the highest priority when processing hyperlinks. When you click on a link in the messenger or application, the system first checks whether there is an application declared as the "default browser." If there is no such explicit choice, it automatically selects Mi Browser.
In addition, in the background, often run services that periodically reset user settings or obsessively suggest “optimizing” the Internet through their native browser. This can occur after updating the system or cleaning the memory with third-party utilities. The user may notice that after another update MIUI links again begin to open in the wrong application that they chose earlier.
To make matters worse, in some regions, firmware has more aggressive ad integration. The push notifications and news feeds in Mi Browser can annoy even those who rarely use the app. So the challenge is not just changing the default icon, but limiting the background activity of this component of the system. Understanding the way Android works helps you manage your device more confidently.
Preparing for System Settings Change
Before you start reconfiguring, make sure you have an alternative installed. Google Chrome may already be pre-installed on Redmi 9, but many users prefer to download other versions from the Play Market. Make sure that the desired browser is installed, updated to the latest version and at least once launched. This is so that the system “sees” the application and registers it as an available option for opening links.
It is also recommended to check for updates for the MIUI operating system itself. Sometimes application switching bugs are fixed in security patches. Go to your phone's settings and check the updates section. If the system is up to date, you can go to direct configuration. It will not be superfluous to back up important data, although changing the browser settings is a safe operation.
☑️ Ready to set up
It’s important to note that on different versions of the MIUI shell (e.g. MIUI 11, 12 or 13 based on Android 10 or 11), menu names may vary slightly. However, the logic of Android remains the same for all devices. If you don’t find exact names match, look for synonyms or adjacent sections.
Changing the browser by default through system settings
This is the main and most reliable way to get Redmi 9 to open links in the app you want. The algorithm is simple enough, but requires careful choice of menu items. You need to get into a deep settings menu, where you control the global preferences of the system.
First, open your smartphone Settings menu. Scroll down to the App section. In some firmware versions, this item may be simply called "Apps" or have a four-square icon. Inside this section, we're interested in a subsection called "Default Apps," and that's where key information about which app is responsible for calls, messages, and of course, web surfing is stored.
In the list that opens, look for the Browser. It's probably Mi Browser right now. Click on it. It will show you a list of all the browsers you've installed. Select from the list the browser you want to use all the time (like Chrome), and then all the links from any source will automatically open in the app you've chosen.
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If you still open links in Mi Browser after selecting a new browser, try clearing the Security app cache, as it can intercept traffic control in some versions of MIUI.
Resetting the default settings for Mi Browser
Sometimes simply selecting a new application is not enough, as the old settings can be cached by the system, in which case you need to force reset the settings for the Mi Browser itself, which will return it to a “clean sheet” state, removing all automatic bindings to file types and links.
To do this, go back to the Settings menu. → Annexes → All apps. Find Mi Browser (can be called simply "Browser" with an orange compass icon) Log inside the app menu. Here you need the Default button or Default Launch button. Click on it, and then select the option to Clear Default Settings or Reset.
Once you do this, the next time you click on a link, the system will ask you again what to open the page. Be sure to tick "Always" and select the browser you want. If you forget to tick, the question will arise with each click, which can also be inconvenient.
| Parameter | Action. | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Default applications | Choice of Chrome/Firefox | Links open in the selected browser |
| Cleaning up the Mi Browser settings | Resetting associations | Remove the priority of the native browser |
| Removal of updates | Retraction of the version | Returns the factory, less intrusive version |
This procedure is especially useful if you notice strange system behavior when choices are ignored.Resetting a particular app's settings is a secure method that doesn't affect your personal data, passwords or history saved in other programs.
Restriction of advertising and pop-up windows
Even if you stopped using the Mi Browser as your primary, it can continue to run in the background and display ads. MIUI There is a built-in mechanism for disabling advertising recommendations (MSA — MIUI Disabling this service will significantly reduce the amount of intrusive content throughout the system, including the system browser.
To do this, go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to Personal Data (or “Authorization and Review”). Find the msa list and turn off the slider. The system will insist on leaving things as they are, claiming that this will improve the service. You will need to wait 10 seconds and click “Cancel.” This procedure may have to be repeated 2-3 times, as the server may not respond the first time.
What is MSA and why shut it down?
You should also go to the settings of the Mi Browser itself, if you do use it sometimes. In the settings menu (three bars in the corner), find the Privacy and Security section, where you can turn off "Get news and notifications", "Personalized recommendations" and other items related to content feeds, which will make the application easier and less annoying.
Removal of updates and full deaktivatsiya
If standard methods don’t help or you want to make the system as easy as possible, you can try to remove updates to the system browser. This will return it to the factory version, which is often less functional, but also less intrusive. To do this, click the Remove Updates button in the Mi Browser application menu (three dots in the corner of the application information screen).
Once the version rolls back, it is recommended to reset the default settings described above. In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, the Remove button may be active immediately, allowing you to completely uninstall the application as usual. However, on most Redmi 9 devices, this button will be inactive (gray), since the browser is a system component.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to remove system applications through third-party root-rights removal programs. This can lead to a cyclic phone restart (bootloop) or unstable interface.
For advanced users, there is the possibility of complete deaktivatsiya via computer and USB debugging (ADB), but this requires caution. The command pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser (packet name may vary) can completely hide the browser from the system. However, we do not recommend this method to ordinary users, since an error in the packet name can damage other components of MIUI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you completely remove the Mi Browser from Redmi 9 without a computer?
Why do you still open links in Mi Browser after choosing Chrome?
Does disabling the system browser affect the operation of widgets or other applications?
Is it safe to disable the MSA service for advertising?
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The main secret of success is not just to choose a new browser, but to reset the settings of the old one (Mi Browser) and revoke access to personal data from the MSA advertising service.
In conclusion, managing standard apps on Xiaomi Redmi 9 gives the user full control of the device. Following the steps described above, you can make using the smartphone more comfortable and devoid of intrusive advertising. Remember that checking settings regularly after major system updates will help maintain the desired configuration.