Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones default on the Mi Browser browser to open web links — even if you’ve installed Chrome, Firefox, or another alternative browser. This binding is often uncomfortable: links from messengers, emails, or social networks are automatically redirected to an unnecessary application, and attempts to change the browser through standard MIUI settings don’t always work. In this article, we’ll examine all the working ways to change the default browser to Xiaomi, from official methods to workarounds for persistent firmware.
Complicating the problem, Xiaomi has actively blocked the ability to freely choose a browser at the system level. In some versions of MIUI 12-14, the default browser may be missing from the settings or ignore the changes. We have tested the solutions on Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Xiaomi 12/13/14 and identified universal steps that work even on “locked” firmware. Important: some methods require ADB rights or developer mode activation – but we will explain each step in detail.
Why Xiaomi does not allow you to change the browser by default?
The branded Mi Browser is deeply integrated into Xiaomi’s ecosystem: it syncs with the Mi Account, supports the features of “Quick Apps” and is used to display system web pages (such as license agreements).
- 📊 Traffic monetization: Mi Browser displays ads and collects data about user preferences (even in the “advertising-free” version for the EU).
- 🔒 Ecosystem Control: Xiaomi aims to keep users in its services, including cloud storage, payments and authorization.
- 🛡️ Security (official version): The company claims that third-party browsers may contain vulnerabilities, while Mi Browser is undergoing an internal audit.
- 📱 Optimization for MIUI: Some features (such as “Read Mode” or “Night Mode”) only work in a proprietary browser.
In practice, this means that even after installing Google Chrome or Samsung Internet, the system will persistently open links to Mi Browser. In some regions (for example, in India), Xiaomi made concessions and allowed the choice of browser, but in global firmware restrictions remain.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (Versions marked with a note) RU) post-update MIUI 14 may disappear the possibility of changing the browser through ADB. In this case, you will need to roll back the firmware or use workarounds (see section 5).
Method 1: Standard browser change in MIUI settings
To start with, the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14 (except Chinese firmware) does not require superuser rights or PC connectivity, but may not be available on some models.
Steps:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Find the Browser (or Opening Web Links) item and tap it.
- In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).
- Confirm the choice by clicking Ready or OK.
If you don't have a Browser item on the menu, your version of MIUI is blocking that option.
☑️ Preparation for the browser change
Method 2: Change browsers via ADB (for power users)
If the standard method doesn’t work, you’ll need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but is guaranteed to work on all versions of MIUI (except Chinese firmware without Google services).
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
- 📱 Included Developer Mode and Debugging by USB smartphone.
- 🛠️ Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC, select File Transfer mode and confirm the debugging permission on your phone screen.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and execute the command: adb devices Make sure that the device appears in the list.
- Enter the command to change the browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package): adb shell pm set-default-browser com.android.chrome
- Reboot your smartphone.
Packages of popular browsers:
| browser | Package name (for ADB) |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome | com.android.chrome |
| Mozilla Firefox | org.mozilla.firefox |
| Microsoft Edge | com.microsoft.emmx |
| Samsung Internet | com.sec.android.app.sbrowser |
| Brave Browser | com.brave.browser |
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 team ADB In this case, try the alternative command: adb shell am start. -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS It will open a hidden settings menu, where browser selection is sometimes available.
Method 3: Using third-party applications (without ADB)
If ADB commands seem complicated, you can use specialized utilities that automate the process of changing the browser. These applications do not require root rights, but their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI.
Top.-3 browser-changer:
- 🔧 Default App Manager (Google Play) – allows you to manage applications by default without ADB. Works on MIUI 12-13, but may not be able to cope with MIUI 14.
- 🛠️ SetEdit (Google Play) - edits system settings, including the default browser. Requires activation of the developer mode.
- 🔄 App Manager (from Muntashir Al-Islam) - open source, supports forced browser change through workarounds MIUI.
How to use Default App Manager:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Open it and provide access to the Application Settings (if requested).
- Select the Browser category.
- Slip on the desired browser and confirm the choice.
If the application does not find the browser, then your version of MIUI will block the change at the software level, in which case only ADB or manual editing of system files will help (see the next section).
💡
Before using third-party utilities, check the reviews for the current date – some apps stop working after MIUI updates.
Method 4: Manual editing of system files (for advanced ones)
This method is suitable for users with unlocked bootloader or root rights. It allows you to manually change the system settings responsible for the default browser. On devices with MIUI 14 and later, this method can cause system applications to fail - use at your own risk.
Instructions (root required):
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Cross the path: /data/system/users/0/ and find the file. settings_global.xml.
- Open the file in the text editor and find the line: <setting id="default_browser" value="com.android.browser" />
- Replace com.android.browser with your browser package (e.g. com.android.chrome).
- Save the changes, restart the device.
If the file settings_global.xml No, try the way:
/data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.dbYou will need to edit the database via SQLite Editor, which is more complicated and risky.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped reboot) or reset settings. Before making changes, back up through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.
What if the browser has not changed after editing system files?
Method 5: Bypasses for persistent versions of MIUI
On some firmware (especially Chinese or modified), none of the above methods work, in which case there are workarounds that do not change the default browser globally, but allow you to open links in the desired application.
Option 1: Use "Open with Help"
- 🔗 When you receive a link (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp), hold it with your finger.
- 📱 In the menu that appears, select Open with.
- 🔄 Tap on the desired browser and mark Always (if available).
Option 2: Creating labels through Tasker
The Tasker application allows you to automate link opening in the selected browser:
- Install Tasker and AutoInput plugin.
- Create a task with the condition of opening a link.
- Add the action Open the URL in the browser and specify the desired application.
Option 3: Remove Mi Browser (requires root)
The last method is to completely remove the branded browser through ADB:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browserAfter that, the system will be forced to use an alternative browser.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When you change your browser to Xiaomi, users face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The ADB team returns Operation Not Allowed | MIUI 14 blocks browser change at the kernel level | Use an alternative command (see section 2) or roll back to MIUI 13 |
| After restarting, the browser is reset to Mi Browser | The system restores default settings | Freeze the Mi Browser via Titanium Backup or remove it (root required) |
| There is no “Browser” item in “Default Apps” | Restriction of regional firmware (for example, for China) | Install global firmware via Mi Flash Tool or use ADB |
| Links from some apps still open in Mi Browser | The application (for example, Mi Video) is rigidly tied to the branded browser | Use workarounds (see Section 5) or opt out of these apps |
If none of these methods worked, check to see if your device has custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience) that has often already removed the Mi Browser and is solved by installing an alternative browser.
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On devices with MIUI for the EU (EEA), browser change is usually allowed through standard settings. If you have a different version, use ADB or third-party utilities.