How to change the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones: from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14

Are you tired of having all the links to your Xiaomi automatically open in the standard Mi Browser? or want to use Chrome, Firefox or another alternative browser for greater speed, privacy or sync with other devices? This problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi ranges, where the manufacturer aggressively promotes its own services.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all versions of MIUI (12 to 14), including hidden settings that Xiaomi specifically hides from users in recent updates. We will also understand why sometimes changing the browser through the standard menu does not work, and what to do if the system persistently returns the Mi Browser after the reboot. Whether you are using the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Pro or the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, solutions are suitable for all models.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the browser change by default?

Xiaomi is actively integrating its services into MIUI firmware, and Mi Browser is a key element of this ecosystem, and here are the main reasons why the system resists changing the browser:

• 🔗 Monetization through advertising: Mi Browser has built-in advertising blocks and affiliate links that generate revenue.
• 📊 Data collection: The browser transmits information about the sites visited to analyze user behavior (even if you have disabled personalization).
• 🔄 Mi Account Linking: Synchronizing Bookmarks, History and Passwords Only Works Inside Xiaomi’s Ecosystem.
• 🛡️ "Safety concerns: In the latest versions MIUI 14 Added Warnings About “Risks” of Using Third-Party Browsers.

In MIUI 13 and later, Xiaomi has begun actively hiding its default settings so that users can’t easily switch to Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. For example, in some regional firmware, the default browser option is not in the app menu at all. But you can bypass these restrictions — read on.

Method 1: Standard change through settings (MIUI 12–14)

If your smartphone is running MIUI 12, MIUI 13 or MIUI 14, try the official method first.It will work if Xiaomi has not blocked this option in your regional firmware:

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 the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not listed:

• 📥 Install it from Google Play (such as Chrome or Firefox).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone and repeat the steps.

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware for Redmi and POCO (Especially in China and India, the default browser may not be available.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the standard method doesn’t work)

If the default browser changes, the links still open in Mi Browser, the problem lies in the system cache.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action (this won’t delete your data, but will reset the default settings for all apps).
4. Repeat Method 1 to select a browser.

This method works because MIUI sometimes forgets changes due to conflicts in the cache of the Android System WebView, and after reset, the system requests permissions again.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If the previous methods didn't work, you'll have to connect to your smartphone via ADB, which is Google's official tool for sending commands directly to the system.

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.
2. Install ADB on your computer: Download Google’s Platform Tools. Unpack the archive into any folder (e.g., C:\adb).

Connect your phone to your PC

adb devices


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




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

Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package (see table below).

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB Some system applications (e.g. Mi Browser) may start to give out errors. This is not critical, but if you are annoyed by it, follow the command adb shell pm enable com.android.browser.

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If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers through the Mi Flash Tool or using another one USB-cable (preferably original).

Method 4: Using third-party applications (without root)

If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can use specialized utilities that automate the process of changing your browser.

• 🔧 Default App Manager (from Google Play): The app shows all default settings and allows you to change them bypassing restrictions MIUI. Suitable for MIUI 13/14.
• 🛠️ SetEdit (requires Android 11)+): A more advanced tool that can edit system settings without root.The interface is more complex, but the functionality is wider.
• 🔄 App Cloner (to circumvent restrictions): If Mi Browser persists in returning, you can clone Chrome and assign a clone to the default browser.

Examples of Default App Manager:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide access to settings (permission required) WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS).
3. Find the Browser list and select the desired application.
4. Reboot the phone.

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The side of an application like Default App Manager is often updated to newer versions of MIUI, so it can work even where standard methods are powerless.

Method 5: Manual editing of system files (for advanced users)

If none of the previous methods worked, then manual editing of system files is left, which requires root rights and is only suitable for advanced users.

Option A: Change via build.prop

The build.prop file contains Android system settings. To change the default browser:

1. Get root (for example, through Magisk).
2. Open build.prop in the root directory (/system/build.prop) with Root Explorer.
3. Add the line: ro.home.app=com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main (replace with your browser package).
4. Save the file and restart the phone.

Option B: Remove Mi Browser via ADB (without root)

If you don’t have root, but you have ADB, you can turn off Mi Browser by command:

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

After that, the system will automatically prompt you to select another browser when you first open the link.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI. For example, some features like Quick Apps will stop working. TWRP Mi Cloud.

What do you do if nothing works?

If you’ve tried all the ways, but Mi Browser still opens the links, here are the additional steps:

• 🔄 Update the firmware: Sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions MIUI. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Reset the phone to factory settings: This is an extreme measure, but it helps if the problem is caused by a settings conflict!
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware: Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience is not limited by Xiaomi, IR Blaster).
• 📌 Use the “Backway”: Set up Chrome or another browser as a default link opening app through Settings → Annexes → Opening by default for each application separately (for example, for Telegram, WhatsApp).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi