How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi 5: 3 working methods + error solving

Why Redmi 5 is Hard to Change Your Default Browser and What to Do About It

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 5 often face a problem: the system stubbornly returns the standard MIUI browser even after trying to change to Chrome, Firefox or Opera, the reason for this is the aggressive policy of the MIUI shell, which blocks default changes for key applications. Unlike “pure” Android, it requires additional actions, and sometimes bypassing restrictions.

The main difficulty lies in two points:

• 🔒 Protection MIUI: The system automatically resets default settings after rebooting or updating.
• 📱 No Direct Menu: In some firmware versions, the "Default Browser" option is hidden or unavailable.
• 🔄 Application Conflict: Installed browsers may not appear in the list of available to change.

In this article, we will discuss 3 proven methods of changing the default browser, including working with the developer settings and bypassing restrictions through ADB. You will also learn how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the system persistently returns MIUI Browser.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings (not always working)

Let’s start with the simplest method that works on Redmi 5 with MIUI 9-12 firmware, but be prepared that after the device is restarted, the settings may reset.

1. 📱 Open the Settings (⚙️) and go to the Appendix section → Application management.
2. 🔍 In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.
3. 🌐 Tap on the Browser item and select the desired application from the list (for example, Chrome).

If your browser is not listed:

• 📥 Make sure it is installed and updated to the latest version.
• 🔄 Restart the browser app and try again.
• 🚫 Check if the application rights are disabled in Settings → Permits.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 5s MIUI 13+ This method may not work because of the system lock, so move to Method 2.

Method 2: Using Developer Settings (for experienced users)

If the standard method doesn't work, you'll have to activate the developer mode and manually set the default browser, which is a method that works for Redmi 5 on MIUI 10-14.

Step 1: Activate the Developer Mode

1. 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. 🔨 7 times in a row tap on the item Version MIUI, Notice: You have become a developer!".
3. 🔙 Return to the main settings menu and open a new section → For developers.

Step 2: Reset applications by default

On the developer menu:

1. 🔧 Find the default application reset and activate it.
2. 🌐 Back to Settings → Annexes → Default apps and re-select browser.

If the browser is still reset:

• 🛠️ Turn off optimization for it in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• 📵 Restart your phone and don’t open it. MIUI Browser for 5 minutes.

💡

After changing your browser, turn off the automatic update of MIUI Browser through the Play Store or App Store – this will prevent resetting settings.

Method 3: Forced change through ADB (100% working method)

The most reliable, but also the most technically sophisticated method is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is guaranteed to work even on the latest versions of MIUI, but requires a connection to a computer.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).li>
• 📦 Installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 🔐 Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. 📱 On the phone, activate the debugging by USB In Settings → For developers.
2. 🔌 Connect Redmi 5 to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
3. 🖥️ Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Linux/macOS) enter:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers.)

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

(This team will reset the MIUI Browser settings.)

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

(Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package, for example, for Firefox — org.mozilla.firefox.)

Once you have completed the commands, restart your phone. The default browser will be changed forever, even after the system updates.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause your phone to malfunction. Don't change other settings unless you're sure they're there!

Table: Comparison of methods of changing the browser to Redmi 5

If none of these methods work, the radical solution is factory reset, but it will remove all the data from the phone, so use it only as a last resort.

💡

The most reliable way is to use ADB. It takes more effort, but it guarantees results even on the latest versions of MIUI.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When changing the default browser, Redmi 5 users often make the same mistakes, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🔄 "Settings are reset after rebooting" Reason: MIUI autorestore MIUI Browser as the main solution: Use ADB or disable optimization for an alternative browser in the battery settings.
• 🚫 "The desired browser does not appear in the list" Reason: The application does not support link processing or is not updated.Solution: Reinstall the browser or check its settings (Open supported links should be enabled).
• 🔒 "You can't change settings - button is inactive" Reason: Corporate policy restrictions (if the phone was issued by the company) or parental controls. Solution: Check if the device profile is in Settings → Accounts.

Another common problem is conflict with MIUI updates, and once you install a new firmware version, the system can return the standard browser again, to avoid this:

1. 📵 Turn off automatic updates MIUI Browser.
2. 🔧 Reapply again ADB-post-update.
3. 📥 Install an alternative firmware (like LineageOS) if you are ready for drastic measures.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi 5