How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: a complete guide with solutions to typical errors

Changing the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones is a task that often raises questions among users. This is especially true for models based on MIUI, where the manufacturer actively promotes its own applications, including the Mi Browser. Redmi 8 Pro was no exception: despite the openness of Android, there are nuances associated with the proprietary shell.

Many people find that after installing Chrome, Firefox or Opera, links still open in the standard browser, and the reason lies in the features of MIUI 11/12, which controls the processing of web links at the system level. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic way to change the default browser, but also consider alternative methods for cases where standard settings do not work.

It's important to understand that Redmi 8 Pro (begonia model number) runs on Android 9/10 with a MIUI shell, where the default application assignment logic differs from "pure" Android. For example, there may be no "Browser" item in the Default Apps menu, and some system applications (Mi Browser, Quick Apps) block the change of settings. We take all these subtleties into account.

Why Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro can not change the default browser?

The main problem is that MIUI aggressively protects its system applications.Even if you installed an alternative browser (like Google Chrome), the system may ignore your choices when opening links from:

• 📱 Communications (SMS, messengers)
• 📧 Mail (Gmail, Mi Mail)
• 🔗 Other applications (Telegram, WhatsApp)

This is because MIUI uses its own intent-filter processing mechanism for web links. In some firmware versions, the default browser option is simply absent, and trying to select another browser results in a reset to Mi Browser after rebooting.

Additional difficulties are created by:

• 🔒 System Limitations: Some Versions MIUI Block the browser change without superuser rights (root).
• 📦 Pre-installed apps: Mi Browser and Quick Apps are integrated into the system and are not removed in standard ways.
• 🔄 Automatic updates: after update MIUI settings can be reset.

Method 1: Standard Browser Change through Android Settings

This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but on the Redmi 8 Pro, you may need to take additional steps.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Find the Browser option (if not, see the MIUI solution below).
5. Select from the list the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If the browser is missing, it means that your version of MIUI is hiding it, so move on to the alternative method.

When you change your browser by default, be sure to restart your device. In some cases, MIUI resets the settings after restarting, so check your browser choice again.

Method 2: Bypassing MIUI restrictions through application settings

If the standard method didn’t work, use this method.It’s suitable for the Redmi 8 Pro on MIUI 11/12 and doesn’t require root rights:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Browser list (or com.android.browser) and click on it.
3. Select Disable (if the button is inactive, skip this step).
4. Go back to App Management and find your alternative browser (like Chrome).
5. Click Open by Default → Clear the default settings.
6. Now open any web link (e.g. from SMS or Telegram) and select a new browser in the window that appears. tick "Always Use".

The critical nuance for the Redmi 8 Pro is that if you still open links in the Mi Browser after that, you need to disable the Quick Apps app, which intercepts web links and redirects them to the standard browser.

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After changing your browser, check your battery optimization settings for the new browser. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization and disable the restrictions for the browser you select. This will prevent it from closing in the background.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If previous methods didn't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is a more complicated way, but it's guaranteed to work on the Redmi 8 Pro regardless of the MIUI version.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 8 Pro to your computer and confirm debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
3. Run the command to reset browser settings by default: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser
4. Now open any link on your phone and select the desired browser.

If you want to completely disable Mi Browser, use:

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

Problem Solving: Links Open in the Wrong Browser

Even after changing the browser by default, some applications may ignore your choices.

The Quick Apps app is a very special attention to, and it often causes you to open links incorrectly, and to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Quick Apps (or com.miui.quicksearchbox).
3. Click Disable and confirm the action.

💡

On Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro, the main default browser problem is with the Quick Apps app. Disabling it solves 80% of cases of incorrect link opening.

Alternative methods: Launchers and third-party utilities

If the standard methods didn't work, you can use third-party solutions, which are especially useful for users who often face MIUI problems.

Method 1: Use of an alternative launcher

• 📱 Install a launcher that supports link processing settings (e.g., Nova Launcher or Action Launcher).
• 🔧 In the launcher settings, find the "Default Apps" or "Reference Processing" section".
• 🌐 Assign the desired browser to open web links.

Method 2: Applications for Intent Management

• 🛠 Install Intent Intercept or Default App Manager from Play Market.
• 🔍 These apps allow you to manually reassign handlers for different types of links.
• ⚠️ Beware: Incorrect settings can lead to errors when opening links.

Method 3: Reset all default settings

⚠️ Note: This method will reset all application default settings, including SMS, Use it only if other methods have not worked.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.
4. After rebooting, open any link and select the desired browser.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the methods, but the default browser still doesn’t change, consider the following steps:

1. Check the MIUI version and update the firmware

• 📲 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Install the latest available version MIUI.
• 📌 In new firmware versions, the default browser problem can be fixed.

2.Install custom firmware

⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware (custom) ROM) This method cancels the warranty and can cause the device to operate in an unstable manner.

• 🔧 Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.
• 📥 Download firmware based on Android without MIUI (LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🔄 Install the firmware through TWRP or Fastboot.

3. Contact us for Xiaomi support

• 📧 Write to official support via the Mi Community app or Xiaomi website.
• 📎 Attach screenshots of the problem and specify the version MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI).
• 🔄 There may be a special update available for your area.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing your browser to Redmi 8 Pro