How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi 9: 3 proven ways

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Redmi 9?

Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones run on the proprietary shell MIUI, which is known for its aggressive promotion of its own services. By default, the Mi Browser browser is installed here - and the system is stubbornly trying to keep it as the main one, even if you prefer Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera.

The problem is that MIUI 12-14 has a deeper default browser setting than pure Android, and after updates, the interface may change and the old instructions may not work. In this article, we will discuss the current ways for Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A/9C/9T models) based on Android 10/11 with MIUI 12-14.

It is important to understand that even after changing the browser, some system links (for example, from Push notifications or MIUI Optimizations) can still open in Mi Browser. This is not a bug, but a feature of the firmware - it is bypassed only by radical methods, which we will talk about in the end.

Method 1: Through standard Android settings

The most obvious way is to use the system's built-in tools. It works on most devices, but on Redmi 9, it may require additional action due to MIUI limitations.

Steps:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search bar, enter the name of the browser you want to make the main one (for example, Chrome).
• 🛠️ Tap on the app. → Open by default → Clear the default settings.
• 🌐 Now open any link (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp) - the system will prompt you to choose a browser.

If you don't have the default Open, you've never had your browser assigned to the primary browser.

1. Open the link from any messenger.
2. In the window that appears, select Chrome/Firefox and mark Always.
3. Confirm the action.

Make sure that an alternative browser is installed|Check for updates MIUI|Reboot your smartphone|Clear the cache in Settings → Memory.-->

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 13 After resetting the default settings, the system can automatically return the Mi Browser as the primary one. In this case, only method 2 or 3 will help.

Method 2: Through Default Application Settings (Alternative Path)

MIUI sometimes hides options in non-obvious sections. If the first method didn't work, try this one:

Go to:

Settings → Special features → Utilities → Default settings → Browser

Here you will see a list of installed browsers. Choose the desired one and confirm the change. If there is no Utility partition, then your version of MIUI uses a different path (see Method 1).

If neither path works, check if your Redmi 9 has a Chinese version of MIUI (without Google services), in which case the default browser change can be blocked at the firmware level.

Method 3: Radical method - disabling Mi Browser

If the system persists in returning the Mi Browser, you can go to extreme lengths to disable it via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which will require a connection to your computer, but is guaranteed to solve the problem.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Turn on the smartphone Developer Mode (7 times tap the version of MIUI in Settings → About phone).
3. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser For Mi Browser use: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser
5. Reset the device.

After that, Mi Browser will disappear from the list of available browsers, and the system will automatically offer an alternative when opening links.

⚠️ Note: Disabling system applications through ADB Do not use this method unless you are sure of your actions. In extreme cases, the application can be returned by the command: adb shell pm enable com.android.browser

Problems and Solutions: Why is the browser not changing?

Even after all the manipulations, Mi Browser can still be the default browser, and let’s look at the typical causes and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 System Settings Cache: Clear the Cache in Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache and restart the phone.
• 📦 Update MIUI: After the firmware update, the settings may reset. Check the default browser relevance after the update.
• 🛡️ Firmware restrictions: On Chinese versions MIUI (without Google) browser change blocked. Solution - Global firmware ROM.
• 🤖 Conflict with Google App: Sometimes Google App intercepts links. Open its settings and reset its default settings.

If the problem persists, check if the phone has a duplicate app (e.g., Mi Browser can be dubbed Browser or the Internet), in which case, turn off both via ADB.

💡

Before drastic actions (such as disabling through ADB), back up your data in Settings → About Phone → Backup. This will help restore the system if something goes wrong.

Alternative browsers for Redmi 9: which one to choose?

If you’ve decided to drop the Mi Browser, here’s a quick overview of the alternatives, taking into account the features of the Xiaomi Redmi 9:

For Redmi 9 with 3GB of RAM, Firefox or Kiwi Browser are the best choice, which is less resource-intensive than Chrome. If you want to sync with your Google account, you’ll have to put up with the brakes or close the background apps before you launch your browser.

💡

On Xiaomi Redmi 9 with 3GB of RAM, avoid running Chrome and heavy apps (like games or video editors) at the same time.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all methods are tried, and Mi Browser stubbornly remains the default browser, there are two options:

1. Custom Recovery firmware (TWRP) and Mi Browser removal: Requires unlocking the bootloader and technical skills. TWRP manually removed APK-browser-file /system/priv-app/.
2. Using browser launch via Tasker/Shortcut Maker: Create a shortcut for an alternative browser through Shortcut Maker and assign it as the default link handler.

For most users, it is easier to accept Mi Browser or use an alternative browser manually without assigning it to the main one. Radical methods are justified only if you are ready for possible system bugs.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through TWRP This can lead to bootloop. Always do a Nandroid backup before doing this.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing your browser to Redmi 9