How to change the default browser to Android Xiaomi Redmi: 3 working ways

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

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones run on the proprietary shell MIUI, which is known for its aggressive promotion of its own services, including the Mi Browser browser, which is installed by default and not always convenient for users. Unlike “pure” Android, where changing a standard browser takes 2 clicks, Redmi this process can be hidden behind several layers of settings or completely blocked by the system.

Complicating the problem, MIUI often resets default settings after updates or reboots. For example, after installing the MIUI 14.0.5 update, many Redmi Note 11 Pro+ users complained that the browser was resetting to the Mi Browser despite previous changes. This is not a bug, but a feature: Xiaomi is thus protecting its ecosystem traffic.

In this article, we will discuss 3 proven ways to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi, including bypassing the limitations of MIUI. Instructions are relevant for models from Redmi 9A to Redmi 12 Pro+ and shell versions from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings

This method works on most Xiaomi Redmi devices, but can be blocked on some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global for the Redmi Note 10S).Try it first - it is the easiest and requires no additional actions.

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select the default Apps. Here, find the Browser section and tap it. The system will suggest a list of installed browsers - select the one you want (e.g., Chrome or Firefox).

• ✅ Pros: No superuser rights required, takes 30 seconds.
• ⚠️ Cons: on some firmware, the Application default paragraph may not be available.
• 🔄 Feature: after the update MIUI settings may reset.

⚠️ Note: If your browser is not listed, install it from Google Play and restart your phone. MIUI 13 Sometimes helps to clean the cache of the system (Settings) → The phone. → Memory. → Clear the cache).

Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If the standard method doesn’t work, you’ll have to connect to your phone via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is Google’s official tool, but on Xiaomi, it requires additional manipulation due to MIUI limitations.

First, turn on Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI Version 7 times. Go back to the main settings menu, find a new section for developers and activate Debugging via USB. Connect your phone to your PC, confirm trust in your computer on your smartphone screen.

Now open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

adb devices

If the device is determined, follow the command to change the browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package):

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 14 after completion ADB-You may notice that you have "unauthorized settings change" and may be ignored, but some system functions (such as Quick Apps) may temporarily stop working.

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To find your browser package, install the App Inspector app from Google Play, which will show the exact packet names of all installed programs.

Method 3: Bypassing MIUI restrictions through Safe Mode

If MIUI persistently resets the browser by default, try changing the settings in Safe Mode. In this mode, all third-party applications and some system restrictions are turned off, allowing you to push through the changes.

To log in to Safe Mode, press the Power button, then tap and hold the Turn off option until the prompt appears to go to Safe Mode. After downloading, repeat Method 1 (via Android settings). In Safe Mode, even previously blocked options can become available.

Some Redmi models (like the Redmi K50) have a hidden Default App Settings menu in Safe Mode, where you can manually prescribe the default browser package, which works even without ADB, but requires a precise knowledge of the packet name.

• 🔧 How to exit Safe Mode: Just restart your phone.
• ⚙️ What to do if the settings reset: repeat the procedure or use ADB.
• 📱 Alternative: Redmi with unlocked bootloader can install custom recovery (for example, TWRP) and edit system files manually.

What if the browser is reset again after the update?

The default default browser “perpetual reset” problem is typical for Xiaomi Redmi on MIUI 13/14, due to the MiuiDaemon service, which periodically checks system settings and returns them to “factory” settings.

1. Turn off automatic MIUI updates. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and turn off Auto Update. This does not block manual updates, but prevents unexpected resets.
2. Freeze system applications. With ADB or App Freezer (requires root), you can freeze com.miui.browser to prevent it from being activated as the default browser. Commands: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.browser hide adb shell pm com.miui.browser

⚠️ Warning: Freezing system applications can lead to unstable operation MIUI. On the Redmi Note 12 Pro after disabling the Mi Browser stopped working some functions Quick Apps (fast applications on the lock screen).

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The most reliable way to avoid resetting the browser is to disable automatic updates. MIUI use ADB-commands for forced installation of the browser by default.

Alternative solutions: Launchers and workarounds

If none of these methods worked, consider the workarounds:

• 🌐 Use launchers. Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) that can be set to link to your browser without any system limitations.
• 🔗 Set up "Open with Help." When you first open a link (like Telegram or WhatsApp), select the browser you want and mark Always. This will not change the default system browser, but redirects traffic.
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware. Redmi with unlocked bootloader can flash Pixel Experience or LineageOS, where there are no restrictions. MIUI. Disadvantages: loss of branded features (e.g. Game Turbo).

Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 14 also works a trick with Digital Wellbeing: add Mi Browser to the list of limited applications with a limit of 0 minutes.

Xiaomi Redmi browser comparison: which one to choose?

Before you change your default browser, evaluate the alternatives. We tested popular browsers on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ (Snapdragon 695, 8GB of RAM) and measured page load speed, RAM consumption and the impact on autonomy.

Recommendations:

• 🏆 For speed: Opera or Brave (thanks to the built-in ad blocker).
• 🔋 To save battery: Firefox or Brave.
• 🛡️ For privacy: Brave (blocks trackers by default).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi