How to change the default browser on Xiaomi phone: instructions for all models

Why Xiaomi is hard to change the standard browser and how to do it right

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their deep customization of Android, but sometimes this feature plays against the user. One of the most common problems is the inability to quickly change the default browser through standard settings. Unlike “pure” Android, where a pair of taps is enough, the Redmi, POCO or Mi process can require additional actions — especially if you want to use Google Chrome, Firefox or Yandex Browser instead of the preinstalled Mi Browser.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to change the default browser on Xiaomi phones (including models from 2023-2026), taking into account the features of MIUI 14 and MIUI 15. You will learn how to circumvent the system limitations, which browsers work best on the brand devices, and what to do if the settings are gray or unavailable, and also why sometimes after updating the browser is reset to standard and how to prevent this.

We warn you right away: on some versions of MIUI (especially for the Chinese market), the default browser change function can be completely blocked at the firmware level, in which case you will need to use workarounds, which we will also discuss below.

What browsers can be installed on Xiaomi instead of Mi Browser

Before you change the default browser, it’s worth understanding which alternatives are available for Xiaomi at all. Not all browsers work equally well on MIUI, and some may conflict with system services.

• 🌐 Google Chrome is the most popular choice, but can slow down on weak models (Redmi) 9A, POCO C31). Supports synchronization with Google account.
• 🦊 Mozilla Firefox is optimized for privacy, but consumes more battery.
• 🔍 Yandex Browser is fast and adapted for the Runet, but collects a lot of telemetry.
• 🛡️ Brave Browser – Blocks ads and trackers out of the box, but may not display some websites correctly.
• 📱 Samsung Internet - surprisingly well on Xiaomi, despite the name. lightweight and stable.
• 🚀 Kiwi Browser is a Chrome fork with extension support.

Important: some browsers (for example, Opera or UC Browser) may not properly process links from messengers to MIUI. If after changing the browser by default, links open in the old application - check the settings of a particular messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp).

Method 1: Standard browser change through settings (MIUI 14/15)

On most modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 12), the default browser change is done through the application menu. However, the path to these settings may vary depending on the firmware version.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Find the Browser item and select the desired application from the list.

If your browser is not on the list, install it from Google Play and run it at least once. Some devices (like Redmi Note 12) may need to reboot after installing a new browser.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Launch it and complete the initial setup.

Close all background applications

Restart the phone (optional)-->

Problem: On some versions of MIUI (especially in the Chinese market), the default App may be missing or inactive, in which case move to Method 2.

Method 2: Change browser through specific application settings

If the standard path doesn’t work, try changing the default browser directly in the alternative browser settings. This method often works on POCO and global versions of Redmi:

1. Open the installed browser (such as Chrome).
2. Go to its settings (usually through three dots in the upper right corner).
3. Find the default settings section or the default app.
4. The system will offer to open the settings of Android - confirm the action.
5. Select your browser in the list of available.

On MIUI 15, this path may look different: Settings → Applications → [Browser Name] → Open by default. If the button is inactive, the system is blocking the change (see Method 3).

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If after changing the browser links from messengers still open in Mi Browser, clear the cache and data of the messenger application (Telegram, WhatsApp, etc.).

Method 3: Bypassing restrictions through ADB (for advanced users)

On some Xiaomi firmware (especially Chinese), the default browser change is blocked at the system level, in which case the ADB team will help, but it requires connecting the phone to the computer and enabling the developer mode.

Warning: improper use of ADB may disrupt the system. Follow the instructions carefully.

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser This will reset the settings of the standard browser.
4. Then, do: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package if you are not using Chrome).

After you execute the commands, restart your phone. If you have any errors, check if the browser package is correctly specified (you can find it through the App Inspector app from Google Play).

Table: Browser compatibility with Xiaomi models

Not all browsers work equally well across Xiaomi devices, and here are the compatibility data based on user tests (relevant to MIUI 14/15):

For models with 2-3 GB of RAM (Redmi 9C, POCO C31), we recommend using Yandex Browser Lite or Samsung Internet - they less load the system.

What to do if the browser is reset to standard after updating

Many Xiaomi users are facing a problem: after the MIUI update, the browser is reset by default to the Mi Browser, which is due to the system restoring factory settings for key applications.

• 🔄 Reverse to the previous firmware version (if the update was recent). Use Fastboot or Recovery.
• 📵 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings.
• 🔧 Use Tasker or MacroDroid to automatically return settings after the update. Create a rule that will run the command: am start -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) that does not have a binding to the Mi Browser.

Important: on the Chinese versions of MIUI (with the suffix "C" in the model name), resetting the browser after the update is not a bug, but a feature. The manufacturer deliberately returns standard applications so that users do not abandon branded services.

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If you frequently experience a browser reset, consider installing global (Global) or European (EEA) firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi

If your question is not covered in the FAQ, check the relevance of the firmware or contact the Mi Community forum, specifying the phone model and the version of MIUI.