How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Mi 8: all ways

Why Xiaomi Mi 8 can’t just change browser?

Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is powered by MIUI, a proprietary shell known for its restrictions on changing system applications. Unlike pure Android, where changing the default browser takes a couple of clicks, users face blocking the choice of alternative apps to open links. This is due to Xiaomi’s policy of promoting its own services, in this case the Mi Browser.

The problem is compounded by the fact that even after installing Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera, the system continues to redirect all web links to the standard browser, and in some versions of MIUI 10/11/12, the default browser selection option is not in the settings menu at all, this is not a mistake, but a conscious decision of the manufacturer, which, however, can be circumvented in several ways.

It is important to understand that the restrictions depend on the firmware version:

• 📱 MIUI Global – the most “closed” version, where browser selection is often blocked;
• 🌍 MIUI China may have additional restrictions due to local laws;
• 🔓 Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) – allow you to freely change the browser.

Before you start changing your settings, check the current version of MIUI in the Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. It depends on which of the methods below will work.

Method 1: Standard change through settings (if available)

In some versions of MIUI, the default browser change option is still present, but hidden to find it:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.
4. Find the Browser item and tap it.
5. In the list, select the desired application (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If there is no default App, your version of MIUI is blocking this method, and then move on to alternative methods.

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Before changing your browser, clear the cache and data of Mi Browser in the application settings. This will help to avoid conflicts when opening links.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Mi 8 with version MIUI 12.5 and later, the standard method often does not work due to changes in security policy.If after choosing an alternative browser links still open in Mi Browser, use the methods below.

Method 2: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If the system settings do not allow you to change the browser, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires connecting the smartphone to a computer, but is guaranteed to work on any version of MIUI.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB;
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers);
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi Mi 8 to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the command to change the browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package): adb shell pm set-default-browser com.android.chrome 🔹 For Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox 🔹 For Opera: com.opera.browser 🔹 For Brave: com.brave.browser

Reboot your smartphone.

After the reboot, all web links will open in the browser you choose. If the command doesn't work, try an alternative:

adb shell am start -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|

Download and unpack ADB Tools|

Enable debugging over USB on your phone |

Connect the phone with the original cable |

Check the connection of the adb device team-->

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Resets some settings by default. After completing the commands, check the operation of other system applications (for example, Gallery or Phone), as they can also reset to standard values.

Method 3: Bypassing the settings of the "Links" application

MIUI has a hidden link handler management menu that allows you to manually assign a browser to open web addresses, which works on most firmware versions, including MIUI 12.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, enter Links (or Links in the English version).
3. Select the Links app (chain icon).
4. Slip on the item Opening supported links.
5. Find HTTP and HTTPS in the list.
6. For each type of link, select the browser you want (e.g. Chrome).

The instruction for installing custom firmware is outside the scope of this article, but the basic steps are:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool;
2. Install a custom Recovery (TWRP);
3. Switch the selected firmware (e.g. LineageOS 18.1 for Xiaomi Mi 8).

⚠️ Warning: The wrong firmware can turn your smartphone into a brick.If you're not sure what you're doing, reach out to the power users on the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Method 5: Using third-party launchers

If you don’t want to mess with system settings, you can go a workaround – install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher), which allows you to assign applications by default for specific actions.

How it works:

• 📲 Install a launcher from Google Play;
• 🔧 Assign it to the default launcher in settings (Settings) → Annexes → By default);
• 🌐 In the launcher settings, find the default Applications section or Link Processors;
• 🔗 Assign the right browser to open web links.

The downside of this method is that it doesn't work with all links, for example, links from messages or some apps may still open in Mi Browser, but it's a workable option for everyday use.

Popular launchers with browser destination support:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher (paid version has advanced settings);
• 🏆 Microsoft Launcher (free, Windows integration);
• 🎨 Action Launcher (flexible gesture settings).

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods have not worked, there are still a few options:

1. Reverse to the older version of MIUI. Sometimes earlier versions of firmware (e.g. MIUI 10) have less stringent restrictions, so you can find the 4PDA backup firmware and flash it through Fastboot.
2. Use the browser in "Light" mode. Some browsers (for example, Opera Mini) can open links directly, bypassing system restrictions.
3. In rare cases, a browser lock is due to a firmware error, you can send a report via Settings → Review and hope to be corrected in the next update.

It’s also worth checking if your phone has locker apps (like Security or Clean Master) that can redirect traffic to Mi Browser.

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If none of these methods worked, your version of MIUI is likely to have a very strict set of limitations, so you can either put up with Mi Browser or install custom firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Mi 8