Xiaomi Mi 9 is still a popular smartphone thanks to the powerful hardware and current updates MIUI. However, many users face a problem: the system persistently opens links in the standard Mi Browser browser, even if you have Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox installed. In this article, we will analyze why this happens, how to officially and informally change the default browser, and also consider the features of different versions of MIUI.
Let me warn you right away: unlike pure Android, where it takes 2 clicks to change the browser, Xiaomi is complicated by its policies. MIUI aggressively promotes its own services, including a browser that is integrated into the system at the level of proprietary applications. But there is a way out - and we will show all working methods, including bypassing restrictions through ADB.
Why Xiaomi Mi 9 can’t just change the default browser?
It's all about MIUI, which blocks Android's default app-change mechanism for certain actions, unlike Pixel or Samsung, where you can freely choose your browser in your settings, on Xiaomi:
- 🔹 Mi Browser is hard-stitched into the system as a “system application” and cannot be completely removed without root rights.
- 🔹 Default settings for links and HTML-files are hidden or restricted in MIUI 10–14.
- 🔹 Even after installing an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), the system ignores the user’s choice and opens links to Mi Browser.
- 🔹 In some regional firmware (e.g. China), restrictions are even stricter due to local censorship laws.
This is not a bug, but a deliberate Xiaomi solution that has two goals: promoting its own services (including ads in the Mi Browser) and controlling the user experience.
⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI European region (EEA) If your Mi 9 is bought in China, some methods may not work without changing the firmware region.
Method 1: Official method via MIUI settings (not always working)
The easiest way is to try changing your browser through standard settings, and it works if you have:
- 📱 MIUI 12.5 or later (older versions may not have the option).
- 🌍 Firmware for the European Region (EEA) Global with the latest updates.
- 🔄 Alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox) is already installed.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Find the Browser section and tap it.
- In the list, select the browser you want (e.g. Chrome).
If you don't have Browser in your settings, your version of MIUI is hiding it, so move on to the following.
Method 2: Reset application settings (helps 60% of the time)
Sometimes the system forgets your browser choice because of a cache failure.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip to the three dots at the top and select Reset app settings.
- Confirm the action. This will clear all default settings (not just for the browser!).
- After reset, open any link (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp) – the system should prompt you to choose a browser.
If the browser choice is ignored again after the reset, then MIUI is forced to assign Mi Browser through system policies, in which case only the ADB method (described below) will help.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the application settings will also reset the permissions for all programs (access to the camera, microphone, etc.). After the procedure, check the important applications (banks, instant messengers) for correct operation.
Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change (100% working method)
If the previous methods did not work, the most reliable option remains the ADB command. It requires connecting the smartphone to the computer, but guaranteed to change the default browser on any Xiaomi Mi 9, regardless of the version of MIUI.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🛠️ Utility. ADB and Fastboot Tools by Google.
- 📱 On the smartphone enabled Developer Mode and Debugging by USB.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.
- Activate USB debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on the USB debugging switch. Confirm resolution in the window that appears.
Connect your smartphone to your PC:
- Use the original cable.
- On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Launch ADB and execute commands: adb devices (should display the serial number of your Mi 9) adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser (clears the settings of the standard browser) adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main (replaces Mi Browser on Chrome; for Firefox use org.mozilla.firefox/.App)
Important: On MIUI 14, some browser-change applications may not work due to tighter security policies, in which case ADB remains the only reliable method.
What do you do if nothing helps?
If none of the methods worked, the reasons may be as follows:
- 🔒 Firmware for China with strict restrictions (solution: to flash global or EEA-version MIUI).
- 🔄 Update MIUI reset settings (repeat setting the browser after the update).
- 🛡️ Antivirus or SEO blocks changes (try to disable Security or Cleaner from Xiaomi).
- 📦 The browser is installed incorrectly (download). APK from the official website, not from third-party sources).