Xiaomi Redmi 7 is the default browser for the Mi Browser, an app with pre-installed bookmarks, news feeds and integration with Xiaomi services. However, many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera because of faster speed, sync with other devices or lack of advertising. In this article, we will discuss how to officially and safely change the default browser to Redmi 7, even if the system persistently returns the Mi Browser after updates.
It is important to understand that the process depends on the version of MIUI (Android shell on Xiaomi smartphones). Redmi 7 out of the box installed MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie, but the device supports the upgrade to MIUI 12/13 (in some regions — to MIUI 14). We will look at universal methods that work on all versions, as well as the nuances for specific builds. If you encounter an error “failed to install the default browser”, in the article there is a solution for this case.
Why Xiaomi Redmi 7 can’t just choose the default browser
Unlike pure Android, the MIUI shell limits the freedom to choose standard applications.
- 🔹 Xiaomi’s policy: the company promotes its services, including Mi Browser, which collects data for personalization of advertising (more in the privacy block).
- 🔹 Restrictions MIUI: In some firmware versions, the “Default Browser” item is hidden or blocked.
- 🔹 Regional settings: on devices for China (China) ROM) Changing your browser often requires additional manipulation.
For example, in MIUI 12 and later, the path to browser settings has changed, and in MIUI 10, permission to install from unknown sources for third-party browsers may be required.
Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings
This method works on most MIUI versions (from 10 to 14), but may vary depending on the regional firmware.
- Install an alternative browser (such as Chrome) from Google Play or through Google Play APK-File (if Play Market is not available).
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps (or Reset App Settings in older versions).
- Slip on the Browser item and select the desired application from the list.
If the browser item is not on the menu, try an alternative way:
Settings → Memory → Cleaning → Settings (cogs) → Default AppsInstall an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone
Close all open tabs in Mi Browser
Turn off your mobile data (if you use Wi-Fi)-->
⚠️ Attention: On China's firmware ROM (without Google services, there may be no browser change point. In this case, use Method 3c ADB.
Method 2: Reset application settings (if the browser does not change)
Sometimes MIUI forgets the changes or returns the Mi Browser after the reboot.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on three points → Reset application settings.
- Confirm action. This will reset all standard applications (browser, SMS, calls) to factory settings.
- After reset, repeat Method 1 and select the desired browser.
Important: This method also resets permissions for all applications (camera, microphone, etc.) After the procedure, check the privacy settings in Settings → Privacy.
| MIUI version | The Way to Change the Browser | nuance |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10/11 | Settings → Applications → Applications by default | It may need to be rebooted. |
| MIUI 12/13 | Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ → Default applications | The "Browser" item is sometimes hidden in the submenus |
| China ROM | Absent from GUI | ADB or root rights required |
Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change
If standard methods don’t work (especially on China ROM), the ADB team will help. This method requires a computer and enabled debugging over USB.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect Redmi 7 to a PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser Then: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package, for example, org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox).
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It may disrupt the system. Before executing commands, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
List of packages of popular browsers
What to do if the browser is reset after the MIUI update?
Once the firmware update is updated, MIUI can automatically return the Mi Browser as standard.
- 🔧 Turn off auto-update MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⋮ → Settings → Auto-update (off).
- 🔧 Freeze the Mi Browser through ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser (Defrosting: Replace Disable with Enable).
- 🔧 Use Launcher: Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) allow you to attach your browser to a gesture or icon, ignoring system settings.
💡
After the update MIUI browser reset again, try to delete updates for Mi Browser via Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → ⋮ → Remove updates. This will bring the app back to the factory version, which can be less in conflict with alternative browsers.
Privacy: Why should you give up Mi Browser?
Mi Browser collects data about visited sites, search queries and even user location. According to a study by FTC (2022), Xiaomi transferred user information to servers in Singapore and Russia, even when the data collection function was disabled in the settings. Alternative browsers (for example, Firefox Focus or Brave) offer:
- 🛡️ Blocking Trackers by Default.
- 🌍 Selection of data storage region (e.g. servers in the EU for compliance) GDPR).
- 🔒 Traffic encryption (in Brave built-in) VPN).
💡
If privacy is critical to you, then you should also disable Personalized Recommendations in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Privacy and delete the history in Mi Browser (if you have used it before).