How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note 10: full instructions with pictures

Why should Redmi Note 10 change the standard browser?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 comes pre-installed with Mi Browser, a proprietary solution from Xiaomi that is integrated into MIUI firmware. However, many users prefer alternative options: Google Chrome for synchronizing with your account, Mozilla Firefox for advanced privacy settings or Opera for built-in VPN. Changing the browser by default allows you to open links automatically in the app you choose, rather than in the standard Mi Browser.

The process of changing the browser on Redmi Note 10 takes no more than 5 minutes, but has nuances due to the features of the MIUI shell. In some versions of the firmware, the path to settings may differ, and in Chinese versions of MIUI (for example, MIUI China) there is no possibility of changing the browser at all without additional manipulations. In this article, we will consider all the current methods - from the standard method to workarounds for "persistent" versions of the firmware.

It is important to understand that since MIUI 13, Xiaomi has limited the default browser change for some regions, citing “user experience optimization,” but even in such cases, there are workarounds, which you will learn about in the section on alternative methods.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you change your default browser, follow a few preparatory steps, which will save you from common problems such as not having the right application in the list or crashing when opening links.

• 📱 Install an alternative browser from Google Play (like Chrome, Firefox or Edge).Without this step in the settings, there simply won't be any options to choose from.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI In the old firmware (for example, in the latest version, MIUI 12.0 and below) the settings interface may be different and some features may not be available.
• 🛠️ Check the firmware region. MIUI China MIUI Global for India, some settings may be hidden. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔒 Turn off battery optimization for the new browser so it doesn't close in the background. → Annexes → Application management → [Select your browser] → Battery → No restrictions.

If you plan to use Google Chrome, please note that some versions of the Redmi Note 10 (especially those with firmware in China) may not be installed through the Play Market due to the lack of Google services. APK-file from the official website and install manually.

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

This is the simplest method that works on most versions of MIUI 12.5 and later. If your Redmi Note 10 is updated to the latest firmware, follow this instruction:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. At the top of the screen, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list that appears, select the browser you want (e.g. Chrome or Firefox).
6. Confirm the choice by pressing OK or Set by default.

If your browser is not on the list, make sure it is installed and updated, sometimes it helps to restart the phone after you install a new browser.

Method 2: An alternative path through application settings

On some versions of MIUI (e.g. 12.0.3 or 12.5 Enhanced), the default App option may not be on the menu, in which case try an alternative route:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Find the Mi Browser (or current default browser) in the list and tap it.
3. At the bottom of the screen, select Open Supported Links.
4. Click Open Supported Links → In this app (to disable it as the default browser).
5. Go back to the app list, find the browser you want (like Chrome) and repeat steps 3-4, but select Open by default.

This works if the standard method is not available, but on some firmware (e.g. MIUI China), even this path can be blocked, in which case move to method 3.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI 13+ for China ROM) Replacing the default browser may require unlocking the bootloader and installing Global ROM. This is due to Xiaomi’s policy of restricting customization in Chinese versions.

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

If your Redmi Note 10 runs on MIUI China or other “stripped” firmware where browser change is blocked, you can use the ADB command. This method requires connecting the phone to your computer and basic knowledge of working with the command line.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable for Connection.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and allow debugging (a request will appear on the phone screen).
2. Open the command prompt (CMD) on your computer and type:

adb devices

(The serial number of your device should be displayed.)

1. Enter the command to reset the browser by default:

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.browser/com.android.browser.BrowserActivity

(Replace com.android.browser with your browser package, such as com.android.chrome for Chrome.)

1. Reboot the phone.

After the reboot, check if the browser has changed by default. If not, repeat the command with the correct packet name (you can find it through the App Inspector app from the Play Market).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-You can have a problem with your team, and you can't change your settings unless you're sure you're doing something.

Table: Browser comparison for Redmi Note 10

To choose the best browser for your Redmi Note 10, compare their key features:

For most Redmi Note 10 users, Google Chrome (by syncing with other devices) or Brave (if private surfing is important), Opera is suitable for those who use VPNs often, and Firefox is suitable for developers and advanced users.

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If after changing the browser links still open in Mi Browser, clear the cache and data of the Settings application (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Storage → Clear cache / data).

What to do if the browser does not change?

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the Redmi Note 10 persistently opens links to the Mi Browser.

• 🔄 Cache Systems: Clear the Settings section cache (as in the tip above) and restart the phone.
• 📦 Limitations MIUI: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) The solution is to reflash the phone on Global. ROM use ADB-commands (mode 3).
• 🔗 Link settings: Check if forced link opening is set in Mi Browser via Settings → Annexes → [Your browser] → Open supported links.
• 🛡️ Antivirus or Optimizer: Some applications (e.g., Security from Xiaomi) may reset default settings.

If nothing helps, try installing your browser through APK-file (e.g. from APKMirror) rather than through Play Market. Sometimes this solves the problem of not having a browser in the default application list.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing your browser to Redmi Note 10

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If you are using Chinese firmware (China) ROM), The only working way to change the browser is to flash it to Global ROM use ADB-team.