How to change the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: 3 proven methods

Why users want to change the standard browser to Redmi Note 8T

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T comes with preinstalled browser Mi Browser — a proprietary solution from Xiaomi, integrated into the shell MIUI. However, many owners of the device prefer alternative options: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera. the reasons for this choice are diverse — from the desire to synchronize bookmarks between devices to dissatisfaction with aggressive advertising in a standard browser.

The main claims of Mi Browser on the Redmi Note 8T:

• 📢 Intrusive advertising in the news feed and on the start page
• 🔒 Limited privacy settings compared to Chrome or Firefox
• 🚀 Slower operation with a large number of open tabs
• 🔄 Lack of smooth sync with Google or Microsoft accounts

Fortunately, MIUI allows you to change the default browser, but the process is not always obvious to beginners. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change your browser to Redmi Note 8T, including bypassing possible system limitations.

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which works on all firmware versions for the Redmi Note 8T, including MIUI 12/13/14.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings menu (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on the Browser line.
5. In the list of available browsers, select the desired one (for example, Chrome or Firefox).

Install an alternative browser from Google Play|Close all open tabs in Mi Browser|Connect to Wi-Fi to download updates |Check the free space on the device (minimum 200 MB)

-->

⚠️ Note: If the browser you want is not on the list, make sure it is installed and updated to the latest version. MIUI Does not display applications with outdated versions.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the browser does not change)

Sometimes MIUI can "forget" changes or block the browser change due to the system cache, in which case resetting the application settings will help.

How to perform the reset:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action (password or pattern lock may be required).
4. After the reboot, repeat Method 1 to change your browser.

⚠️ Note: This method does not delete application data (such as bookmarks in the browser), but resets all permissions. If you use Mi Browser to store passwords, we recommend pre-exporting them to Settings. → Passwords and security → Password exports.

Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change (for advanced ones)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to limitations of corporate firmware), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to a PC.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi Note 8T: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate Debugging on USB.

ADB

adb shell pm clear-defaults com.android.browser

(Replace com.android.browser with your current browser package if it is different).

Then, install the new browser by default through the standard menu.

💡

If you don’t know the browser package, use the command adb shell pm list packages | grep browser to find its identifier.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not change the settings if you are not sure of their purpose, for example, the command adb shell pm clear without specifying the package will delete the data of all applications!

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you change your browser to Redmi Note 8T, you're going to have a problem with the typical ones.

• 🔄 "No available browsers on the list" → Install an alternative browser from Google Play and restart the device. MIUI Does not update the list of applications in real time.
• 🚫 "You can't change the default settings" → This may be due to device policies (e.g., in corporate phones).Try Method 3 with ADB.
• 📥 "After updating MIUI browser-dropped" → Firmware updates sometimes reset default settings.Repeat settings after upgrade.
• 🔒 "Browser changes, but links still open in Mi Browser" → Clear the app's cache Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Clear the cache.

💡

If after changing the browser links from messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) open in the old browser, check the settings of these applications - there may be your own parameter "Open links in..."

How to Get Mi Browser Back

If you decide to go back to the standard browser after experimenting, do the following:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Apps.
2. Select the browser and tap on Mi Browser.
3. If Mi Browser is not listed, reinstall it via Google Play (search for "Mi Browser").

⚠️ Note: Some firmware Mi Browser cannot be completely removed - it is a system application. → Annexes → Mi Browser → It will free up space in memory and hide the icon, but it won't delete the application files.

Alternative browsers for Redmi Note 8T: comparison

The choice of browser depends on your priorities: speed, privacy or additional features.

For the Redmi Note 8T with 4GB of RAM, Firefox (a balance of speed and privacy) or Opera (if built-in VPN is important), while syncing with other Google devices is the best option.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions