How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi

Owning a smartphone Xiaomi Redmi opens up a wide range of customization options for the user, but the proprietary shell MIUI, and now the new HyperOS, often dictates its rules. By default, the system insists on using the built-in Mi Browser application, which many consider overloaded advertising and unnecessary functions. Replacing this application with the more familiar Google Chrome, Yandex.Browser or Firefox is a task of paramount importance for comfortable use of the device.

The process of changing a standard browser does not require superuser rights or complex technical manipulations. The entire procedure is performed through the standard settings menu of the Android operating system, adapted by Xiaomi engineers. It is important to understand that depending on the firmware version and region, the names of menu items may vary slightly, but the logic of the work remains unchanged.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions for the current versions of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and the new HyperOS. You will learn how not only to assign a new application, but also how to reset the wrong settings if the system stopped asking for your choice when opening links.

Why you should replace Mi Browser with an alternative

Xiaomi’s standard browser certainly has its advantages, such as built-in traffic saving mode and the ability to download videos from sites. However, for many users, it becomes a source of annoyance due to the abundance of news feeds, push notifications and advertising banners. Third-party browsers often offer a cleaner interface and better synchronization with desktop versions.

Using an alternative page rendering engine can have a positive impact on device autonomy. Many popular browsers have more efficient tracking and advertising blocking algorithms, which reduces the load on the processor and saves battery power. In addition, expanding the functionality with plugins gives the user full control over the display of content.

⚠️ Warning: Before deleting or disabling your system browser, make sure that you have an alternative application installed and configured. In some rare cases, system links may not open correctly unless a default handler is selected.

Among the most popular alternatives, Redmi users most often choose the following options:

• 🌐 Google Chrome is the benchmark for speed and full sync with your Google account on PC and other devices.
• 🛡️ Mozilla Firefox is the choice for those who value privacy and the ability to install extensions.
• 🚀 Yandex.Browser – optimized for Russian users, has a built-in translator and turbo mode.
• ⚡ Via Browser is an ultra-lightweight application for older Redmi models, taking up a minimum of space.

The choice of a particular product depends on your personal preferences and habits. If you are actively using the Google ecosystem, then it would be logical to appoint Chrome. For users of Yandex services, the company’s native browser is preferable. The main thing is to make this choice consciously so that the system stops imposing its options.

Preparation for the change of the standard annex

Before you go to the system settings, you need to make sure that the desired application is already installed on your device. There are a huge number of options in the Google Play Store, but you just need to download one to get started. The installation process is standard and does not require additional explanation, but there are nuances with access rights.

After installing a new browser, a primary launch is recommended, which is necessary to ensure that the application has time to register itself as a web link handler, and if you try to choose an application that has never been launched as a standard, the system may behave unpredictable or simply not show it in the list.

Also worth checking for updates to the operating system. In newer versions of MIUI and HyperOS, the default application management algorithms may have been changed. Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version to check the relevance of the software. This will help avoid bugs associated with the selection of applications.

An important step is to clear the old browser cache if you've used it before. Accumulated temporary files may conflict with new settings. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find Mi Browser and select Clear. This action will not delete your bookmarks, but reset temporary data.

Browser change algorithm in MIUI 12, 13, 14

In the classic versions of the MIUI shell, the default application assignment process is quite logical, although hidden in the depths of the menu. You don't need third-party utilities or hidden codes. All the necessary tools are already built into the smartphone management system.

To start, open the main settings menu of your Redmi. Usually the gear icon is on the desktop or in the notification curtain. We are interested in the section of the Application that is responsible for managing all installed software. In some versions of the firmware, this item may be called "Applications and Notifications".

Follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. In the app menu, find and click on the default App item, which is usually located at the top of the list or in the optional menu (three dots in the corner).
2. In the list that opens, find the Browser category. By default, it will indicate Mi Browser or the one you select now.
3. Click on the current value. The system will offer a list of all installed browsers that can open links.
4. Select the application you want from the list. The system can warn you about changing standards, confirm the action.

Once you do this, all links from messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber) and other apps will automatically open in your browser of choice, so you will no longer see pop-ups asking “Open to....” This greatly speeds up the work with content.

It is worth noting that in MIUI 14, Xiaomi started to implement elements similar to pure Android, but retained its menu structure. If you do not find the path described, use the search bar at the top of the settings screen. Type the "default browser" request, and the system will redirect you to the desired section.

Setting up apps by default in HyperOS

With the release of HyperOS, which is gradually replacing MIUI on the new Redmi models, the settings interface has changed. Logic has remained the same, but the visual design and location of the items have become more minimalist.

In HyperOS, standard applications are managed in a more accessible location. Open Settings and scroll down to the App section. Here you will see the default App item, which is often accompanied by a tick or asterisk icon indicating status.

The selection process in HyperOS looks like this:

• 📱 Click on the Browser item in the category list.
• 🔍 In the window that opens, select Google Chrome or other preferred browser.
• ✅ Confirm the choice if the system requests permission to change the standard.

HyperOS features a more aggressive energy saving policy, and after changing your browser, you should go to the battery settings and set the background limit in No Limits mode for the new standard application, which will allow links to open instantly even if the browser is closed.

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Expert advice: HyperOS has a feature called "Game Acceleration." If you're a gamer, make sure your new browser doesn't make it to the list of gaming apps, otherwise it can run in game mode with changed colors and disabled notifications.

If the links still open in Mi Browser after changing the settings, try rebooting the device. In HyperOS, the caching of the settings can be deeper, and rebooting will help the system to apply new priorities to all services.

Reset application settings and fix problems

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the system "forgets" the choice or blocks the ability to change the browser, this can occur after updating the firmware or due to software failures, in which case you need to reset the application settings by default.

To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. In the upper right corner, click three dots and select Reset App Settings. This operation will return all standard file and link associations to factory status.

⚠️ Note: Resetting your app settings won’t delete your personal data, photos, or contacts, but you may reset your camera, microphone, and geolocation permissions for all applications.

Another common problem is that you can’t choose a third-party browser because of restrictions imposed by the manufacturer in some regions, in which case it helps to clean the data of the Mi Browser application itself. Go to Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear all data.

Below is a table to help diagnose browser change problems:

If none of these methods work, it makes sense to check for system updates. Xiaomi engineers regularly release patches that fix similar logical errors in the shell, and you can also try to remove the updates to the Mi Browser itself, rolling it back to the factory version.

Optimizing the operation of the new browser on Redmi

After a successful browser change by default, it is worth taking care of its proper operation in the environment. MIUI/HyperOS. These shells are known for their aggressive work with background processes, which can lead to the browser being unloaded from memory and long loading of pages when reopening.

First, pin the new browser to a list of recent apps. Open the browser, then go to the menu of running tasks (swipe from the bottom up and hold or menu button). Find the browser window and pull it down or press the lock to lock. This will signal the system not to unload the application.

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Fixing the application in memory and removing battery restrictions are key steps for fast browser operation on Xiaomi, as the system tends to save charge by closing the background processes.

Next, set up autorun. Go to Security (standard for Xiaomi) → Permissions → Autorun. Find your new browser and activate the switch. This will allow it to respond faster to external links and update news feeds in the background if necessary.

Don't forget to set up sync. If you've switched from another Android smartphone or iPhone, log in to your account (Google, Yandex, Firefox) to recover your history, passwords and bookmarks. This will take a couple of minutes, but save hours of time in the future.

For advanced users, DNS settings are available inside the browser. Using a secure DNS (such as Cloudflare or Google) can speed up page opening and improve connection security, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks. These settings are usually located in the Privacy or Security section within the browser itself.