How to change the main browser to Xiaomi: 3 working ways to MIUI

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones default on the Mi Browser browser, an app with pre-installed services, advertising and limited privacy settings. However, many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Brave because of the faster speed, synchronization with other devices, or the lack of unnecessary Xiaomi “chips”.

The problem is that MIUI actively resists the default browser replacement: hides settings, resets choices after updates, or even blocks the possibility of changing some regional firmware. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the main browser, from standard methods to workarounds for “hard” versions of MIUI 12-14, and find out why the system can ignore your choice and how to fix it.

⚠️ Important: On devices with firmware for China (CN-version (IN-version) some methods may not work due to Xiaomi's policy on regional restrictions. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

1. Standard method: through application settings

The most obvious method is to use Android built-in tools, which runs on most global firmware (MIUI Global), but may not be available in regional versions (for example, for Russia or Europe with pre-installed services).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on Browser.
4. In the list, select the desired application (such as Chrome or Firefox).

⚠️ Note: If your browser is missing from the list, install it from Google Play first and run it at least once. Xiaomi hides unused apps from the default selection menu.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play|Open it at least once.|Check for the "Default Applications" option in the settings|Restart your phone after changing-->

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) the path may be different:

Settings → Applications → All Apps → [Select browser] → Open by default → Clear default settings

2.The bypass: resetting application settings

If the standard method didn’t work, try resetting the default settings for Mi Browser.This will cause the system to re-request browser selection the next time a link is opened.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser (or com.android.browser) in the list.
3. Tap Open by default → Reset by default settings.
4. Now open any link (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp) – the system will prompt you to choose a browser again.

🔹 Why it works: Xiaomi blocks direct browser change, but resetting bypasses this restriction, as the system perceives this as the “first open” link.

3. Radical method: disabling Mi Browser

If the previous methods didn't work, you can completely disable the standard browser, which will force the system to use the alternative browser by default, but be careful: on some firmware, disabling system applications causes crashes.

Step-by-step:

1. Install an alternative browser (like Chrome) and open it.
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Find Mi Browser (or com.miui.browser).
4. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Remove Updates first).
5. Confirm the action. Now all links will open in an alternative browser.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI 13/14 In Europe, disabling Mi Browser could cause the weather widgets or news on the home screen to disappear, and can only be restored through resetting.

Mi Browser (standard)|Google Chrome|Mozilla Firefox|Brave|Other-->

4.For Advanced: Change through ADB

If your firmware blocks all browser changes, the last option is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and enabled USB debugging, but is guaranteed to work on any version of MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser For Mi Browser in new firmware use: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.browser
4. Reset the device.

🔹 What to do if ADB can't see the device:

• 📱 Make sure that the developer settings include Debugging by USB (safe-haven).
• 🖥️ Install Xiaomi drivers for your model (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).

💡

If you lose your widgets after you turn off the Mi Browser, return them via Settings → Home Screen → Widgets. Most of the features (weather, calendar) work through a separate MiuiHome app, not through a browser.

5.Table of methods compatibility with MIUI versions

Not all methods work on all firmware, and below is the compatibility summary table for popular versions of MIUI (data up to 2026):

🔍 How to find out your version MIUI?

Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If the name has the letters EEA, RU or IN, it is a regional firmware with restrictions. The global version is denoted as Global.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, users are faced with bugs.

Problem 1: After the reboot, the Mi Browser opens again.

Solution: This is a feature of MIUI, which resets settings when you update or reboot, to reinforce the choice:

• 📌 Turn off automatic update of Mi Browser in Google Play.
• 📌 Use it. ADB for complete removal (command: adb shell pm uninstall) -k --user 0 com.miui.browser).
• 📌 Install Chrome as the default browser through Settings → Google → Google services → Advertising → Resetting advertising ID (jockey).

Problem 2: In some apps (such as Facebook or TikTok), links still open in Mi Browser.

Solution: This is related to the settings of specific applications. Go to:

Settings → Applications → [Select App] → Open supported links

and turn off Mi Browser manually for each application.

Problem 3: On the lock screen or notifications, links open in Mi Browser.

Solution: This is a system limitation. The only way out is to disable the Mi Browser completely via ADB or use Xiaomi.eu (unofficial firmware without regional restrictions).

💡

On Xiaomi.eu firmware (custom) the default browser problem is not — you can freely choose any browser without workarounds. However, installing such firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and removes the device from the warranty.

7. Alternative firmware: a radical solution

If you’re tired of struggling with the limitations of MIUI, consider installing an alternative firmware.This is an extreme method, but it’s guaranteed to solve the problem with the browser and many other Xiaomi features.

Firmware options:

• 🌍 Xiaomi.eu is an unofficial global firmware without advertising and regional restrictions. Supports all Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO.
• 🤖 LineageOS or Pixel Experience – pure Android without shell MIUI. Requires unlocking the loader.
• ⚡ Custom ROM (For example, ArrowOS or HavocOS) – firmware with advanced settings and support for themes.

⚠️ Attention: Installation of custom firmware:

• 🔓 Requires unlocking the bootloader (the procedure takes up to 72 hours on new models).
• 📉 Remove the device from the warranty (in some markets, for example, in Europe, the warranty is retained).
• 🔄 May cause data loss – make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

🔧 How to install Xiaomi.eu:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Download the firmware for your model from Xiaomi.eu.
3. Install it via TWRP (Castom Recovery) or Fastboot.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions