How to change the main browser on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones default on the Mi Browser browser, an app with pre-installed bookmarks, news feeds and integration with the company’s services. However, many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Brave because of their faster speed, synchronization with other devices or lack of advertising. In this article, we’ll discuss how to assign another browser to the main browser on any Xiaomi device, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark, regardless of the MIUI version (12 to 14).

It's important to understand that the process is different from the default default application change in Android. MIUI It aggressively promotes its own browser, sometimes even resetting after system updates. We'll look at three working methods: through system settings, using the system settings. ADB-We'll also look at the teams (for power users) and the workaround for cases where the system blocks changes, and we'll also look at why some links open in Mi Browser after you change your browser, and how to fix them.

If you're using a device on MIUI 14 or later, note that the company has tightened restrictions on changing standard applications, and in some regions (e.g. Europe), these settings may be hidden due to legal requirements, but workarounds still exist, and you can read about them in the relevant section.

1. Standard method: through Android settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in Android tools. It works on most Xiaomi devices, but may be limited to some firmware for the Chinese market (China ROM).

1. Open the Settings (⚙️) on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select the Applications by default.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list of available applications, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not on the list, make sure it is installed and updated to the latest version. Sometimes MIUI does not display newly installed applications - in which case, restart the device and try again.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play|Update the application to the latest version|Reboot your smartphone before changing your settings|Check for administrator rights in the browser (if required)-->

Method limitation: on some firmware (MIUI 13/14 for China), the default Appendix may be missing or blocked.

2. Change browser via ADB (for advanced users)

If the standard method didn't work, you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but it's guaranteed to work even on locked firmware.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 🔧 Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot
• 🔒 Included debugging by USB smartphone

Instructions:

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

Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.

Open the command prompt (Terminal on macOS/Linux or CMD on Windows) and type:

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser


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

Replace com.android.browser with your browser package (e.g. com.android.chrome for Chrome).

Reset the device.

A unique feature for Xiaomi is that once these commands are executed, the system can return the Mi Browser as its main one at the next update. To consolidate the changes, repeat the procedure after each major MIUI update.

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If you don’t know the batch name of the browser, install the App Inspector app from Google Play – it will show the full path to any application.

3. bypass: Redirecting links through "Open with"

If none of the previous methods worked, you can use manual redirects. This method does not change the default browser globally, but allows you to open links in the selected application:

1. Open any link (for example, in a message or note).
2. In the window that appears, select Open with help.
3. Check Always and select the browser you want.

The disadvantage of the method is that you have to repeat the action for each type of link (from Telegram, WhatsApp, email, etc.), but this is the only working option for firmware with strict restrictions (for example, MIUI China).

Problems and Solutions: Why the Browser Has Not Changed

Even after a successful browser change, Xiaomi users often find that some links still open in the Mi Browser, and here are common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Pay special attention to Xiaomi apps (such as Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps) that often ignore system settings and open links to Mi Browser. The only way to fight is to remove or freeze these apps through ADB:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.video


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop

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

5. Alternative solutions: Launching the browser through a shortcut

If all attempts to change the browser by default have failed, you can go to the trick of creating a shortcut to quickly launch the desired browser. This will not solve the problem completely, but will speed up access to your favorite application:

1. Hold your finger in the free seat of the main screen.
2. Select Widgets → Application shortcuts.
3. Drag your browser shortcut onto the screen.
4. If necessary, rename it (for example, "Chrome - the main").

If after changing the browser there are problems, return the settings to the factory:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Select Reset application settings by default.
3. Confirm the action.

This will return Mi Browser as the primary, but it will save all your data and installed applications.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions