Why can’t you just choose a different browser on Xiaomi?
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones run on the MIUI proprietary shell, which actively promotes its own services - including the Mi Browser browser. Even if you installed Chrome, Firefox or Edge, the system will open links in the standard application by default. This is not a bug, but a feature of the MIUI policy: the manufacturer blocks direct browser selection in the Android settings, as does Samsung or Google Pixel.
The problem is complicated by the fact that with the release of Android 10+ Google has limited the ability to change the default browser through system settings, and now requires workarounds, from manually configuring individual applications to using the browser. ADB-In this article, we will discuss all the relevant ways to MIUI 12–14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions).
⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware MIUI (without Google services, some methods may not work due to the lack of Android System WebView, in which case you will need to pre-install Google Mobile Services (GMS).
Method 1: Setup link opening for each application
The most reliable method without root rights is to manually specify the preferred browser for each application that generates links (messengers, social networks, mail, etc.) This will not change the default browser at the system level, but will force WhatsApp, Telegram or Gmail to open links in your chosen browser.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Find an application that opens links in the wrong browser (for example, Twitter or VKontakte).
- 🔗 Tap on Open by Default (or Default Settings in New Versions) MIUI).
- 🌐 In the Websites section, select the browser you want (e.g. Google Chrome).
🔹 Limitation: You have to repeat the procedure for each application separately, but this method works even on the computer. MIUI 14 without additional manipulation.
Install an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) from Google Play|
Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone |
Close all background applications before setting up |
Make a backup of important bookmarks from Mi Browser
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Method 2: Using ADB to Force Browser Change
For advanced users, there is a radical method of changing system settings through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which will allow you to globally change the default browser, but requires a connection to a computer and enable debugging over USB.
Step-by-step:
- Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to unlock Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer and enable USB Debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC: Install ADB-Drivers to the computer. In the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) perform: adb devices Confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
Run the command to change the browser:
adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main🔹 Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package:
- Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
- Microsoft Edge: com.microsoft.emmx
- Opera: com.opera.browser
⚠️ Warning: After restarting the device or updating MIUI You can reset the settings. To record the changes, you can do an extra command:
adb shell settings put global default_browser_package com.android.chromeWhat if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 3: Remove Mi Browser via uninstaller (requires root)
If you're willing to take drastic measures, you can completely remove Mi Browser with root access, and then the system automatically prompts you to choose another browser when you first open a link, but this method is only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed.
Instructions:
- 🔧 Install Root Explorer or Titanium Backup from the App Store.
- 🗑️ Find the system applications com.android.browser (Mi Browser) and com.mi.globalbrowser (global version).
- 🚫 Select the option to Delete (Do not Freeze!).
- 🔄 Reset the device.
After removing the Mi Browser, some system functions (such as opening links from notifications) may not work properly.
Mi Browser (standard) |
Google Chrome|
Mozilla Firefox|
Microsoft Edge|
The other (I'll write in the comments)
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Compatibility table with MIUI versions
| Method | MIUI 12 | MIUI 13 | MIUI 14 | Required. root/ADB | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setup link opening for each application | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | You need to manually adjust for each application |
| ADB-global shift-team | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️* | ✅ (ADB) | *Some devices with MIUI 14 require a re-entering command after a reboot. |
| Remove Mi Browser through root | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (root) | System functions associated with the browser may break |
| Launcher applications (Nova, Apex) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Do not affect the choice of browser by default |
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after a successful browser change, users are plagued with bugs, and here are the most common situations and ways to fix them:
1. Links still open in Mi Browser
- 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.
- 🧹 Clear the Mi Browser cache and data in Settings → Annexes.
- 🛠️ Check if the settings have reset after the update MIUI (relevant ADB-method).
2.After deleting Mi Browser, notifications with links stopped working
This is because some of Xiaomi’s system services are tied to a standard browser.
- 🔧 Install Mi Browser back, but freeze it with Titanium Backup or App Querent.
- 🔗 Use the Open Link With app from Google Play to force link redirects.
3. ADB does not apply changes
The problem may be:
- 🔌 Incorrectly installed drivers (try Xiaomi) ADB/Fastboot Tools).
- 📵 Locking down commands MIUI (chinese-free GMS ADB limited rights).
- 🔐 No permissions for debugging (check Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → Allow debugging (ADB)).
💡
If some sites open with an error after changing your browser, clear the Android System WebView cache in the application settings. This component is responsible for displaying web content in other applications.
Alternative solutions: workarounds
If none of these methods worked, consider these options:
1. Use of a browser with the function "Open in..."
Some browsers (such as Firefox or Kiwi Browser) allow you to intercept links from other applications:
- 🦊 In Firefox: Settings → Open links in Firefox.
- 🥝 In Kiwi Browser: Settings → Open supported links.
2. Applications for Referral of References
In Google Play there are utilities that force open all links in the selected browser:
- 🔗 Open Link With – allows you to select a browser for each link manually.
- 🌐 Better Open With – automatically redirects links to a given app.
3. Custom Recovery firmware (TWRP) + Magisk
For experienced users:
- 📱 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
- 🔧 Install. TWRP You can also download Universal Browser Switcher for Magisk.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the device and may result in a loss of warranty.Some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13) require waiting 7-15 days after the Mi Account is tied before unlocking.
💡
On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13+ The most reliable method is the combination ADB-commands and manually configure link opening for key applications (messengers, social networks).