Owning a modern Xiaomi smartphone implies a huge number of features, but the standard settings of the system do not always correspond to the individual preferences of the user. One of the first questions that arise after buying a new device or updating the firmware is to change the application, which automatically opens links from instant messengers and other programs. By default, the system often offers its own Mi Browser browser, which may not suit the owner due to the abundance of advertising, interface features or just habit to other software.
The process of changing the default browser on devices with a MIUI shell or a new HyperOS is technically simple, but the algorithm of actions can vary depending on the version of Android and the regional version of the firmware. Users often face confusion in the settings menu, where the system aggressively promotes its own services. In this article, we will discuss in detail each step necessary to assign Google Chrome, Opera or any other web browser to the main tool for surfing the Internet.
Before you go into technical manipulation, it is worth understanding that replacing a standard application does not remove it from the device’s memory. The system browser will remain in place and will continue to function, but will stop running automatically when you click on hyperlinks in other applications. This gives you complete freedom of choice: you can use one browser for work and another for entertainment, but the links will open in the window you choose the main one.
Why Change the Standard Browser on Xiaomi
Many users wonder if it makes sense to spend time configuring the system if the standard application is functional. However, Xiaomi’s standard browser is often criticized for its aggressive policies regarding advertising and news that fill the homepage. Moreover, traffic compression and synchronization algorithms with cloud services may not work as efficiently as those of specialized competitors such as Firefox or Brave.
Another important aspect is data security: Third-party browser developers often offer more advanced built-in ad blockers, anti-tracker protection, and incognito mode with additional privacy layers. By assigning such an application to the mainstream, you provide a more secure and cleaner web surfing experience for all programs that use web links.
Also worth mentioning is performance: Some lightweight browsers consume less RAM, which is critical for low-end models of Redmi or Poco smartphones. Replacing a heavy standard application with an optimized counterpart can have a positive impact on page opening speed and overall responsiveness of the system when multitasking.
Preparing for the application change by default
Before you make changes to your HyperOS or MIUI system settings, make sure that the alternative app is already installed on your device.If you plan to use Google Chrome, it is likely already present on the system, but other options, such as DuckDuckGo or Edge, will require a pre-load from the Google Play store.
It is also important to check that the installed application has all the necessary permissions to work correctly. Sometimes after installation, a new browser requires confirmation of network or storage rights, and without this it can not become a full replacement for the standard tool.
☑️ Checklist before setting up
It is important to make sure that your device does not activate third-party launchers or optimization programs that can intercept the management of system settings. In rare cases, such utilities can reset your preferences or block the change of default settings, considering this an action that affects stability.
Instructions: change the browser through system settings
The most reliable and versatile way to change the default app is to use the deep settings menu of the Android operating system.This method works on all current versions of Xiaomi shells, regardless of whether you are using the global version of firmware or Chinese. The algorithm of actions requires care, since menu items can be called slightly differently depending on the translation.
To start, open the main settings menu of your smartphone and find a section that is usually called Applications. In some versions of MIUI, this item may be hidden inside the submenu Additional or called Application Management. We need to get into the management of system priorities, not just a list of installed software.
Next, select Settings (often the gear icon in the corner or a separate line in the app menu) and find the default App option. In the list, you will see categories: phone, messages, camera and, of course, browser. By clicking on the current selection, the system will give you a list of all installed web browsers from which to choose the desired one.
What if there is no "Default App" clause?
Once you select a new browser, the system can issue a warning that a third-party app will access links, which is a standard Android security measure that confirms your action, and now all links from messengers, emails and social networks will open in the app of your choice, ignoring the standard Mi Browser.
Alternative method through the application menu
There is a faster, but less obvious way to change priorities, which is available directly through the application-specific management menu, and it's convenient because you customize the application you want to make the primary one, bypassing the general system settings, and it's especially useful if you can't find the right item in the general system settings.
Go to your Xiaomi smartphone Settings and select the Apps section, then go to All Apps. Find the browser you want to make the primary (like Chrome or Yandex) in the list and click on it. The app card will open with version information, memory and control buttons.
Inside the app card, find the default Start or Open option. If it's active (not grey), click on it. The menu that opens will have a switch or a default button. By activating this option, you force the application to be prioritized for processing web links.
⚠️ Note: If the Default Start option is inactive or absent, this means that the system has already hard-coded another browser, and you need to first reset the current browser's default settings through the system's general menu, as described in the previous section.
The good thing about this method is that it allows you to switch between browsers quickly if you're testing different options, but it's worth remembering that some versions of HyperOS give priority to settings set through the main "Default Apps" menu, so the method through the application card can serve as an indicator of current status rather than a tool for change.
Comparison of popular browsers for Android
Choosing a primary browser is a matter of taste, but Xiaomi owners also care about optimization and power consumption. There are many options on the market, each with its own strengths. To help you determine, we compare the main characteristics of market leaders in the context of using MIUI devices and the main characteristics of the market leaders.