How to change the main browser on the Xiaomi phone

Owning a modern Xiaomi smartphone involves using a variety of surfing apps on the Internet, but the system often imposes a standard browser on the user by default. It can be Mi Browser or Chrome, which do not always suit the owner of the device in functionality or interface. Fortunately, the Android operating system, which is the basis of the shells MIUI and HyperOS, makes it easy to change this setting.

Changing your primary browser opens up more convenient synchronization features, ad blockers, or just a familiar design. In this article, we will detail the process of switching between installed applications, eliminate possible errors, and look at the nuances of working with different versions of firmware, you will learn to manage the digital environment of your gadget as efficiently as possible.

The procedure takes only a few minutes and does not require root rights or deep technical knowledge. We will look at universal methods suitable for most current models, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Readiness for change is the only necessary attribute to get started.

Why Change Your Default Browser to Xiaomi

Many users ignore the possibility of changing the main application to open links, although this significantly affects speed and security. Standard solutions preinstalled by the manufacturer often contain redundant advertising or collect telemetry that the average user does not need. Installing an alternative, such as Firefox or Brave, eliminates visual noise.

In addition, specialized browsers offer advanced download management and tabs in the form of tiles, which is more convenient on large screens. System restrictions in older versions of MIUI sometimes blocked the installation of third-party launchers or browsers, but in current builds HyperOS this process is democratized as much as possible.

Here are the main reasons why you should consider changing the standard tool:

• 🚀 Increased page loading speeds thanks to optimized rendering engines.
• 🛡️ Improved protection against trackers and malicious scripts at the application level.
• 🎨 Flexible interface configuration, including themes, fonts and control layout.
• 🔄 Advanced synchronization capabilities with desktop versions of browsers on PC.

It's important to understand that changing the default browser doesn't remove the old application. It stays in the system and can be used in parallel if you open it directly through the icon, which gives you the freedom to experiment with different engines without the risk of data loss.

Preparing the device before changing settings

Before you make changes to system settings, you need to make sure that the alternative app is already installed on your device.If you plan to upgrade to Opera Mini or DuckDuckGo, download them from the official Google Play store or GetApps. APK-The file will make it impossible to choose it as a priority.

It is also recommended to check for updates for the operating system. In the Settings menu → About the phone you can see the current version of MIUI. Sometimes the bugs with redirecting links are fixed with security patches, so you should not ignore this step.

Follow the following steps to prepare:

• 📥 Download and install the desired browser from a reliable source.
• 🔄 Check for the latest Android system updates.
• 🗑️ Clear the old browser cache if it is not working properly.

Remember to log in to the new browser if you need history and password sync.This will take extra time after changing the default settings, so it’s better to do it in advance. Otherwise, you may face a situation where links are opened but your data is not loaded.

Instructions: change browser in MIUI and HyperOS

Xiaomi’s shell interface may vary depending on the Android version and regional firmware, but the logic of finding the right parameter remains the same across the ecosystem, so you need to get into the application management section, where the default software selection is hidden.

Go to the main settings menu and find the App item. In some firmware versions, it may be called Apps and Notifications. Next, select Application Management to see the full list of installed software. This is where the key setting is.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen (the action menu).
2. In the drop-down list, select the Application by default.
3. Find the Browser string and click on it.
4. In the list that opens, select the desired application from the proposed options.

Once selected, the system can request confirmation of actions, warning that all links will now open in the new application. Agree with the changes. Now, when you click on any link in the messenger or notes, the web browser you choose will automatically start.

Configuring permissions and data

Once you have installed a new browser as your primary browser, make sure it has all the necessary permissions to work properly, sometimes restricting the background activity of new applications, which leads to slow notification loads or session resets.

Go to the settings of a specific application through the Application menu → App management. Find your new browser and go to Permissions. Make sure that storage (for downloads) and geolocation are enabled if necessary.

The table below will help you compare standard permission settings:

⚠️ Note: Do not grant permission to “Map on Other Windows” to unverified browsers, as this can be used to create fake password windows.

If you see strange behavior after you change your main browser, try to clear the data of the old application. This will reset its settings to factory settings, but will not delete the program itself. → Clear it all up.

Problem Solving: Links Open in the Wrong Browser

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where, despite the settings, links continue to open in the old application, this can be caused by caching actions or conflict of priorities in the Android system, in which cases manual preference reset is required.

Find the app that has captured the opening of links (like an old browser or even a social networking app). Go to its settings through the general application menu. At the bottom of the screen or in the optional settings menu, find the Open by default option.

Next, follow the following steps:

• 🔘 Click Reset the default settings or Remove the settings.
• 🔗 Try to open any link from the messenger again.
• ✅ The system will again suggest selecting an application for this action.

💡

If the problem persists, try temporarily disabling the old browser in the application settings and then turning it back on.

In rare cases, the problem lies in specific file types or protocols. For example, some applications may ignore the system choice for internal links. Make sure that the browser settings in the Settings → Applications section are the default confirmation tick.

Features of working with different shells Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s ecosystem is heterogeneous: global firmware versions, Chinese builds and Russian localizations may differ in the menu structure. Owners of devices with HyperOS (based on Android 14 and later) will notice a stricter security policy, which requires additional confirmation when changing system applications.

On devices with MIUI 12 and 13, the path to settings could be slightly changed for minimalist reasons. If standard search doesn't work, use the search bar at the top of the settings menu. Type "default browser" and the system will redirect you to the desired section.

Key differences in interfaces:

• 📱 MIUI 11-12: The "Default Apps" item is often located inside the "Additional" section".
• 🌍 Global version: Full integration with Google services, Chrome selection offered immediately.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese version: Focus on Mi Browser, change may require installation of Google services.

⚠️ Note: On Chinese versions of firmware without localization (through the Second Space app or region change methods), the system browser can be tightly integrated into news and widgets, making it impossible to completely replace it without deep modification of the system.

Understanding the specifics of your version of the software helps you find the right switches faster. If you upgrade to the latest version of HyperOS, pay attention to the new selection animations, which have become smoother and more informative.

💡

The main secret of a successful change is not just to choose a new browser in the list, but to pre-reset the settings of the old one to avoid priority conflicts.

The impact of browser choice on autonomy

Choosing a primary browser directly affects the smartphone’s lifetime from a single charge. Heavy web pages with video ads and complex scripts can significantly load the processor. Optimized browsers like Opera Mini or UC Browser use traffic saving mode by passing data through their servers.

This not only speeds up loading, but also reduces power consumption, since the processor is less active, while "heavy" browsers with many extensions can drain the battery faster, especially when using background tabs.

Recommendations for choosing to save energy:

• ⚡ Use the "Data Saving" mode when the network signal is weak.
• 🌙 Enable a dark theme in the browser settings for AMOLED-Xiaomi screens.
• 🚫 Block autoplay video so as not to waste charge.

Experiment with different options, tracking the statistics in the Battery section, where you will see how much percent of the charge is consumed by each running process, which will help you find the perfect balance between functionality and autonomy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)