How to change the main browser on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways and nuances

Changing the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi 9 seems like an easy task, but device owners often face the nuances of MIUI - the brand shell from Xiaomi. Unlike "pure" Android, there may be no usual menu items, and system restrictions sometimes block the installation of alternative browsers. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the browser (including bypassing the restrictions of MIUI), explain why some methods stop working after updates, and give recommendations for choosing the best browser for Redmi 9, taking into account its technical features.

It is important to understand that the procedure depends on the version of MIUI: on MIUI 12 and MIUI 13, the algorithm differs from MIUI 14, where Xiaomi has tightened its security policy. It also plays a role in whether the device has global (Global) or Chinese (China) firmware - in the latter some settings are hidden. We tested all methods on Redmi 9 (model M2003J15SC) with different versions of the software, so the instructions are relevant for most users.

If you have previously tried to change your browser and received an error “It is impossible to set by default” or the Mi Browser system application automatically returned, do not miss the section on solving typical problems.

Why Change Your Default Browser to Xiaomi Redmi 9

The standard Mi Browser browser on Redmi 9 has several drawbacks that make users look for alternatives:

• 📊 Data collection: Xiaomi openly admits that the browser transmits usage statistics to the company’s servers (even in “private mode»).
• ⚡ Performance: Against the background of limited 4 GB of RAM in the Redmi 9 Mi Browser consumes up to 300-400 MB of memory when opening 5-6 tabs.
• 🔒 In 2022, researchers discovered vulnerabilities in the browser that allow you to track your visit history.
• 🌍 Localization: In the global version MIUI browser often redirects to Chinese services (for example, when searching through the address bar).

Alternative browsers (such as Google Chrome, Firefox, or Brave) offer:

• 🛡️ Built-in ad blockers and trackers (saves traffic on Redmi 9 with its modest battery 5020 mAh).
• 🔄 Synchronize bookmarks and history between devices (useful if you have a PC or tablet).
• 🎨 A dark topic that really reduces the burden on the AMOLED-The screen (in Mi Browser it is not working properly).

However, not all alternative browsers work equally well on Redmi 9. For example, Microsoft Edge can slow down due to optimization for flagship devices, and Opera Mini does not support modern web standards. At the end of the article, we will give recommendations for choosing a browser with Redmi 9 hardware (Helio G80 processor, Mali-G52 video chip).

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you change your browser by default, follow a few steps to avoid errors:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version. Older builds (e.g. MIUI 12.0.8) may not have the right menu items. Check the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play|

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Clear the Mi Browser | cache

Close all background applications |

Check the vacant space (needs to be checked) ≥500MB)-->

If you plan to use Google Chrome, consider that on Redmi 9 with 64 GB of storage, it can take up to 200-300 MB after installing updates. To save space, you’d better choose Firefox Focus (weighs ~5 MB) or Brave (optimized for budget devices).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 9 has Chinese firmware installed (check Settings) → On the phone, some browsers (e.g. Chrome) may not be installed due to a lack of Google services. APK or change the region in the settings.

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

This is the simplest method that works on MIUI 12-14 in global firmware.

1. Open the Settings (⚙️) and go to the Appendix section.
2. Select Application Management → By default.
3. Click on the Browser option (or Opening Web Links in Newer MIUI versions).
4. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If the browser item is not on the menu, try an alternative way:

1. Open any alternative browser (such as Chrome).
2. Go to a website (e.g. google.com).
3. Press on. ⋮ (three-point) → Settings → Make the browser default.

On Redmi 9 with MIUI 14, a notification may appear: “Mi Browser cannot be disabled because it is a system application.” This does not prevent you from changing your default browser, but you will not be able to completely remove Mi Browser without root rights.

Method 2: Change your browser through your application settings (for MIUI 14+)

In the latest versions of Xiaomi MIUI, the process has been complicated, but the workaround has remained.

1. Open Settings and go to Applications → Application Management.
2. Find an alternative browser (such as Chrome) and tap it.
3. Select Open by default (or Default Settings).
4. Activate the Open Supported Links switch and click Add Link.
5. In the list of link types, select HTTP, HTTPS and Web pages.

After that, all links from other applications (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) will open in the selected browser, but Mi Browser can still open when you click on links in the system notifications or on the home screen.

• 🔧 Remove the Mi Browser widget from the home screen (click the icon) → Delete).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone – it will reset the cache of system links.

💡

If you still open links in Mi Browser after you change your browser, clear the Android System WebView application data in the settings. This will reset the default link handler.

Method 3: Using ADB to Forced Shift (Advanced)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., Chinese firmware), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your phone to a PC, but is guaranteed to work even on locked versions of MIUI.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi 9 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press the version MIUI → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on your phone.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the command to change the browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package): adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome
5. Reboot the phone.

List of packages of popular browsers:

• Google Chrome: com.android.chrome
• Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• Brave: com.brave.browser
• Opera: com.opera.browser

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It resets some system settings. After completing commands, you may need to reconfigure permissions for applications and notifications. ADB on phones with unlocked bootloader – this can cause the failure of Anti-Rollback (protection of Xiaomi from rollback of firmware).

Solving Common Errors When Changing Your Browser

Even after changing the browser correctly, Redmi 9 users face problems.

1. "It is impossible to set by default"

An error occurs when:

• 🔹 The browser does not support link processing (for example, Firefox Focus cannot be the default browser).
• 🔹 MIUI Blocks changes due to security policies (relevant to enterprise devices).
• 🔹 Children's account with restrictions is installed on the phone.

Solution: Try another browser (e.g. Chrome instead of Firefox) or use it ADB-method.

2 Links are opened in two browsers at the same time

This is due to a conflict of handlers.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Open by default.
2. Find both browsers and reset the default settings for each.
3. Reassign the desired browser.

3 Mi Browser is back after MIUI update

Xiaomi forcibly resets the browser by default after major MIUI updates (e.g., when switching from version 13 to version 14).

• 📵 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⋮ → Settings → Turn off automatic loading.
• 🔄 After manual update immediately reassign the browser by default.

💡

If neither method works, try installing Island and setting up your browser inside it, which bypasses the limitations of MIUI by isolating apps.

Optimization of the browser for Xiaomi Redmi 9

On the Redmi 9 with its 4GB of RAM and Helio G80 processor, it is important to properly configure the browser to avoid lags.

• 📱 For Chrome: Turn off Page Preloading in Settings (Settings) → Confidentiality → Preload pages. Activate Light Mode (Settings) → Lightweight mode).
• 🦊 For Firefox: Enable Traffic Compression (Settings) → Data compression. Disable unnecessary add-ons (Settings) → Superstructures).
• 🛡️ For Brave: Activate the default ad blocker. Set up background restriction for tabs (Settings) → Systemic → Limit background processes).

We also recommend:

• 🔄 Clear the browser cache once a week (saves up to 100-200 MB of space).
• 🚫 Disable autoplay video in browser settings (save traffic and battery power).
• 🌙 To use a dark topic, on IPS-Redmi 9 screen reduces energy consumption by 5-10%.

Frequently asked questions