How to change the main browser on Xiaomi: the full guide

Changing the standard web browser on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular procedures for users who are used to a certain interface or functionality. Often after the first device is turned on or the system update, all links from messengers and applications automatically open in MI Browser, which is built into the shell of MIUI or HyperOS. This can annoy those who prefer Google Chrome, Yandex or Firefox for their synchronization with desktop versions and advanced ad blocking capabilities.

The default settings change process does not require superuser rights or complex flashing. Android, which runs Redmi and POCO phones, provides flexible tools for managing applications. However, the menu layout may vary depending on the version of the operating system and the user interface modification installed by the manufacturer.

In this guide, we will discuss in detail all possible ways to switch, including the nuances of working with new versions of HyperOS. You will learn not only to choose the desired surfing application, but also to manage the behavior of the system when opening various types of files and links. It is important to understand that the complete rejection of system components Xiaomi may require additional actions to disable advertising in system applications.

Why Change the Standard Browser on Xiaomi

Many users question the wisdom of replacing pre-installed software, believing that if it is already worth it, it means that it is optimized best. However, the standard browser from Xiaomi is often overloaded with news feeds, recommendations and advertising modules that consume CPU and RAM resources, which can slow down the device, especially on low-end models of the Redmi series with a small amount of RAM.

Alternative solutions like Chrome or Edge offer deeper integration with the Google or Microsoft ecosystem, which provides instant synchronization of history, passwords and bookmarks between phone and computer, and third-party browsers often have more advanced privacy protections and built-in tracker blockers, which is critical for modern digital hygiene.

Another important aspect is the speed of page rendering and support for modern web standards. Third-party developers often update their engines faster than updates for the system components of MIUI. This allows you to correctly display complex sites and use modern web applications without errors.

• 🚀 Resource savings: Third-party lightweight browsers consume less power and RAM in the background.
• 🔒 Privacy: Advanced data protection settings and the ability to install ad blockers.
• 🔄 Sync: Instant access to your history and passwords from other devices.

⚠️ Note: Before deleting or completely disabling your system browser, make sure that you have an alternative option installed and configured, otherwise some system links may stop opening correctly.

Preparing for the default browser change

Before you make changes to your system settings, make sure that the desired app is already installed on your Xiaomi device.If you plan to upgrade to Opera, Brave or any other product, it must be pre-downloaded from the Google Play store or GetApps. Without an alternative app installed, the system simply won't offer you a choice in the corresponding menu.

It is also recommended to check for updates for the operating system. In new versions of HyperOS, the application management algorithms have been redesigned, and the paths to settings may differ from the classic MIUI 14. Make sure that your Redmi Note smartphone or flagship Xiaomi 14 runs on the current version of the software to correctly display all menu items.

It will not be superfluous to log in in in advance in a new browser, so that after switching you immediately access all your data. This will eliminate the need to enter passwords again and configure synchronization after the browser becomes the main one.

It is important to understand the difference between a simple installed application and the default one. Until you change the settings, the system will continue to use its standard web link processing tool, even if you are using another browser manually.

Instructions: change browser in MIUI and HyperOS

The process of changing the settings in the shells from Xiaomi is quite logical, but requires careful attention when searching for the desired menu item. The interface may vary slightly depending on the regional firmware (Global, China, EEA), but the overall structure remains the same. You need to get into the application management section, where the system preferences are hidden.

First, open the main settings menu of your smartphone. Find a section that can be called "Applications" or "All Apps." In some firmware versions, this item is placed in a separate menu "Settings" -> "Applications." Next, select "Setting up Apps", which opens the full list of installed software.

At the top of the App Customization screen, you'll see three dots or a menu icon. When you click on it, select the Default Apps option. That's where the key switch controls link behavior is located. In the list that opens, find the browser and tap it.

The system will give you a list of all browsers installed. Choose the one you plan to use permanently. Once you select the name, a green checkmark will appear next to the name, confirming that the application has been changed by default. Now all links from Telegram, WhatsApp and other programs will open in the browser of your choice.

• 📱 MIUI 12-14: The way “Settings» → «Annexes» → «Set-up of applications» → menu) → «Default applications».
• 🌐 HyperOS: The path can be hidden deeper: Settings» → «Annexes» → «Application management» → three points to the right top → «Default applications».
• ⚙️ Alternative path: Through search in settings, enter the phrase “by default” to immediately go to the desired menu.

⚠️ Note: If after selecting a new browser, links still open in the old one, try clearing the cache of both apps through the Settings menu» → «Annexes» → «Application management» → [Select a browser] → «Clean up» → «Clear everything».

Setup via the Google Apps menu

Since most Xiaomi devices run on Android, there is a universal way to change settings through Google’s system menu, which is especially useful if the MIUI interface is heavily changed or menu items are renamed by the manufacturer, and allows you to manage startup priorities for all types of files and actions.

To do this, go to the general settings of your smartphone and find the Apps section. In the list of installed programs, look for Settings (the gear icon) or just search for settings by typing the word “Apps.” You want a section that describes how to manage installed programs.

Some versions of Android on Xiaomi have direct access to action management. Go on the path: Settings → Apps → Application Management. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select "Special Features" or "Additional," then "Default Apps." If there is no such option, search inside the default settings.

Settings → Applications → Application Management → (Menu) → Default Applications → Browser

Here you'll see a list of action categories like Assistant, Home, Phone, and of course Browser. Clicking on Browser will show you a list of options available. Select the one you want, like DuckDuckGo or Samsung Internet, if you have one installed. The system will remember that choice and stop asking you every time you click on the link.

Comparison of popular browsers for Android

Choosing a primary browser is a matter of taste, but Xiaomi owners also care about energy efficiency and the lack of overload on the system. Different browsers use different rendering engines, which affects page load speed and battery consumption. Below is a table to help compare the main characteristics of popular solutions.

Some browsers, such as Chrome, are tightly integrated with Google services, which is convenient but can consume more power for background synchronization. Others, such as Via or Aloha, are focused on minimalism and speed on weak devices.

It’s also important to pay attention to extension support: The mobile versions of Firefox and Kiwi Browser allow you to install desktop plugins, which makes your smartphone a powerful tool for web development or comfortable reading.

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Use browsers on the Blink engine (Chrome, Edge, Opera, Brave) for maximum compatibility with modern sites, since most web resources are optimized for this engine.

For users concerned about privacy, DuckDuckGo or Tor Browser, which do not collect telemetry, are a great choice, but be prepared for the fact that the load speed of some heavy pages may be lower due to the nature of traffic routing.

Problem Solving: If the browser does not change

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where seemingly all settings are done correctly, but the links are persistently opened in MI Browser. This can be due to caching of actions by the system or a conflict of priorities, in which case you need to perform a preference reset for a particular application or the entire system.

The first step is to force the default settings to be cleared for the current browser. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Find the browser that is currently opening instead of the browser you want (usually Mi Browser). Click on it, select Open by default, and click on Clear Default Settings.

After this operation, the next time you click on any link, the system will again display the "What to open?" selection box. Make sure you select the right browser and check the "Always" box (if this option is available in the dialog box). If there is no tick, the choice will have to be confirmed each time you assign the application through the settings menu, as described above.

• 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Go to the problem app settings and click “Clear» → «Clear the cache».
• 🔄 Reboot: A banal but effective method is to restart your smartphone after changing your settings.
• 🚫 Disconnection: In extreme cases, you can try to disable the system browser (if firmware allows it) so that the system has no choice.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to delete the system browser through ADB Or root rights without understanding the consequences, which can cause news widgets or desktop search bars that are tied to the system component to fail.

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If standard methods don't work, reset your application settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → (Three Dots) → Reset application settings. This will return all priorities to factory values.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)