How to change the search engine on Android Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways

Why users want to change the search engine to Redmi 9

Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones come with a proprietary shell MIUI, which by default uses the Yandex search engine in the browser and some system applications. For many users, this becomes a problem: someone prefers Google for more relevant results, someone chooses DuckDuckGo for privacy, and some just want to return the familiar interface.

A key challenge is that MIUI aggressively integrates Yandex services at the system level, blocking standard ways to change searchers in some applications. For example, in Mi Browser, the search engine selection option can be hidden or blocked. This article will help you bypass restrictions and customize your device to your needs, from replacing the searcher in the browser to removing unnecessary widgets from the home screen.

Preparation: What to Know Before Changing Search Engines

Before you start setting up, it is important to understand a few key points:

• 🔍 Systemic constraints MIUI: On some firmware versions, the option to change the search engine in Mi Browser can be blocked.
• 📱 Firmware version: On Redmi 9s MIUI 12.5 and later, the algorithm for changing the search engine is different from the older versions. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔒 Administrator Rights: Deep changes (such as removing system applications) may require root rights, which voids the warranty.

Also note that some system applications (for example, Weather or Music) can continue to use Yandex services even after changing the search engine in the browser. This is due to the deep integration of Yandex AppMetric into MIUI. Completely remove all traces of Yandex can only be through a full reset or install custom firmware.

Method 1: Change the search engine in the standard Mi Browser browser

If you use a pre-installed Mi Browser browser, try the standard method first:

1. Open the Mi Browser and tap the tri-point icon (⋮) top-right.
2. Select Settings → Search engine.
3. In the list of available search engines, select the desired one (for example, Google or DuckDuckGo).
4. Save the changes and restart the browser.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Redmi 9 (especially with the Redmi 9) MIUI 13+) This item may be missing or inactive, so move on to the next method.

Check the MIUI version in your phone settings |

Update your browser to the latest version via Google Play|

Make a backup copy of bookmarks (export to HTML)|

Make sure your phone is connected to the internet.-->

Method 2: Install a third-party browser (Google Chrome, Firefox)

The most reliable way to get rid of Yandex is to use an alternative browser, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, which makes it easy to change search engines:

• 🌐 Google Chrome: Install Chrome from Google Play. Open your browser, tap three-pointed (⋮) → Settings → Search engine. Select Google (or another search engine) and save.

Firefox

1. Download Firefox from the official store.
2. Go to Settings → Search → Search engines by default.
3. Add the search engine you want (like DuckDuckGo) and make it the primary search engine.

The advantage of this method is full control over search without the limitations of MIUI. In addition, Chrome and Firefox sync data between devices, which is convenient for users with multiple gadgets.

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If after installing Chrome, the search is still redirected to Yandex, clear the browser cache in the Android settings: Settings → Apps → Chrome → Memory → Clear the cache.

Method 3: Remove Yandex Services through MIUI settings

MIUI integrates Yandex not only into the browser, but also into system applications to reduce its impact:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar enter Yandex.
3. For each application found (Yandex Browser, Yandex Search, Yandex Music, etc.) select Delete or Disable.
4. For system applications (e.g. Yandex Services), only the Disable option may be available.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications may cause some functions to function unstable MIUI (If you have problems after you turn off, return the settings back.

Method 4: Using ADB for deep customization (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to remove Yandex system applications, which is suitable for power users and requires connecting the phone to a computer.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 9: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap the MIUI version 7 times until the notification appears You became a developer!
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command in Terminal (ADB): adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.yandex.browser To remove other Yandex applications, replace com.yandex.browser with their batch names (e.g. com.yandex.searchplugin).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This may cause system failure. Before executing commands, back up your data via Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 5: Resetting settings to factory (extreme case)

If all previous methods failed, the radical solution is a complete reset, which will remove all data from the phone, including apps and settings, but also reset Yandex integration.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Settings Reset.
3. Confirm the action by entering the password (if installed).
4. After restarting, set up the phone again, skipping steps with Yandex services.

⚠️ Warning: After the reset, the phone will return to the “out of the box” state, and you will have to reinstall all applications and restore data from the backup (if it was made).

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Resetting is a last resort, try all other methods first, as after resetting you will lose all unsaved data (photos, messages, contacts, etc.).

Additional tips: how to avoid returning Yandex after updates

Even after a successful search engine change, Xiaomi can return Yandex after the MIUI update.

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system (⋮) and select Update Settings. Turn off Autoboot via Wi-Fi.
• 📥 Use alternative stores: Install apps through Google Play or APKMirror, not through the Mi App Store, where Yandex services are often pushed.
• 🛡️ Install a firewall: Applications like NetGuard or Blokada can block connections to Yandex servers at the system level.