How to change the default app in Android Xiaomi: the complete guide

Owning an Android device opens up a lot of personalization options for the user, and Xiaomi smartphones are no exception. Standard system settings often seem convenient only at first glance, but over time there is a desire to replace pre-installed tools with more functional counterparts. For example, many users do not like the standard launcher or browser that comes with the shell MIUI or the new HyperOS.

Changing priority programs can be confusing because of the Chinese manufacturer’s interface, sometimes aggressively protecting its native applications by hiding the necessary switches in the depth of the menu, but with the right algorithm, you can easily assign the application to default for any operation, whether it’s watching photos, listening to music or browsing the Internet.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of managing standard programs on Redmi, Poco and Xiaomi devices. You will learn how to bypass system restrictions, reset erroneous settings and make using a smartphone really comfortable just for your habits.

⚠️ Note: Before making changes to system settings, make sure that the alternative application is already installed and has all the necessary permissions. Attempting to assign an "empty" or inactive application may lead to errors when running the corresponding functions.

Why Xiaomi is Choosing Applications on its Own

The MIUI shell and its successor HyperOS are designed to maximize ecosystem integration. When you first turn on your phone, the system automatically assigns native Xiaomi and Google services to most tasks, designed to ensure stability, but often at odds with the wishes of experienced users who are used to third-party software.

The selection mechanism works based on the priorities that are written in the registry. If you installed a new browser but did not explicitly indicate to the system that you want to use it constantly, Android will ask you about preferences or the old application every time. Understanding the logic of default settings helps you find the right items on the menu faster.

In addition, some software manufacturers may request the right to become the main one immediately after installation. However, on Xiaomi smartphones such requests are often blocked or ignored in favor of system analogues, so manual control through settings remains the only reliable way to manage.

Global configuration of application categories

The easiest and most obvious way to change preferences is to use the dedicated section in the system settings. Here are the main categories for which you can assign a priority application. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the shell, but the logic remains the same.

To access these options, you need to go to the settings menu and find the app item. In modern versions of HyperOS, the path can look like Settings → Applications → Application Management. This is where the key section that allows you to reassign programs for calls, messages and navigation hides.

In the list you will see categories such as "Browser", "Calling app","SMS-And then you click on any of these, and you'll see a list of installed programs, and you'll see that as the primary choice for that type of action.

Permissions management and resetting

Sometimes it happens that the desired application is not on the list of available to choose from, or the system persistently returns the old settings, in such cases, a deeper intervention is required in the parameters of a particular application, often the problem is that the new program simply takes away the right to be used by default.

To fix this, you need to find the problem application in the installed list, go to its detailed settings and find the "Default" section. If it is "No" status or another application is specified, you need to click the "Clear Default Settings" button on the old application or activate the switch on the new one.

This method is especially effective when you want to return everything to the “as it was” or fix an error that occurred after the system update. Resetting the parameters returns the state to the factory one, causing the system to ask you again about preferences when the next file type is run.

⚠️ Note: Resetting default settings for system applications (such as "Phone" or "Messages") may temporarily disrupt call or arrivals SMS, Until you reassign the priority program, be prepared to quickly select the desired application in the window that appears.

It is also important to check for special permissions, as some features of the required rights are required, for example, alternative calls often require permission to display over other windows or access contacts, without which they will not be able to handle incoming calls correctly.

Specifics of working with the browser and search

The browser is one of the most frequently changed applications, as many users prefer Chrome, Firefox or Edge to the standard Mi Browser. However, there is a caveat in the MIUI shell: even choosing a different browser by default, some system widgets or embedded links can continue to open in their native browser.

To completely take over the management of web content, it is not enough to simply select the browser in the main settings. Sometimes you need to go to the settings of the Mi Browser itself and turn off the Open Links option there, if one is present. URL-The address will be processed by the tool you choose.

Also worth noting is the desktop search widget, which is often tied to the search engine and browser set in Google’s global settings or the shell itself. Changing the default browser may not affect this widget, requiring a separate setup via a long tap on the icon or through the widget menu.

Remember that some applications, such as messengers, can have their own internal browsers. In this case, changing the default browser in the system will not affect the opening of links inside Telegram or Viber, since this is configured in the parameters of the messengers themselves.

Setting up Google Assistant and Voice Input

Special attention should be paid to the digital assistant settings, and many users want to use third-party assistants or simply change the behavior of the Home button with a long press. In Google's settings, which are integrated into the system, you can choose the assistant app.

To do this, go to Google Settings, find the "Settings for Google Apps" section, and select "Search, Assistant, and Google Now." There will be an "Assistant" option where you can select another app if it supports the appropriate one. API-interfaces.

And it also has a customized voice input, so if you prefer a Gboard or SwiftKey keyboard, make sure that these are chosen as the primary input methods in the Language and Input section, which affects which application will dictate the text when you tap the microphone in any input field.

Conflict resolution and resolution

Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes encounter situations where the system ignores the choice or constantly returns a pop-up with the question “What to open?”. This can be a sign of a version conflict or damage to the cache of the system service Package Installer.

In such cases, it is recommended to clear the cache and data of the Settings application itself or the All Services and Feedback service (depending on the firmware version) This is a secure operation that will not delete your personal data, but will restart the system processes responsible for file associations.

If the problem persists, check to see if Second Space or Guest Mode is activated. In these isolated environments, the default settings of the applications may differ from the main profile and need to be set up separately for each space.

💡

If the dialing sound is gone after the change of call, check the theme settings. Some third-party themes don't have the resources for custom dialers, which can make the sound disappear. Return the standard theme to check.

Also worth mentioning is the power saving effect: Aggressive battery settings on Xiaomi can “kill” the background processes of alternative applications, causing them to stop responding to calls or links, add important apps to the exclusion list, or select “No Limits” mode in the battery settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

The main secret of successful setup on Xiaomi is not only to select the application in the menu, but also to check its access rights and power saving settings so that the system does not block its operation.