How to put the browser by default on Android Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide

Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face intrusive behavior of the MIUI or HyperOS shell. The system aggressively promotes its own Mi Browser browser, which can open with every click on a web link in messengers or social networks. This is annoying, especially if you are used to the functionality of Google Chrome, Yandex or Firefox. You can change the situation, but the path to this is not always obvious due to the peculiarities of the settings menu.

Unlike pure Android, where the system will offer a choice when you first launch a new browser, in MIUI this mechanism is often hidden or blocked by the priority of the system application. You have to manually specify to the system which application should handle HTTP and HTTPS requests. The process can seem confusing, but it is necessary for comfortable use of the smartphone.

In this article, we will look at all the available ways to change the priority browser. We will look at standard settings, application permissions and ways to bypass restrictions in different versions of firmware. It is important to understand that in new versions of HyperOS, the change algorithm may differ from the classic MIUI 12 or 13. Follow the instructions carefully to regain control of your device.

Why Xiaomi is imposing its browser and what is the problem

Xiaomi is actively developing its own services, and the browser is a key element of the ecosystem, through which advertising is broadcast, data is collected for targeting and news feeds are promoted, so the system defaults to ignore the alternatives you have established, unless you explicitly prohibit it from using the Mi Browser, which creates a conflict of interest between the user and the manufacturer.

The problem is compounded by the fact that the standard browser often runs slower than specialized solutions and consumes more resources in the background. The user may notice that links from Telegram or Viber open in an unnecessary window with unnecessary advertising. The priority of applications in Android is arranged so that without explicit guidance, the system selects the application that it considers the main one.

Fortunately, the Android operating system provides tools to manage this behavior, and even if MIUI tries to hide these settings, they remain accessible through the app menu, and understanding the logic of defaulting apps will help you not only change your browser, but also set up opening other file types.

Preparation: Installation and basic configuration of the alternative

Before you change your system settings, you need to make sure that the alternative browser is properly installed and updated. Often the problem lies not in the settings of the system, but in the fact that the new application does not have the necessary rights to work. Download the desired browser from the Google Play Store or the official website of the developer.

After installation, take your time to change your system settings. Start a new browser, accept the user agreement and, if necessary, perform the initial setup. Some browsers, such as DuckDuckGo or Brave, can request permission to access the clipboard or geolocation immediately at launch.

Make sure the app has internet access. In rare cases, Xiaomi smartphones are powered by aggressive energy savings that block the network activity of new apps. Go to the battery settings and make sure that the new browser does not have a “No Limits” limitation or, conversely, a severe savings if you plan to use background page loading.

Standard way through application settings

The most reliable method, which works on most versions of MIUI and HyperOS, is to manually assign the default applications. This path may vary slightly depending on the Android version, but the overall logic remains the same. You need to find the menu responsible for managing installed programs.

Go to Settings, then select App. In some firmware versions, this section may be called All Apps or Application Management. Find the browser you want to make the primary browser (like Chrome) in the list. Click on it to open the Control menu.

Inside the app menu, find the Default or Open by Default section. Here you will see the Open Supported Links switch. Activate it. The system can warn you that this action will replace the current browser. Confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If the system does not respond after switching on or it immediately turns off back, then you have a more strict version. MIUI. In this case, go to the next section of the instructions, where the method is described through the menu "Default Applications».

An alternative way through global settings is often more efficient. Go to Settings → Apps → Settings (three dots in the corner or a separate button) → Default apps. Here, select the Browser and specify the desired application from the list. This action will force all web queries to be redirected to the selected program.

Solving MIUI problems: If the standard method doesn't work

Owners of smartphones with the shell MIUI 12, 13, 14 and the new HyperOS often encounter a bug when the browser selection point is hidden or inactive. This is due to the fact that the system rigidly links the web view (the display component of pages) to the system browser, which can be circumvented by resetting the settings of the Mi Browser itself.

Find the built-in Mi Browser in the application list. Go to its properties and click Clear → All data. Don't worry, your personal data in other browsers won't be affected. After cleaning, try running the link from the messenger again. The system, seeing the "empty" browser, can offer a choice again.

It is also worth checking the settings. USB-Debugging and special features. Sometimes third-party launchers or memory cleaners can intercept link management. Make sure your new browser has all the necessary permissions in the Permissions menu. → All permissions.

If nothing works, you can use third-party utilities to manage default applications, such as Default App Switcher, which have special permissions to change system settings without diving deep into the menu, but use them with caution, giving access only to proven tools.

Comparison of popular browsers for Android

Choosing a browser is a personal matter, but Xiaomi owners have their favorites: some people appreciate speed, others appreciate built-in ad blockers or traffic savings. Below is a table that will help you decide on your choice if you have not yet decided what to put instead of the standard one.

Note the RAM consumption. Entry-level Redmi smartphones can run slower with heavy browsers like Chrome, and in such cases, you’d better choose Opera or Via Browser, which take up minimal space and resources.

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Use browsers with light mode or built-in traffic savings if you have a charging mobile Internet, which will also reduce the load on the smartphone processor.

Support for extensions is also important. If you need specific scripts or developer tools, Mozilla Firefox on Android is one of the few browsers that supports add-ons, as on the desktop version.

Security and privacy settings

Once you have installed your new browser by default, it’s worth taking care of security. The standard Mi Browser is often criticized for collecting data, but alternatives also require attention. First of all, check your sync settings. If you don’t want your browsing history to be saved in the cloud, disable login to your Google or Yandex account.

Be sure to turn on malware protection. In Chrome and Firefox, this feature is active by default, but it is better to double-check. DNS. In Android settings, go to Connection and Sharing → Private DNS and specify, for example, dns.google or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com.

⚠️ Note: Do not install browsers from unknown sources (APK-This is the main way that you get infected with miners and password stylers. Use only Google Play or Galery.

Clear cache and cookies regularly, especially if you use public Wi-Fi networks. Most modern browsers have a “Close all tabs when you exit” feature in their privacy settings, or automatic data clearing after a session, a useful feature for those who are worried about digital footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Changing the default browser to Xiaomi requires not only installing a new app, but also manually changing priorities in the system menu, as MIUI aggressively protects its services.