How to put the browser by default on Xiaomi Redmi 9: instructions with pictures and tips

Xiaomi Redmi 9 runs on the proprietary shell MIUI, which has its own peculiarities when configuring applications by default. Many users face the problem: even after installing Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera, the system continues to open links in the standard Mi Browser browser. In this article, we will discuss how to change the default browser, what nuances are in different versions of MIUI, and what to do if the desired browser is not displayed in the list.

It's important to understand that the procedure is not just a smartphone model, but also a firmware version. Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) can have MIUI 12, 13 or even 14 installed — in each case, the path to settings is slightly different. We'll look at the universal ways that work on all versions, and also highlight the typical errors that keep the browser unchanged.

If you've tried to change your settings before, but you haven't succeeded, don't rush to drop your phone to factory. Most often, it's a 2-3 click problem, you just need to know where to look. And for those who like experimentation, we've prepared alternative methods through ADB and third-party utilities (but this is for advanced users).

Why does MIUI not allow you to change the browser by default?

MIUI is known for its user-centered shell, which sometimes turns into imposing its own services. The standard Mi Browser browser is so deeply integrated that it can't be simply removed or disabled without superuser rights. Here are the main reasons why you might not see the browser you want on the list:

• 🔹 Limitations MIUI: In some versions of firmware, the default application list is artificially shortened. MIUI 12 for European firmware (EEA) Browser displays normally, and in Global only Mi Browser and Chrome.
• 🔹 Incomplete browser installation: If you downloaded APK-Manual file (not from Google Play), the system may not recognize it as a full-fledged link opening application.
• 🔹 Cache and data: Accumulated temporary files in application settings can block changes, especially after an update MIUI.
• 🔹 Regional restrictions: On smartphones for China ROM) Some functions are blocked by default without additional manipulation.

Another important moment: MIUI It can distinguish between types of links. For example, you can set Chrome to open. HTTP/HTTPS-links, but links from messages or email will still open in Mi Browser.This is not a bug, but a feature of the shell that can be bypassed (we will talk about this below).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 9 with China firmware, make sure that in the region settings (Settings) before changing the default browser → Additionally. → Region) selected country from Europe or the United States, otherwise some functions will not be available.

Method 1: Standard configuration via MIUI menu

This is the easiest and safest method that works on most versions of MIUI.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop or in the application menu).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list that appears, select the browser you want (such as Google Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not listed, check:

• 📌 Is the browser installed from an official source (Google Play).
• 📌 Have you run it at least once after installation.
• 📌 Are there any restrictions on security settings (Settings) → Confidentiality → Special permits → Displaying on top of other applications).

Install your browser from Google Play|Run it at least once.|Check the permissions in the settings MIUI|Update the firmware to the latest version-->

On some versions MIUI The path may be slightly different. MIUI 14 section Application by default moved to Settings → Annexes → All applications → ⋮ → Default. If you don't find a item, search by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner).

Method 2: Change through the settings of a particular browser

Not everyone knows that many browsers (like Chrome or Opera) have a built-in default setup feature, which can work even if MIUI doesn't show the app in the general list.

1. Open the browser you want (like Google Chrome).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Application by default section (in some versions it may be called the default browser settings).
4. Click Make the default browser or similar button.
5. The system will redirect you to the MIUI settings - confirm the choice.

This method is especially useful for manually installed browsers (such as Firefox Nightly or Brave). If the button is inactive or missing, try reinstalling the browser by pre-clearing the cache in Settings → Apps → [Browser Name] → Storage.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After changing the default browser through its settings, you may need to reboot your smartphone. If the links still open in Mi Browser, reboot and check again.

Method 3: Reset application settings (if the browser is not displayed)

If the browser is installed but does not appear in the default application list, the problem may lie in the system settings that have gone wrong.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Reset application settings.
3. Confirm action. This won’t delete your data, but it will reset all default settings (including permissions and restrictions).
4. After reset, repeat the steps from Method 1.

This method also helps if some of the default apps are missing after the MIUI update, but note that resetting will return the settings of all apps, not just browsers, for example, reset permissions for instant messengers or banking applications.

Method 4: Using ADB for Advanced Users

If standard methods don't work and root rights aren't available, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but allows you to manually set the default browser even if the MIUI doesn't show it.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔗 Installed browser (e.g. Chrome with com.android.chrome package).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via USB and select File Transfer mode.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Find out the current browser by default: adb shell dumpsys package | grep "mimeType='text/html'"
5. Install the browser you want (e.g. Chrome): adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main
6. Reboot your smartphone.

Note: Incorrect use of ADB can cause system failures. If you are not sure about your actions, you should consult standard methods or contact Xiaomi for support.

Solving problems with opening links from specific applications

Even after successfully changing your default browser, you may find that links from Telegram, WhatsApp or email still open in Mi Browser.This is because MIUI allows apps to override system settings. Here's how to fix it:

For instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber):

1. Open the settings of the messenger (for example, in Telegram: ⋮ → Settings → Data and memory).
2. Find the option Open links to or Browser by default.
3. Select the browser you want from the list.

For email clients (Gmail, Mi Mail):

1. Open the letter with the link, but do not click on it.
2. Keep your finger on the link until the context menu appears.
3. Select Open in... and specify the desired browser.
4. Always tick (or use it by default).

If the messenger does not have an explicit browser setting, try the following trick:

• 📲 Open the messenger and send yourself a message with a link.
• 🔗 Click on the link - the system will suggest selecting a browser.
• 🔘 Select the browser you want and check the box Always.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Facebook or Instagram) use built-in browsers (WebView) and ignore system settings, in which case you can only change the behavior through the settings of the application itself or by disabling the built-in browser in Settings → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Additionally. → Open web links.

Alternative methods: Launcher and third-party utilities

If none of the above methods worked, you can go the other way around using third-party launchers or utilities to manage applications by default, a method that is suitable for users who do not want to mess with ADB or do not have access to a computer.

1. Use of an alternative launcher (Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher):

• 📱 Install a launcher from Google Play (for example, Nova Launcher).
• 🔧 In the launcher settings, find the Default Applications or Application Association section.
• 🌐 Assign the right browser to open links.

2.Default App Manager (requires root):

• 🛠️ Install Default App Manager from Google Play.
• 🔓 Provide root access (if any).
• 🔍 Find the browser in the list and select the desired application.

Application "SetEdit" (for experienced users):

• 📲 Install SetEdit.
• 🔍 Find the browser or http setting.
• 📝 Manually write the package of the desired browser (for example, com.android.chrome for Chrome).

These are more flexible, but require additional action, such as using Nova Launcher, you'll have to drop the standard MIUI launcher, which is not popular, and applications like SetEdit can be dangerous if used incorrectly — always back up before changing system settings.

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If you often experience default settings issues, consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that doesn’t have MIUI limitations, and all settings work like pure Android.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing your browser to Redmi 9

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If none of these methods worked, check your firmware version. Some unofficial (custom) builds of MIUI for Redmi 9 may have their default settings artificially blocked, in which case only flashing to the official version will help.