How to put the browser default on Xiaomi Redmi Note: all ways

Smartphones Xiaomi Redmi Note default to use the branded browser Mi Browser, which is not always satisfied with users. Many prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Firefox or Yandex.Browser — but how to make them the main? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the browser by default to Redmi Note 8/9/10/11/12 (including models Pro, Pro+ and Lite) taking into account the features of the shell MIUI 12/13/14.

It’s important to understand that the process is different from standard Android: Xiaomi is actively promoting its services, so direct browser replacement is sometimes blocked by the system. We’ll look at both the official methods through settings and workarounds for stubborn firmware versions. And we’ll find out why after updating MIUI, the browser can reset to the standard one again – and how to avoid this.

Why Xiaomi Redmi Note is difficult to change the default browser

Unlike pure Android, MIUI aggressively protects its apps, and here are the key reasons why changing your browser becomes a quest:

• 🔒 System Limitations: Mi Browser is embedded in firmware as a system application and is not removed without root rights.
• 🔄 Automatic reset: After major updates MIUI default settings may be reset.
• 📱 Regional versions: On smartphones for China (with firmware) CN) Browser replacements are often blocked completely.
• 🛡️ Protection MIUI: The system can ignore the user’s choice and open links to Mi Browser.

For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13 Global, users encountered a bug when, after rebooting the device, the default browser reset to the Mi Browser despite manual settings, due to the background process of com.miui.systemAdSolution, which “corrects” user preferences.

Official way: through Android settings

The easiest method is to use the standard Android menu, which works on most Redmi Note models with global firmware (Global or EEA):

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Press Browser.
5. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not on the list, make sure it is installed from Google Play (not via APK) and open at least once. Some versions of MIUI 14 may require additional confirmation through a pop-up.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware CN (Chinese version) the default item of the App may not be available, in which case you will need to change the firmware region or use bypass methods (see section below).

Alternative method: through the settings of a particular browser

Some browsers (e.g. Google Chrome or Yandex.Browser) offer their own default assigning tools. Here's how it works:

1. Open an alternative browser (such as Chrome).
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the default browser (in Chrome) or make the primary (in Yandex).
4. Click the button and confirm the selection in the system window.

This often works even where the standard Android menu ignores the changes, for example, on the Redmi Note 9S with MIUI 12.5, users noted that Chrome is more stable by default through its settings than through the system menu.

⚠️ Note: If after setting up the browser still does not open links, check the permissions of the application. → Annexes → [Your browser] → Permissions must be included in Open supported links.

How to replace the default browser on Chinese firmware (CN)

Xiaomi smartphones with CN firmware (designed for China) have strict restrictions. You can't just choose a different browser in the settings, the system will ignore the changes. There are three workarounds:

• 🌍 Change the firmware region: Install a global version MIUI It's a radical method that requires unlocking the bootloader.
• 🔧 ADB-Connect your phone to your PC and execute: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.browser This will turn off system browsers and Android will automatically offer an alternative.
• 📲 Fraud apps: Install App Cloner or Island to create a sandbox with another default browser.

On MIUI 14 firmware for the Chinese market (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ CN), the only stable way is to use ADB. Once the commands are executed, the system will stop forcing the Mi Browser to open, but may need to be re-executed after updates.

Why the browser is reset after the MIUI update

Many Redmi Note users are faced with a situation where, after updating the firmware, the default browser becomes Mi Browser again, the reason lies in the MIUI Optimization mechanism, which:

• 🔄 Resets default settings for “critical” applications.
• 📦 Restores the system. APK, if they were offline.
• 🔒 Blocks changes to the Android registry related to user preferences.

There are several solutions:

1. After the update, reassign the default browser manually.
2. Turn it off. MIUI Optimization through ADB: adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1 Warning: This may disrupt some functions MIUI (for example, gestures or).
3. Use Tasker or MacroDroid to automatically assign your browser after you reboot.

For example, on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ with MIUI 13.0.6, users noted that resets only occur with major updates (change the first digit of the version, for example, from 13.0.5 to 13.0.6). Small patches usually do not affect the default settings.

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If you frequently experience a browser reset, create a shortcut on your desktop with a command for quick default assignment. Use the Shortcuts app and add the Open App Settings action.

What to do if links still open in Mi Browser

Even after setting up properly, some links can stubbornly open in Mi Browser.

• 🔗 Deep Links: Some apps (such as Facebook or Twitter) forcefully open web pages in Mi Browser.
• 📌 Fixed windows: MIUI Can "remember" the last used application for certain types of links.
• 🛠️ System services: For example, com.xiaomi.mipicks always uses Mi Browser for banner ads.

Decisions:

1. For a specific application (for example, Telegram) open its settings and find the item Open links in the app.
2. Use Browser Chooser from Google Play – this app intercepts all web links and suggests you choose a browser.
3. Disable Mi Browser via ADB (see section above), but be prepared for some system features to stop working.

On the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5, users noted that the problem is especially acute with links from WhatsApp and VK. In this case, the combination helped: the default browser assignment + the installation of Browser Chooser + disabling AutoRun for Mi Browser in the battery settings.

Comparison of browsers for Xiaomi Redmi Note: what to choose

Before you change your default browser, it’s worth considering which alternative is best for your Redmi Note. We tested popular options on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G with MIUI 14:

For the Redmi Note 8/9 with 4 GB of RAM, Firefox or Opera are the best choice - they are less voracious than Chrome. On flagships like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the performance difference is minimal, so you can focus on additional features (for example, a VPN in Yandex.Browser or a tracker blocker in Brave).

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On weaker models (Redmi Note 8, Note 9) avoid Chrome – it consumes 20-30% more RAM than alternatives, leading to slowdowns.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi