How to put the main browser on Xiaomi: 5 working ways to MIUI

Changing the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge many users face after buying a device. The built-in MIUI (or Mi Browser) browser is often inferior in functionality to Google Chrome, Firefox or Samsung Internet, but the system stubbornly opens links in it, the reason lies in the aggressive policy of MIUI, which blocks the change of standard applications through the usual settings of Android.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven ways to make any browser the main one on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO And Black Shark, from official methods to workarounds for stubborn firmware. MIUI 12/13/14 HyperOS (2023–2026 Important: some methods require developer rights or ADB-We will give instructions even for beginners.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the browser change by default?

The manufacturer deliberately limits the choice of a standard browser for two reasons:

• 💰 Monetization of traffic: Mi Browser shows ads and collects data about visited sites, which brings Xiaomi additional revenue.
• 🔒 Ecosystem Control: The Company seeks to retain users in its services (e.g., synchronizing bookmarks through Mi Account).
• 🛡️ Security (official version): Xiaomi claims that the built-in browser is better protected from phishing and malicious sites.

In practice, this means that even after installing Chrome or Edge, the system will ignore your choices and open links in Mi Browser, especially when you click on links in Telegram, WhatsApp or emails. MIUI.

Method 1: Official change via Android settings (not working on all models)

The easiest method is to use the standard Android menu, which unfortunately only works on some models with MIUI 12.5+ and HyperOS, where Xiaomi has partially yielded to user pressure.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser item and select the desired application from the list.

If you don't have a Browser item on the menu, your version of MIUI blocks that option.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (100% working method)

If the official method didn’t work, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is your reliable tool, which requires connecting your phone to your computer, but it works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5 and Mi 11/12/13.

Step 1. Enable debugging over USB:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate Debugging via USB and confirm the resolution.

Step 2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter in turn:

adb devices


adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser




adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.browser/com.android.browser.BrowserActivity




adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "http://example.com"

Step 3. Select your browser manually:

Once you have the commands, open any link, and the system will suggest you select a browser and tick Always, which resets the default browser settings, so you may need to re-boot your phone.

Method 3: Use the Default Settings app (for MIUI 13/14)

On the new firmware versions, Xiaomi has added a hidden menu to change standard apps.

1. Install the Default App Manager (or similar) app.
2. Open it and grant the rights to ADB (if required).
3. In the list, find the Browser and select the desired application.

The advantage of this method is that you do not need to connect to a PC, but on some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi 9A), the menu can be blocked.

💡

If, after changing your browser, links still open in Mi Browser, clear the cache and data of the Settings application (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Clear data).

Method 4: Bypassing application settings (for individual link types)

If the global browser change doesn’t work, you can reconfigure link opening for specific applications, such as getting Telegram or Gmail to use Chrome:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Telegram).
3. Slip on Opening Links by Default.
4. Disable all supported link types for Mi Browser.
5. The next time you click on the link, select the desired browser and tick Always.

The downside is that you have to configure each application separately, but you don't need ADB or root rights.

Method 5: Remove Mi Browser via ADB (Radical Method)

If you completely abandoned the built-in browser, it can be deleted through ADB. This will permanently solve the problem of link opening, but:

⚠️ Attention! Deleting the system application can cause malfunctions MIUI, Especially on older models (Redmi) 4/5, Mi A1/A2). Before execution, make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Removal command:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

Once completed, all links will open in the browser you installed first (usually Chrome). To return the Mi Browser, you will need to reset or flash it.

💡

Removing system applications can disrupt Xiaomi services (such as bookmark synchronization or push notifications), and use this method only if you are prepared for the consequences.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Frequent problems and solutions

Problem 1: After the reboot, the phone reopens the links to the Mi Browser.

Solution: Repeat browser selection via ADB or use the command:

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

(Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package)

Problem 2: The browser list does not show the desired application.

Solution: Remove and reinstall the browser. Check if it supports link processing (e.g. Firefox Focus can't open external links).

Problem 3: ADB is a device unauthorized error.

Solution: You'll see a request for debugging permission on your phone, confirm it. If the request doesn't appear, check the cable and the drivers.

💡

In some models (for example, POCO X5 Pro) after changing the browser, the ability to open may be lost PDF-Install a separate application for PDF (For example, Adobe Acrobat and assign it by default.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions