Owning an Android device, especially from Xiaomi, gives users almost complete freedom of action, including the ability to choose software to navigate the world wide web. However, the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS often impose their own solutions or pre-installed applications that may not suit the owner by functionality or habits. Changing the browser by default is not just cosmetic editing, but changing the key algorithm of interaction with the operating system when clicking on links from instant messengers, mail and other applications.
Many users find that when clicking on a hyperlink, the system persistently opens the built-in browser, ignoring the installed Google Chrome or Yandex.Browser. This is due to the fact that Android settings have an application that is given priority when processing Internet queries. The process of changing this parameter is not complicated, but requires care, since the location of the menu may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at the details of the setup, look at the possible problems and help you make your smartphone as comfortable as possible, learn not only to change the standard application, but also to manage permissions, and clean the cache if the system is not behaving correctly. This is a basic skill for any owner of Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi who wants to personalize their gadget.
Why Change the Standard Browser on Xiaomi
Xiaomi’s standard browser (Mi Browser) is often criticized by users for intrusive advertising, overconsumption of resources and synchronization features that are not convenient for everyone. Moving to an alternative solution such as Mozilla Firefox, Brave or Opera allows for a cleaner interface, built-in ad blockers and enhanced privacy.
Changing the primary surfing tool also affects the speed of opening links from external applications. When you get a link to Telegram or Viber, the system accesses the default handler. If it is a “heavy” or poorly optimized browser, opening a page can take extra seconds, which in total gives a tangible loss of time. Using a lightweight browser speeds up this process.
⚠️ Note: Some system features, such as news widgets or XiaoAI voice assistant, may be tightly tied to the built-in browser and will not be able to use a third-party app to display content.
It is important to consider the security aspect. Third-party developers often release security updates faster than smartphone manufacturers update system components. By installing the current version of a popular browser, you reduce the risk of vulnerability when visiting suspicious resources. The system browser on Xiaomi only updates with the MIUI shell update, which can occur less often than monthly Chrome security patches.
Preparation for the installation of a new browser
Before you change your system settings, make sure that alternative software is already installed on your device. Xiaomi smartphone owners have two main download sources: the official Google Play Store and the built-in GetApps store. It is recommended to use Google Play, as it presents the latest and most trusted versions of the applications.
The installation process is standard: find the desired application in the search, click the "Install" button and wait for the download to be completed. After that, the icon of the new browser will appear on the desktop. However, the fact of installation does not make it the main one. Android will still use the old application to open links until you explicitly indicate otherwise.
It is also worth checking for updates for already installed browsers. Sometimes the default browser selection function may be hidden or not work correctly if the version of the application is too old. Go to the settings of the app store and update all available programs to current versions.
☑️ Ready to change browser
Instructions: how to choose the default browser through settings
The main and most reliable way to change a priority application is deep in the system settings. MIUI interface may vary slightly depending on the version (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), but the logic remains the same. You need to follow the path: Settings → Applications → Application settings. In some versions of the firmware, this item may be called simply “Application Management”.
In the menu that opens, look for the "Default Apps" section, which is usually located at the top of the list or in the three-dot menu at the top right of the screen. When you click on this item, you'll see a list of action categories for which you can choose your preferred application. We're interested in the "Browser" item.
Click on your current choice (most likely, it will indicate "Mi Browser" or "Chrome"). A pop-up window will open with a list of all browsers installed. Choose the option you want from the list. The system can warn you that the selected application will access certain data - this is normal for correct operation.
What to do if there is no "Default Apps" item?
Once you've selected it, it remembers the action, and now every time you click on the link, it will run the app you've chosen, and if you're wrong, you can repeat the process at any time by going back to the same settings menu.
Alternative method through the menu of a particular application
There's a second way, which is often faster, especially if you've just installed a new browser, and when you first start up, many of the modern apps themselves suggest that you become the primary one, but if you miss that point or close the window, you can force the settings to be set up through the menu of the app itself.
Go to your smartphone Settings and select the Apps section. In the list, find the browser you want to make the primary (like Yandex or Opera). Click on it to open the app management page. Here you need to find the "Open by Default" or "Start by Default".
Inside this menu, you'll see the "Open Supported Links" switch. Activate it. The system can suggest that you select the "Always Ask," "Do Not Open in this app," or "Open in this app." Select the latter option. This action will force the browser you choose to prioritize web links.
⚠️ Note: If the “Open Supported Links” button is inactive (gray), it means that another browser is already rigidly fixed in the system. In this case, you first need to go to the settings of the current main browser and click the button "Reset default settings", then return to the setting of the new.
The good thing about this is that it works point-by-point, so you don't look for general system settings, you control the behavior of a particular program, and this is especially useful if you have multiple browsers for different tasks and you want to quickly switch context.
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The method of setting up through the app’s menu (Applications –> Selected App –> Open by Default) often works faster than finding a shared system menu, especially on newer versions of Android 13/14.
Comparison of popular browsers for Android
Choosing a primary browser is a matter of taste, but it’s worth considering the specifications of each solution. Android is dominated by several players, each of whom offers unique features. For Xiaomi owners, not only speed is important, but also optimization for Snapdragon or MediaTek processors, as well as the ability to work in the background without excessive battery discharge.
Below is a comparison table of the main characteristics of popular browsers available in the Google Play Store, which will help you decide on your choice if you have not yet decided which application to install the main one.
| browser | Engine. | Synchronization | Ad-blocker | Traffic saving regime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Blink | Google account | Expansion is required | Got it (Lite mode) |
| Yandex.Browser | Blink | Yandex ID | Built-in (Turbo) | Aye (Turbo 2.0) |
| Mozilla Firefox | Gecko | Firefox Account | Built-in (Enhanced) | No. |
| Opera | Blink | Opera ID | Built-in | Available (Data Savings) |
Google Chrome is the most native Android engine, because the WebView engine used by many apps inside itself is based on Chromium technology, which ensures maximum compatibility with all sites, but Gecko-based browsers like Firefox offer better process isolation, which theoretically improves data security.
For users with traffic limits, saving mode can be critical: Browsers from Yandex and Opera compress pages on their servers before sending to their phone, which allows you to significantly save megabytes and speed up loading on a slow 3G/4G connection.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes face difficulties. One of the common problems is that the system "forgets" the choice or resets it after updating the MIUI firmware. In this case, you need to re-enter the default application assignment procedure, and you can also see a situation where links open in the browser, but do not go to the desired page, but show an error.
If, after changing the main browser, links stop opening at all or open in an empty window, try clearing the cache and data of the new main application. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All applications, find your browser, select Memory and click Clear Cache. Don’t be afraid, this will not delete your bookmarks if they are synchronized with your account.
⚠️ Attention: Clearing data (not just cache) can result in deleting saved passwords and history on the device if sync wasn't enabled.Be careful when choosing the type of cleanup.
Another common problem is conflicts between multiple browsers that claim to be the primary browser, such as if you have Chrome, Samsung Internet (if ported), and Yandex, the system can behave unpredictably. In such cases, a complete reset of application preferences helps. In the application settings menu (three dots in the corner), select Reset application preferences. This will return all file opening and link settings to factory state, and the next click on the link, the phone will ask you again than open the page.
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If after changing the browser, news widgets on the desktop stopped working, try changing the content source in the widget settings or reinstall the widget, since it could "cache" the path to the old browser.
Security and privacy settings after the change
Once you have successfully installed your primary browser, it is recommended to check your privacy settings. New applications can request access to geolocation, microphone and camera. Go through the permission list in Settings → Privacy Protection → Permissions Manager and make sure that the browser does not have excessive rights, such as accessing contacts or SMS without need.
An important step is to set up secure search and phishing protection. Most modern browsers have these features enabled by default, but it’s worth checking if Safe Browsing is activated, which will keep you from going to fraudulent sites that are often masquerading as popular resources.
Don’t forget to update your browser regularly. Developers are constantly closing security holes. On Xiaomi, you can enable auto-update via Wi-Fi in the Google Play Store settings, so you can always have the latest version of protection without unnecessary action on your part.