How to put the main browser on Xiaomi: 5 ways to MIUI 12-15

Changing the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face after installing alternative applications like Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process is often complicated by the features of the MIUI shell, where the Mi Browser system browser is integrated deeper than it seems. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to make any browser the main one, from standard settings to workarounds for stubborn versions of firmware.

It’s important to understand that the algorithm of actions depends on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15) and the device model. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14, the path to settings is different from the POCO X5 Pro on MIUI 15. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work on 90% of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices in recent years.

Why can’t you just change your default browser on Xiaomi?

Unlike pure Android, where it takes 2 clicks to change the browser, MIUI imposes artificial restrictions.

• 🔄 Mi Account integration: System Mi Browser is tied to Xiaomi services (bookmark sync, cloud) and its removal or disabling can disrupt functions like Quick Apps.
• 🛡️ Security policy: B MIUI 12-13 Some system applications (including the browser) are protected from deactivation by ADB.
• 📱 Optimization for China: In global firmware Xiaomi often leaves “traces” of the Chinese version, where Mi Browser is the only allowed browser by default.
• 🔧 Restrictions of Google Mobile Services (GMS): On devices without certified GMS (For example, Chinese versions of Redmi, the list of available browsers can be truncated.

These features lead to the fact that even after installing Chrome or Firefox, the system continues to open links in Mi Browser.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12.5 Enhanced and below attempt to disable Mi Browser via ADB This can cause network resets, and we recommend backing up before experimenting.

Method 1: Standard browser change through settings (MIUI 13-15)

This method works on most modern Xiaomi devices with global firmware. Instructions are relevant for Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X4/X5, Xiaomi 12/13 and later:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Scroll to the Browser section and click on the current application (Mi Browser).
4. In the list, select the browser you want (e.g. Chrome or Firefox). If it is not, see Method 3.

After that, all links from messages, emails and other applications will open in the selected browser. However, there is a caveat: some system notifications (for example, from Mi Video) can ignore these settings and still use Mi Browser.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play|Update. MIUI last-minute|Check the availability of administrator rights in the browser|Create a backup copy of bookmarks in Mi Browser-->

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the browser does not appear in the list)

If the browser is installed but does not appear in the default menu of the Application, the problem lies in the cache of the system.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm action. This will clear all default settings (including the browser, SMS-messenger.).
4. After the reboot, repeat Method 1 – the desired browser should appear.

This method also helps if you update MIUI But remember, the reset affects all applications, so after the procedure, you have to reconfigure. SMS-messenger, phone and other services.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and below, resetting app settings can temporarily block access to Quick Apps (fast apps on the home screen.

Method 3: Manually add browser to the list of omissions through ADB

If the browser is installed but not displayed in the settings even after reset, you will need to intervene through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method suitable for advanced users and requires a computer.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Additional settings → Developer parameters → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access to debugging on the smartphone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and type: adb devices Make sure the device appears in the list.
3. Follow the command to add your browser to the default list (example for Chrome): adb shell cmd appops set com.android.chrome DEFAULT_BROWSER allow for Firefox, replace com.android.chrome with org.mozilla.firefox.
4. Restart your phone and check for a browser in Settings → Default Apps.

Critical detail: On MIUI 12.5 and below, you may need to manually clear the cache of the com.miui.securitycenter application after this command, otherwise the changes will not apply.

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If previous methods have not worked, you can use specialized applications that bypass the limitations of MIUI.

The most reliable option is Default App Manager.

1. Open the application and give access to Special Opportunities.
2. Select the Browser section (Browser).
3. Slip on the desired application and confirm the choice.

These utilities do not require root rights, but on some firmware, Xiaomi may request additional permissions through ADB.

Google Chrome|Mozilla Firefox|Opera|Brave|Other-->

Method 5: Radical solution - disabling Mi Browser

If all methods fail, the last resort is to completely shut down the system browser, which is risky, but effective.

1. Install an alternative browser (such as Chrome).
2. Activate Developer Mode (as in Method 3).
3. Connect to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser For Mi Browser in new firmware use: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser
4. Reboot the phone. The system automatically assigns an alternative browser by default.

Warning: Disabling Mi Browser may disrupt the operation of:

• 📌 Weather and news widgets on the main screen.
• 🔗 Quick links in Control Center (notification panel).
• 📊 Synchronize bookmarks with Mi Account.

To get it all back, do this:

adb shell pm enable com.android.browser

💡

Before disabling Mi Browser, export your bookmarks through the browser menu (Settings → Import / Export). This will allow you to transfer them to Chrome or Firefox after the procedure.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the instructions, users are facing problems, and we're going to look at the typical scenarios.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📋 Availability of recent updates MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔒 No active Device Admin applications (Settings) → Passwords and security → Device administrators).
• 🛠️ Availability of modified system files (if previously installed custom firmware).

💡

On devices with Chinese firmware (without). GMS) The list of available browsers is limited. The solution is to flash the global version. MIUI use ADB-method.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions