How to install the application by default on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer flexible settings, but it’s not always obvious how to change the default apps. Did you install a new browser but the system persistently opens Mi Browser? Or would you like Telegram to automatically handle all links instead of WhatsApp? In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you assign apps by default, from standard settings to hidden MIUI 14/15 features.

The problem is that the manufacturer often sews its services into the system, and the configuration interface changes with each version of the firmware, we tested all the methods on current models — from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra — and highlighted working solutions. Importantly, some parameters may differ depending on the regional firmware (Global, China, EEA).

If you've tried to change your default settings before through Settings → Apps, but you can't, don't rush to reset your phone. 90% of the time, the problem is solved through hidden menus or third-party utilities. Then, step-by-step instructions with all the nuances of MIUI in mind.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the default application change?

MIUI is known for its "care" for the user, sometimes excessive, and the manufacturer deliberately limits the ability to change standard applications for several reasons:

• 🔒 Security: Pre-installed applications (Mi Browser, Messages, Gallery) are further tested for system compatibility.
• 📊 Analytics: Collecting data on user behavior (e.g., through Mi Browser) helps improve services.
• 💰 Monetization: Built-in advertising in branded apps generates revenue (especially in China) ROM).
• 🛠️ Stability: Third-party applications may conflict with system processes (e.g. TrueCaller instead of a standard dialer).

In practice, this means that:

• 📱 On Global. ROM Part of the restrictions removed (you can change the browser, SMS-client, but not all.
• 🇨🇳 China. ROM Without unlocking the bootloader, it is almost impossible to change standard applications.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI default settings may be reset.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) After changing the firmware to custom (for example, Pixel Experience), standard applications are assigned automatically via Android. 13/14, But it can disrupt the job. IR Blaster and other Xiaomi branded features.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (works 70% of the time)

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI menu, which is suitable for most applications (browser, SMS, phone, gallery), but does not work for system services like Mi Share or Game Turbo.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. In the list, find the category you want to change (for example, Browser or SMS).
4. Slip on the current app and select an alternative from the list.

If the application is not in the list:

• 📲 Make sure it is installed and not disabled in Settings → Annexes → All applications.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the list is updated after the reboot.
• 📋 Check if the application supports this type of action (for example, not all messengers can handle it). SMS).

Install an alternative app from Google Play

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)

Open a new application at least once

Reboot your smartphone-->

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not working for China ROM rootless.
• ❌ You can not assign a third-party launcher (Nova Launcher) by default - only through ADB.
• ❌ On some models (Xiaomi) 13T) stripped-down.

Global ROM

China ROM

EEA ROM

Custom (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

I don't know.-->

Method 2: Through the settings of a particular application

Some apps (e.g. Chrome, Gmail, VLC) allow you to assign yourself by default directly from your interface, a method that often works when standard MIUI settings block changes.

How to do this:

1. Open the app you want to make standard (like Google Chrome).
2. Go to its settings (usually through three dots in the upper right corner).
3. Find an item like Assign by default, Open supported links, or Make primary.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen – the system will redirect you to Android settings.

Examples of applications with this function:

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later after the default Gmail assignment, the sync with Mi Account may stop working. To fix this, go to Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronization and turn it on manually.

Method 3: Use of ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work and root rights don’t work, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) can manually assign any application by default, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
3. Find out the name of the package of the desired application (for example, for Chrome it is com.android.chrome). | grep "chrome"
4. Assign the default application for a specific action. For example, for the browser: adb shell cmd role add-package android.app.role.BROWSER com.android.chrome

Popular roles and teams:

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB Some system functions (Mi Share, Quick Ball) may not work properly. To get it back, run the command: adb shell cmd role remove-package android.app.role.BROWSER com.android.chrome (replace). BROWSER and com.android.chrome for the desired values).

Method 4: Third-party utilities (without root)

If ADBs seem complicated, you can use specialized applications that automate the process of assigning standard applications, but you need to be careful - some utilities may contain advertising or unwanted software.

Top.-3 tested applications:

• 🛠️ Default App Manager (Google Play) is a simple interface that supports the application. MIUI 12-15.
• 🔧 SetEdit (XDA Developers – working through ADB, but with a graphical interface.
• 📱 App Cloner (Google Play) – allows you to duplicate applications and assign copies by default.

How to use Default App Manager:

1. Install the utility from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to Usage Access (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Access to Use).
3. Select a category (e.g. Browser) and tap on the desired application.
4. Confirm the changes – the system will redirect you to Android settings.

💡

If after using third-party utilities, the phone started to brake, clear the cache in Settings → Memory → Clean. Also check the AutoRun section - some utilities can be added to the autoboot.

Restrictions of third-party utilities:

• ❌ China. ROM Most of the tools don’t work without root.
• ❌ Some applications (e.g. SetEdit) require a PC connection.
• ❌ After updating MIUI settings can be reset.

Method 5: Manual database editing (root only)

If you have root rights (like Magisk), you can manually change the default system settings for apps, which is the most powerful, but also the riskiest method, because doing the wrong thing can lead to a bootloop.

What needs to be done:

1. Install Root Explorer or Solid Explorer with root support.
2. Cross the path: /data/system/users/0/ Find the file. settings_global.xml.
3. Open the file in the text editor and find the lines of the form: <setting id="default_browser" value="com.android.browser" />
4. Change the value to the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.android.chrome).
5. Save the file, reboot the phone.

Examples of keys for editing:

⚠️ Attention: Editing system files without a backup can cause data loss or "bricking" the phone. TWRP or adb backup.

Problem Solving: What to do if nothing works?

If none of the methods worked, check the following points:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI: Newer versions of firmware sometimes fix bugs with default settings. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Check out the regional firmware: In China ROM Without unlocking the bootloader, it's almost impossible to change standard applications. Install Global ROM via Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔧 Reset your application settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ → Reset application settings.
• 🛠️ Use alternative launchers: Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair – they let you assign apps by default through your settings.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions:

💡

If you’re using China ROM, the only reliable way to change standard apps is to unlock the bootloader and install Global ROM or custom firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up apps by default