Resetting the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge that users face after installing third-party apps like Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera. The MIUI system automatically prompts you to choose a browser to open links, and sometimes this choice is saved forever, even if you would like to return to the standard solution from Xiaomi. In this article, we will analyze why this happens, how to reset the settings correctly and what to do if the standard browser disappeared from the system at all.
Many people mistakenly think that to return a factory browser, you need to perform a full reset of the phone (hard reset), in fact, this is an extreme measure — in 90% of cases, the problem is solved through application settings or system parameters, we will look at all the current methods, including hidden MIUI functions, which are not obvious to the average user.
We will pay special attention to the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 and the flagships of the K series, as they are most often installed alternative browsers. If you use POCO or Black Shark, the instructions will also work, but the names of menu items may differ.
Why Xiaomi automatically changes the browser by default?
The reason lies in the architecture of the Android operating system and the MIUI shell. When you first open a link after installing a new browser (like Chrome), the system asks: “Open with...” and suggests choosing the application “Always” or “Only once.” If you choose “Always”, then:
✅ The system records this choice in the default settings for all types of links (http://, https://, web-document).
✅ MIUI Google may further prioritize browsers due to pre-installed services (GMS).
✅ Some apps (such as Facebook or Telegram) forcefully open links in their built-in browser, ignoring system settings.
Interesting fact: on Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Without Google, there's no problem with that -- the default browser is always the standard Mi Browser (Global/EU ROM) Browser conflict occurs more often.
Method 1: Reset browser settings through “Applications”
The easiest way is to return the default settings for a particular browser, which won't delete it, but it will reset the link binding.
1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the browser that is currently opening links (such as Chrome) and tap it.
3. Go to Open by Default (or Default Settings on newer versions of MIUI).
4. Press Reset Settings (or Clear Default Settings) button.
After that, the next time you open the link, the system will again ask which application to use. Select Mi Browser (or another browser you want) and mark "Always".
Close all open tabs in the browser
Save important bookmarks (export to HTML)
Check that Mi Browser is installed (if not, download from the Mi App Store)
Turn it off. VPN (It can block system settings)-->
Method 2: Manually assigning the browser by default
If the reset didn’t help or you want to explicitly list Mi Browser as the primary, do the following:
1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser.
2. Slip on the Default Opening (or Default Settings) item.
3. Under Supported URLs, include all types of links:
- http://
- https://
- .html, .htm
- .xhtml
4. Go back and click Set by default (or Make primary).
If Mi Browser is not listed, the app has been removed, in which case it needs to be reinstalled. Download the official version from the Mi App Store or restore via Settings → Apps → Deleted (if the feature is available on your firmware).
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On some Redmi models (such as Note 10 Pro) after upgrading to MIUI 14 standard browser may disappear from the menu, in which case the installation will help APK-Mi Browser file from Xiaomi official website (Support section»).
Method 3: Using ADB for resetting (for power users)
If your system settings don’t respond or your browser is stuck on a third-party application, you can use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) command, which requires connecting your phone to your computer and enabling the developer mode.
1. Activate Developer Mode:
Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable debugging over USB.
2. Connect Redmi to your PC, install ADB drivers (if needed) and open the command prompt.
3. Enter the commands in turn:
adb devices(Your device should be displayed)
adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser(This will reset the settings of the standard browser)
adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.miui.browser(Perforced to install Mi Browser by default)
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Attention: Incorrect use of ADB can disrupt the system. Do not enter commands unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, the adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome command will completely remove Chrome for the current user, which can lead to errors in other applications.
Method 4: Recovery of Mi Browser with Safe Mode
If your browser has been deleted or damaged and standard methods don't work, try booting into Safe Mode, which disables all third-party applications, and you can restore system components.
1. Turn off the phone.
2.Put the power button before the Redmi logo appears, then immediately press and hold the volume button until the Safe Mode sign appears at the bottom of the screen.
3. In Safe Mode, go to Settings → Apps and check if the Mi Browser appears on the list.
4. If yes, open it, then restart the phone as normal.
If the browser didn't appear, it was removed at the firmware level, in which case only flashing the phone through Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool will help.
What to do if Safe Mode is not enabled?
Method 5: Complete resetting of settings (last resort)
If none of these methods worked, the last resort is hard reset, which will remove all data from the phone, including apps, photos and settings, but will bring back the factory configuration of the browser.
1. back up important data via Settings → About Phone → Backup or Mi Cloud.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset → Delete all data.
3. enter a password (if required) and confirm the reset.
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Note: On models with a locked bootloader (Redmi for the Chinese market), a reset may cause a request for a Mi Account account when turned on. Make sure to remember the username and password, otherwise the phone will be locked!
Once reset, Mi Browser will become the default browser.To avoid a recurring problem, do not install third-party browsers or opt out of Always when opening links.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
| Method | Difficulty | PC required | Data resetting | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resetting through “Annexes” | ⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Any Redmi models |
| Manual assignment | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | If the Mi Browser is not damaged |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | Experienced users |
| Safe Mode | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | If the browser is deleted |
| Hard Reset | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ✅ Complete. | Extreme case |
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Start with the simplest method (Reset via Apps) and move on to the more complex only if the previous ones didn’t work. 80% of the time, the problem is solved without resetting your phone or using ADB.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
🔹 Error: After reset, the browser still does not change.
Solution: Check if there's an app like Link Bubble or DuckDuckGo that intercepts links. Delete it or reset settings.
🔹 Mistake: Mi Browser is not listed in the app list.
Solution: Download APK-browser file from the official Xiaomi website (Support section) → Redmi software") and install manually. On some firmware, the browser is hidden - try to find it through a search in the settings.
🔹 Error: After the update MIUI browser resets to Chrome.
Solution: This is a feature of global firmware: Turn off automatic Chrome updates in Google Play or install Mi Browser as a system application via ADB:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.browser🔹 Error: When discharged through ADB There's a message coming out, Failure».
Solution: Make sure USB debugging is on and drivers are installed. Try the command with superuser rights:
adb shell su 0 pm clear com.android.browser(root required).