How to Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on Xiaomi Smartphones: The Complete Guide to 2026

Why Xiaomi is difficult to change the default browser and what to do about it

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face an unexpected problem: even after installing Google Chrome, the system persistently opens links in the standard MIUI or Mi Browser browser. This is not a coincidence, but a feature of the firmware, where the manufacturer actively promotes its own services. Unlike “pure” Android, where changing the browser takes 2 clicks, on Xiaomi this process can require up to 5 different actions - from changing application settings to editing system parameters.

The main difficulty lies in the double binding: MIUI Not only does it designate your browser as default for HTTP/HTTPS-Moreover, after updating the system settings can be reset – this is not a bug, but a feature of the firmware, which Xiaomi does not mention in the official documentation. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including hidden settings and circumvention of restrictions for models on the Internet. MIUI 12–14 HyperOS.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you start setting up, make sure your smartphone meets two key conditions:

• 📱 Google Chrome is installed – download it from Google Play (version at least 120.0 for stable operation).
• 🔄 System Updates – Check the Relevance MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Update: versions older than 2022 may not have the right options.
• 🔓 Developer rights – activation will be required for alternative methods (instruction below).

Pay special attention to the model of your device: on POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T with HyperOS, the algorithm differs from the classic MIUI 13 on the Redmi Note 10. If you use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), skip this section - there the browser changes in a standard way through application settings.

Method 1: Standard browser change through settings (MIUI 12–14)

This method works on most Xiaomi devices with official firmware. Follow the instructions carefully - skipping the steps will lead to the fact that links will still open in the Mi Browser.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser section and select Google Chrome from the list.
4. Return to Application Management, find Mi Browser and click Disable (this will prevent automatic link opening in it).

Important: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro), the "Disable" option may be blocked, in which case use Developer Rights Method 3.

Method 2: Configure link opening for individual applications

Even after changing the default browser, some apps (like Telegram or VK) can ignore settings and open links to Mi Browser, which is because MIUI intercepts Intents at the system level to fix this:

1. Open an app that doesn’t open links in Chrome (like Telegram).
2. Go to its settings (usually through the icon) ⚙️ menu).
3. Find the Open Links or the default browser and select Google Chrome.
4. For WhatsApp, the path will be different: ⋮ → Settings → Data and memory → Open supported links.

If the desired section in the application settings is not, use ADB-This is true for TikTok, Instagram and some banking apps.

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After changing your browser, clear the Mi Browser cache in Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Memory → Clear the cache. This will delete temporary files that may interfere with the correct operation of Chrome.

Method 3: Disable Mi Browser through Developer Rights

If the standard method fails and the "Disable" option for the Mi Browser is blocked, you will need to activate the developer mode and use hidden settings, which is suitable for MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS.

1. Activate developer rights: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option to Disable Mi Browser (on some models it is called the default browser selection) and activate it.
4. Restart the device – after that, Mi Browser will disappear from the list of applications by default.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO F4 GT After disabling Mi Browser, some system functions may disappear (for example, synchronizing bookmarks with a Xiaomi account). If this is critical, use Method 4 with ADB.

Method 4: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

This is the most reliable method, and it works even on locked firmware. You'll need a computer with installed hardware. ADB-Drivers and Included Debugging USB smartphone.

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser This will disable the Mi Browser at the system level.
2. Install Chrome by default: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main
3. To recover Mi Browser (if required): adb shell pm enable com.android.browser

If the team is not working, check:

• 🔌 Connection to USB file transfer (MTP).
• 📋 Debugging permission in the pop-up window on the smartphone.
• 🔄 Version ADB (must be at least 1.0.41).

The solution to the problems: why Chrome is not the default browser

If, after all the manipulations, links still open in Mi Browser, check the following points:

On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), an additional step may be required: disable MIUI Optimization in Settings → Special Features → System Optimization. This feature automatically “fixes” user settings, returning them to factory settings.

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On Xiaomi with HyperOS, after changing your browser, be sure to turn off MIUI Optimization - otherwise the system will return the Mi Browser after 24 hours.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi