How to install any browser main on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their flexibility, but changing the default browser often raises questions among users. Unlike “pure” Android, where choosing a standard browser takes a couple of clicks, in MIUI, this process can be hidden behind several layers of settings — or even blocked on some models. Reasons for changing vary from wanting to use Google Chrome instead of the standard Mi Browser to having to test web applications in Firefox or Brave.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to make the browser the main one on Xiaomi, including bypassing restrictions. MIUI, work ADB-And we'll focus on common errors, like when the system forgets a browser after a reboot or blocks a shift because of security policies. MIUI 14/15 (Android 12-14) and relevant to the Redmi Note models 12/13, POCO F5/X5, Xiaomi 13/14 others.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the browser change by default?

MIUI firmware has historically limited the freedom to choose standard applications, as part of Xiaomi’s strategy to promote its own services, and here are the key reasons why changing browsers can be difficult:

• 🔒 Politics MIUI: In some regions (e.g. the EU), Xiaomi is required to provide browser selection when first enabled, but in other countries this item is often omitted.
• 📦 Pre-installed apps: Mi Browser is integrated into the system and has privileges that third-party browsers do not have (for example, access to push notifications from sites).
• 🛡️ Security: MIUI Blocks the change of standard applications for protection against phishing – for example, so that attackers do not replace the browser with a fake version.
• 🔄 System updates: After major updates MIUI Can reset standard app settings, making Mi Browser a priority.

Interestingly, on global firmware devices (such as the Redmi Note 12 Global), the restrictions are usually milder than on Chinese versions (China). ROM). The latter are often deprived of even the option of choosing a browser in the settings. POCO-shell-like POCO Launcher Algorithm Changes Can Be Different.

Method 1: Standard change through MIUI settings

If your Xiaomi smartphone is not tightly restricted, the easiest way is to use the built-in settings, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-15 (Android 11-14), but may not be available on Chinese firmware or enterprise versions.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser item and tap it.
4. In the list of available browsers, select the desired one (for example, Chrome or Firefox).

If the Browser item is not on the list, your version of MIUI is blocking the shift, in which case move on to the following ways.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play|Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.|Close all open tabs in Mi Browser|Reboot your smartphone (optional)-->

Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)

If the standard method didn't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but it works even on locked firmware. Importantly, after using ADB, some system applications (such as Mi Browser) can start to emit errors, which is normal and does not affect the device.

Steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi: go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install it ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Follow the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
5. Run the command to change the browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package): adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.app.role.BROWSER com.android.chrome For Firefox use org.mozilla.firefox, for Edge - com.microsoft.emmx.

After completing the command, restart your smartphone. If the browser has not changed, try repeating the command or checking the application package is correct.

Method 3: Editing configuration files (root)

For users with unlocked bootloader and root rights, the most radical method available is manual editing of system files, which is suitable if MIUI ignores all previous attempts or after updating the system resets the settings.

Attention:

⚠️ Incorrect editing of system files can lead to a device "brick"! it is recommended to create a backup (nandroid backup) before starting.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Cross the path: /data/system/users/0/ Find the file. package_restrictions.xml.
3. Open the file in the text editor and find the line from android.app.role.BROWSER.
4. Replace the value with your browser package (e.g. com.android.chrome) and save the file.
5. Reset the device.

If the file package_restrictions.xml No, try to create it manually with the following content (replace the browser package):

<role-holders>


<role-holder name="android.app.role.BROWSER" package="com.android.chrome"/>




</role-holders>

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

For users who don't want to mess with ADB or root, there are specialized utilities, one of the most reliable is Default App Manager (available on Google Play), which allows you to change standard applications, including the browser, without complex manipulation.

How to use:

1. Install Default App Manager and open it.
2. Give the application permission to use Usage Access (a window will pop up with a suggestion to go to the settings).
3. In the main menu of utilities, find the Browser section.
4. Select the browser from the list and confirm the choice.

The advantage of this method is that it is simple and there is no risk of damage to the system, but on some MIUI firmware, the utility may not work due to manufacturer restrictions.

💡

If, after changing your browser, links still open in Mi Browser, clear the cache and data of the Settings application → Applications → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear the data.

Method 5: Bypassing restrictions through Safe Mode (for Chinese firmware)

On devices with China ROM (Chinese firmware), the option to change the browser is often absent, in which case you can use Safe Mode, a mode in which all third-party applications, including the system restrictions of MIUI, are disabled.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the power button before the Xiaomi logo appears, then release and immediately press Volume down, holding until downloaded in Safe Mode (the bottom left corner will have an inscription).
3. In this mode, go to Settings → Applications → Default Apps and try changing your browser.
4. Restart the device in normal mode.

This method doesn't work on all devices, but it often helps bypass locks on Redmi and POCO with Chinese firmware, and if it doesn't work, it's just Global ROM or ADB.

Table: Method compatibility with MIUI versions

Note: Xiaomi tightened control over standard applications on MIUI 15 (Android 14), so ADB and root-access methods remain the most reliable.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 After the reboot, Mi Browser returns: It's politics-related MIUI, It resets the settings. It's the solution to use. ADB or disable automatic update of Mi Browser in Settings → Annexes.
• 🚫 The browser option is missing from the settings: So your firmware is blocking the shift. ADB Available tools like Default App Manager.
• ⚠️ Links open in both browsers: Clear the cache and Mi Browser data, and check the Open Supported Links settings in the app information.
• 🔧 ADB gives an error "No role holder": Make sure the browser is installed and the name packet is correctly listed. USB.

If neither of these methods works, the radical solution is the firmware Global ROM or custom firmware (like LineageOS), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may be unwarranted.

💡

On Android 12+ devices (MIUI 13+), ADB commands are prioritized, overriding even the system limitations of MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi