How to install the default browser on Xiaomi phone: all ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-enabled smartphones use the default Mi Browser browser, an application with integrated services, advertising and a specific interface. However, many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera or Brave because of their faster speed, synchronization with other devices or lack of unnecessary features. In this article, we will discuss how to properly change the default browser on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark phones, including nuances for different versions of MIUI and Android.

It’s important to understand that the procedure is different from the default application change in “pure” Android. Xiaomi often limits users’ capabilities through its own security and optimization settings. We’ll look at both the official methods through the phone’s menu and workarounds for cases where the system blocks changes. You’ll also learn why settings can be reset after a MIUI update, and how to avoid this.

Why Mi Browser is still the main one, even after installing alternatives

The main problem is that MIUI is aggressively promoting its own services, and even if you have installed Chrome or another browser, the system can:

• 🔄 Automatically open links in Mi Browser, ignoring your choices.
• 📱 Reset default settings after rebooting or updating.
• 🚫 Block the ability to change the browser in the security settings.
• 📊 Show notifications about the “recommended” browser.

This is due to the misa service (MIUI System Ads), which is responsible for integrating advertising and promoting branded applications, and the newer versions of MIUI 14-15 have made the algorithms even stricter: the system can even hide menu items to change the browser if detects that you are trying to use third-party software.

In addition, some models (e.g. Xiaomi for the Russian market) have pre-set restrictions due to local requirements, in which cases it may be necessary to manually disable the Mi Browser via ADB or use special commands.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

This method works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-15, but can be blocked on some regional firmware.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser section and select the desired application from the list (e.g. Chrome or Firefox).
4. Confirm the choice by clicking Set by default.

If the default App item is not on the menu, then your version of MIUI is hiding it, in which case move on to the next way.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Close all background applications

Connect your phone to charge (in case of prolonged manipulation)

Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 with a MIUI 13.0.5) After changing the browser, the system can show a pop-up with a suggestion to return to Mi Browser.This is not a mistake - just click Cancel and ignore notifications.

Method 2: Use the Open with the Help menu for individual links

If the system blocks a global browser change, you can configure link opening selectively:

1. Open any web link (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp).
2. When the application selection window appears, tap on More or More.
3. Select the browser you want and tick Always (or Use by default).
4. Confirm the action.

This method works for most links, but does not guarantee that all web pages in the browser of choice will open. For example, links from system notifications or some applications (Mi Home, Mi Fit) may still open in Mi Browser.

To enhance the effect, repeat the procedure with different types of links:

• 🔗 Normal. HTTP/HTTPS (for example, https://google.com)
• 📧 Links from email clients
• 💬 Links from messengers
• 🛒 References to goods in stores

Mi Browser (branded)

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Opera or Opera GX

Brave

Other-->

Method 3: Disable Mi Browser via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have not worked, you can completely disable the Mi Browser through the ADB debugging bridge. This is a radical solution, but it is guaranteed to remove the browser from the list of applications by default.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser

MIUI 14+ may also require you to disable com.miui.browser:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.browser

Reboot the phone.

After that, Mi Browser will disappear from the app menu, and all links will open in the browser you chose earlier. To return everything back, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.android.browser

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware for the Russian market (for example, MIUI RU) team ADB It can be blocked, and then only reflashing to the global or European version will help. MIUI.

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

If you don't want to work with ADB, you can use specialized applications to manage default settings.

When using these utilities, be careful about permissions: some of them request access to Special Access or Usage Data. Do not grant permissions if you are not sure about the security of the application.

Examples of Default App Manager:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Select the Browser category.
3. Slip on the desired browser and confirm the choice.
4. Reboot the phone.

💡

If after using the utility settings are reset, try to disable automatic optimization in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization and add the browser to exceptions.

Method 5: Flashing on custom firmware (for advanced)

If all previous methods failed, the radical solution is to install custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS, which is free of MIUI limitations and allows you to freely manage applications by default.

Advantages:

• 🚀 Full control of the system without restrictions Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Regular security updates from the community.
• 📱 The ability to use Google Services or alternatives (e.g. MicroG).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔧 Difficulty of installation for beginners.
• 📱 Possible bugs with camera or sensors (depending on model).

Instructions for installing Pixel Experience on Xiaomi:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
3. Download the firmware from the Pixel Experience website.
4. Go to TWRP and run Wipe → Format Data (all data will be deleted!).
5. Install the firmware through Install → Select ZIP.
6. Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note) 10 Pro, Xiaomi 11T) After installing custom firmware, Widevine may stop working L1 (no HD into Netflix/Disney+). Check compatibility before installation.

Why settings are reset after the MIUI update

Many users are faced with the fact that after updating MIUI browser default again becomes Mi Browser.This is due to the work of the service com.miui.systemAdSolution, which resets user settings “to improve performance”.

How to avoid this:

• 🔄 Before updating, back up the settings through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 📱 After the update, immediately check the browser default settings.
• 🔧 Use it. ADB to permanently disable Mi Browser (as in Method 3).
• 🛡️ Turn off automatic optimization in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

If the update has already occurred and the settings have reset, try:

1. Clear the Settings app cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Clear the cache).
2. Repeat the procedure of changing the browser (Method 1 or 2).
3. Reboot the phone.

💡

To get rid of resets forever, turn off the automatic check for MIUI updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Settings → Auto Update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi