How to install the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways and nuances

Why it’s important to choose the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones running MIUI use the Mi Browser browser by default, which is not always suitable for users. Some prefer Google Chrome for syncing with the account, others choose Firefox for privacy, and others choose lightweight alternatives like Opera Mini. But simply installing the application is not enough: the system continues to open links in a standard browser, which creates inconvenience.

In this article, we will discuss all the official and hidden ways to change the default browser to Redmi 9, including the nuances of different versions of MIUI (12 to 14). Also consider common errors – for example, why some browsers do not appear in the selection list or how to return the settings to the factory if something went wrong.

Particular attention will be paid to the hidden parameter in the developer settings, which allows you to forcibly reset all application settings by default - this saves when the system "forgets" your choice after the update.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you change your browser by default, follow a few steps to avoid problems:

• 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version: Go to Settings → The phone. → System Update: Older versions of firmware may not support some browsers.
• 🌐 Install an alternative browser from Google Play (e.g. Chrome, Edge or Brave) without this step, you can not change the browser.
• 🔄 Clear the current browser cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Browser → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔒 Check the permissions for the new browser: it should have access to the Internet and the ability to open links.

If you plan to use Google Chrome, note that on some versions of MIUI it can conflict with system services, in which case it will help to disable the optimization of the battery for the browser:

⚠️ Note: Do not delete Mi Browser after installing a new browser – this can cause system notifications and web previews to crash.

Method 1: Standard configuration through the application menu

This is the simplest method that works on most versions of MIUI 12-14.

1. Open the settings on your Redmi 9.
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not listed, it means:

• 🚫 It is not installed or installed incorrectly (downloaded from a third-party source, not from Google Play).
• 🔄 Requires to restart the phone after installation.
• 🛠️ The browser does not support processing of web links (rarely, but it happens in some niche applications).

Once you select a browser, the system will prompt you to confirm the action, and now all links from messages, mail and other applications will open in it.

Method 2: Reset application default settings

If the system still opens links to Mi Browser after changing the browser, there may be a failure in the settings, in which case a complete reset of the default applications will help:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).
4. After reset, re-select the default browser as described in Method 1.

⚠️ Warning: This reset affects all applications, not just the browser, and then you have to reconfigure the applications to open files, music and other types of content.

If this method didn’t work, try clearing the data for the Settings app (not to be confused with a full phone reset!):

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings (cog icon) → Storage → Clear data

Method 3: Using Developer Mode (for Power Users)

Some versions of MIUI (especially custom firmware) don’t have standard methods, and this will help with the developer mode, which gives you access to hidden settings.

To activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row.
3. Enter a password/pattern lock if required.
4. Return to the main Settings menu, and a new section for developers will appear.

Now, do the following:

1. Open the Settings. → For developers.
2. Find the option Reset app preferences (or Reset app preferences in English).
3. Slap it on it and confirm the reset.
4. Restart your phone and reset your browser by default.

This method is also useful if you want to force reset all file opening settings, including multimedia and documents.

Table: Browser compatibility with Xiaomi Redmi 9

Not all browsers work equally well on Redmi 9. Below is a comparison of popular options by key parameters:

If you care about privacy, look at Firefox Focus or Brave, which block trackers by default. Opera Mini with compression mode is suitable for saving traffic.

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If you still open links in Mi Browser after you change your browser, try clearing the Settings cache and restarting your phone. This often solves the problem.

Problem Solving: The browser is not saved or displayed in the list

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that:

• 🔄 The selected browser is reset after rebooting.
• 🚫 The new browser does not appear in the default list of applications.
• ⚠️ Error: “Can’t install the browser by default».

Let’s look at the solutions for each situation:

1.The browser is reset after the reboot

This is a typical problem for MIUI 12.5 and below, and it's because of the optimization of the system, which resets the default settings to save resources.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select your browser (such as Chrome).
3. Slip the battery. → Optimizing the battery.
4. Choose No Limits.
5. Reboot the phone.

2.The browser does not appear in the list

If you have installed a browser but it does not appear in the default settings, check:

• 📌 Is it installed as a full-fledged app, not a web version (PWA).
• 🔧 Does it support the processing of intent filters (technical parameter for Android).
• 📦 Is it a clone (e.g. Chrome Beta or Firefox Nightly – they may not show up).

Solution: Try reinstalling your browser or installing its official version from Google Play.

3. “Failure to install the default browser” error

This error is caused by a system permission conflict, and to fix it,

Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Your Browser] → Permissions → Enable “Open Supported Links”

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If none of the methods worked, try creating a new user in your phone settings (Settings → System → Additional → Users). In the new browser profile, your browser settings will reset to factory settings, and you can repeat the procedure.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi 9