How to install the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: all ways

Changing the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is a challenge that many users face after buying a smartphone. The fact is that MIUI firmware aggressively promotes its own Mi Browser browser, even if you prefer Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to change the standard application for opening links, from basic Android settings to bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

The Redmi Note 7 (lavender models with Snapdragon 660 chipset) is that it comes with Android 9 Pie or Android 10 depending on the version of MIUI. This puts restrictions on some system settings. For example, newer versions of MIUI may have a deeper path to changing the default browser than a pure Android.

It is important to understand that even after changing the default browser, Mi Browser may continue to open some links (for example, from system notifications or Xiaomi applications), this is due to the integration of the browser into MIUI. Below you will find solutions for such cases.

Why can’t Redmi Note 7 change its default browser?

The problem lies in three key points:

• 🔄 MIUI It overrides Android settings. Even if you choose a different browser from the Default Apps menu, the system may ignore the choice for some types of links (e.g., from Mi Home or Mi Community).
• 📱 Android Version: On the Redmi Note 7 with Android 9, the path to settings is different from Android 10, which confuses users.
• 🔗 Types of references. MIUI splitting http://, https:// internal links of Xiaomi (milink://). For each type can be a handler.

Also, after the MIUI update, settings can be reset, which is not a bug, but a feature: Xiaomi tries to return users to branded services, but you can get around this limitation, as discussed in the following sections.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings

To start with, the most obvious method that works on most devices, however, on the Redmi Note 7, it may not work for all types of links.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
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 desired application (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not on the list, it is not installed or supports link processing.

• 📥 The app is downloaded from Google Play (not available) APK third-party).
• 🔄 Browser Updated to the latest version.
• 🛠️ In the browser settings, the option “Open links by default” is enabled (usually in the Settings section). → Mainstream).

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If you still open links in Mi Browser after selecting your browser, try clearing the cache and Settings app data (not to be confused with system settings!).

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the standard method doesn’t work)

If nothing has changed since the default browser change, the problem may be a conflict of system preferences, in which case resetting all application settings to factory applications will help.

⚠️ Warning: This operation will reset all default settings for apps, including permissions, notifications and background restrictions. Passwords and application data will be saved, but you will have to reconfigure access to the camera, microphone, etc. for each application.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action by clicking Reset settings in the dialog box.
4. After restarting the device, repeat Method 1 (selecting the default browser).

This method often helps when MIUI forgets user preferences after an update, and if that doesn't work, move on to the next one.

Make sure all important apps are updated

Remember (or photograph) current permissions for applications

Close all background tasks

Connect the device to charging (recommended)

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Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

For advanced users who are ready to connect the Redmi Note 7 to a computer, there is a reliable method through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is guaranteed to override the MIUI settings, but requires preparation.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.
2. Turn on USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate the USB Debugging Switch.
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
4. Open the command prompt (or Terminal) and type: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
5. Run the command to change your browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package): adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome For Firefox use org.mozilla.firefox, for Opera - com.opera.browser.
6. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you're not sure about the commands, you better use other methods. MIUI The settings may be reset and the procedure will have to be repeated.

Method 4: Disable Mi Browser through MIUI settings

If you don’t need Mi Browser at all, you can disable it or delete it (on some firmware) and this will prevent automatic link opening.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Browser (or "Browser") list.
3. Click Disable (if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action. The app will stop and its icon will disappear from the menu.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Disabling Mi Browser can cause errors when opening links from system applications (such as Mi Community or Themes), in which case you will either have to return the browser or use Method 3 (ADB) forcing references.

On MIUI 12.5 firmware and later, you can't turn off Mi Browser without root rights - the "Disable" button will be inactive, in which case only ADB or custom firmware installation will help.

Method 5: Using third-party applications to manage silences

If manual methods don’t work, you can use specialized utilities from Google Play, which allow you to flexibly configure link handlers and bypass the limitations of MIUI.

The best applications for this task:

• 🔧 Default App Manager is a simple tool to change silences without any problems. ADB.
• 🛠️ SetEdit is an advanced system settings editor (requires root or ADB).
• 🔄 Open Link With – allows you to choose a browser every time you open a link.

Examples of Default App Manager:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide access to settings (if requested).
3. Select the Browser category.
4. Slip on the desired application and confirm the choice.

These utilities are especially useful if you switch between browsers frequently or want to flexibly manage different types of links (for example, open http:// in Chrome and https:// in Firefox).

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The silent application side doesn’t work on all versions of MIUI. If the utilities can’t see your browser after installation, try clearing the Settings cache or using ADB.

Problem Solving: What to do if nothing helps?

If none of these methods worked, the reason may lie in:

• 🔒 Restrictions of regional firmware. On the Chinese versions MIUI (suffixed CN in the assembly number) some settings are blocked.
• 📦 This happens after incorrect updates or factory resets.
• 🛡️ Antivirus or optimizer that blocks setting changes (e.g., Xiaomi Security).

What can be done:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update. Sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds.
2. Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) is a radical method that requires unlocking the bootloader.
3. Contact Xiaomi support via the official website or Mi Community.Please specify the model (Redmi Note 7), the MIUI version and the problem description.

If you decide on custom firmware, keep in mind:

• 🔓 You will need to unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
• 📱 All data will be erased.
• 🔄 Xiaomi warranty is cancelled.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing your browser to Redmi Note 7