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

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones often face the need to change the default browser — especially if the standard MIUI Browser is not satisfied with speed, functionality or security. Unlike pure Android, the MIUI shell has its own features: some settings are hidden, and the algorithms of work differ from the standard. This article will help you to understand how to change the default browser, what alternatives should be considered and what to do if the system does not allow you to replace.

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to install a new browser — for example, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox — and it will automatically become the main one. In fact, MIUI requires manual adjustment, and in some versions of the firmware, the path to these settings has changed. We will look at current ways for Redmi 9 based on MIUI 12-14, and also analyze the typical errors and their solutions.

If you just bought a smartphone or updated your firmware, chances are that the factory settings have reset and the default browser is MIUI Browser again. Don't worry, the replacement procedure takes no more than a minute if you know where to look for the right options. The main thing is not to confuse the browser settings with the opening settings of links, which are regulated separately.

Why it may not be possible to change the browser by default

On Xiaomi Redmi 9 with MIUI, users often find that the system ignores attempts to change the default browser, and there are several reasons, and most of them are related to the features of the shell:

• 🔄 Automatic resetting of settings after update MIUI — firmware can return factory settings, including the default browser.
• 🛠️ Limitations MIUI for third-party applications – some shell versions block changing standard applications without manually configuring.
• 📱 Duplicate browser conflict – if multiple browsers (e.g. Chrome and Firefox) are installed on the device, the system may “forget” the last choice.
• 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions in some regional versions MIUI (For example, for China, the browser change is blocked by default at the firmware level.

Another common problem is that links are not opened in the browser you choose, but in MIUI Browser or WebView, because Android has separate settings for opening links and settings for defaulting browsers, such as you can install Chrome as your primary browser, but links from Telegram or WhatsApp will open in MIUI Browser if you don't manually configure this.

To avoid confusion, it’s important to understand the difference between: the default browser (opens links when clicked on any app) and the web link opening app (configured separately for each app, such as Instagram or VK).

Method 1: Change your browser through MIUI settings

The most reliable and versatile method is to use standard MIUI settings. It works on all Redmi 9 firmware versions, including MIUI 12, 13 and 14.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select the App section.
3. Tap the default App item (or App Management → Default in some versions).
4. Find the Browser string and click on it.
5. In the list of available browsers, select the desired one (for example, Chrome or Firefox).
6. Confirm the choice by pressing OK or Set by default.

If your browser is not on the list, make sure it is installed and updated to the latest version. Sometimes MIUI does not display applications that were installed from third-party sources (not from Google Play), in which case, try reinstalling the browser or clearing its cache in the application settings.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check that the browser is not locked in the security settings

Reboot your smartphone before setting up-->

Important! Some versions of MIUI may have different paths to settings, such as MIUI 14 for the global version, the default App section may be in Settings → Applications → Application Management → By default. If you don’t find the right item, search by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner).

Method 2: Configure link opening for individual applications

Even if you change your browser by default, some apps (like Telegram, WhatsApp, or VK) can ignore this choice and open links to MIUI Browser.This is because each application has its own settings for processing web links. To fix this, you need to manually specify the browser for each application:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select an application where links are opened incorrectly (such as Telegram).
3. Slip on the default Opening (or Link Opening Settings) item.
4. Find the Web Links section or HTTP/HTTPS links.
5. Select your browser from a list (such as Chrome).
6. Save the changes.

If the list does not have the desired browser, try to first open any link in this application, and then in the window that appears, select Always or Open in... and specify your browser.

⚠️ Attention! Some apps (such as Facebook or Instagram) use a built-in browser (WebView) and do not allow you to change this behavior, in which case the links will be opened inside the application, not in the browser of your choice.

Method 3: Using third-party utilities to change the browser

If standard methods don’t work, you can use third-party apps that allow you to flexibly customize your link processing. One of the most reliable tools is the Default App Manager (available on Google Play), which gives you extended control over default settings, including the browser.

Instructions for using Default App Manager:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide all the necessary permissions (including access to application settings).
3. In the main menu, select the Browser.
4. Tap the current browser by default (usually MIUI Browser).
5. In the list, select an alternative browser (such as Chrome).
6. Confirm the change.

The advantage of this method is that Default App Manager allows you to reset default settings for all types of links (HTTP, HTTPS, FTP), as well as manage other standard applications (calls, SMS, maps).

⚠️ Attention: Apps like Default App Manager require advanced permissions that may pose a security risk, install them only from official sources and check other users' reviews.

Table: Comparison of popular browsers for Xiaomi Redmi 9

Before you change the default browser, it is worth assessing the alternatives. Below is a comparison of the most popular browsers by key parameters:

For Xiaomi Redmi 9, the best choice in terms of speed and security balance would be Google Chrome or Brave. If low battery consumption is important, consider Opera. Firefox is the best option for maximum privacy, but note that it consumes more power.

What to do if the browser defaults after rebooting

Some Redmi 9 users complain that after the smartphone reboots, the default browser becomes MIUI Browser again, a typical MIUI problem that involves the system optimizer, and here's how to solve it:

• 🔧 Disable Browser Optimization: Go to Settings → Apps. Select your browser (e.g. Chrome). Slip on the Battery. Select Unlimited.
• 🔄 Clear the cache. MIUI Browser: In the application settings, find MIUI Browser, press the vault. → Clear the cache.

Reset the application settings

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action.

⚠️ Attention! This will reset all application settings, including notifications and permissions. Use it only if other methods have failed.

If the problem persists, check if your device has optimized applications (such as Security or Clean Master) that can automatically reset default settings.

How to check which browser is installed by default

Sometimes users are not sure which browser is the main one, and you can check this in several ways:

• 🔍 Through settings MIUI: Open the Settings. → Annexes → Default apps. See which browser is listed in the browser bar.
• 🌐 Through the test link: Open any application with web links (like Telegram). Click on any link. See which browser it opened in.

Through information on the annex

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Find MIUI Browser and check if there is a default label next to the name.

If the test link is opened in the wrong browser you chose, then the settings are misplaced or not applied correctly, in which case repeat the default browser change procedure (see Method 1).

💡

If you often work with different browsers, install the QuickShortcutMaker widget from Google Play. It allows you to quickly switch between default browsers without diving deep into the settings.

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

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If none of these methods worked, check out the MIUI version: in some regional firmware (e.g. China), the default browser change is blocked, in which case only the flashing to the global version will help.