How to change the default browser to Xiaomi: all ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones default on the Mi Browser, which is not always a good option for users. The ability to change it to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or another alternative browser is a frequent request among the owners of the brand’s devices. However, depending on the MIUI version and phone model, the process may differ: somewhere a couple of clicks is enough, and somewhere you need to bypass system restrictions.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the default browser to Xiaomi, including official settings and solutions for cases when the standard method does not work. Particular emphasis will be placed on the hidden parameters of MIUI 14/15, which allows you to bypass the system restrictions without root rights.

Why can’t you just change your default browser on Xiaomi?

Unlike pure Android, MIUI is actively promoting its own services, including Mi Browser, which leads to two key problems:

• 🔄 Automatic Reset: After a system update or reset, the default browser can return to Mi Browser even if you have previously changed it.
• 🚫 No option: In some versions MIUI (especially on budget models), the item "Browser by default" is not at all in the settings.
• 🔒 Restrictions for third-party browsers: Even after changing some features (such as opening links from instant messengers) may ignore your choices.

The reason is Xiaomi’s policy of integrating MIUI’s own services to collect user behavior data (including through Mi Browser), which allows for better targeted advertising within the brand ecosystem, but from a legal point of view, users are free to choose any browser – and we’ll show you how to do it despite restrictions.

Official method: change the browser through the settings MIUI

If your device runs MIUI 12 and later, try the standard method.It works on most models, including the Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13/14:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not listed, install it from Google Play and re-open the settings. Importantly, once installed, the browser must be launched at least once, otherwise it will not appear in the list.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play| Run it at least once | Close all background apps | Check for MIUI-->

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The browser may not be in the default application list, in which case move to alternative methods.

Alternative methods for MIUI without the option to change the browser

If the standard method does not work

On devices with MIUI 11 and older (or on budget models), the option to change the browser can be hidden. Here are 3 workarounds:

1. Through the settings of the "Links" application

This method works with Xiaomi with Android 10+:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Links app (or URL Handler) in the list and tap it.
3. Select Open by default.
4. Reset the settings to the factory, then select the desired browser.

2.Use of ADB-teams (no root rights)

For advanced users, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method requires you to connect your phone to your PC, but does not violate the warranty:

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package (e.g. for Firefox – org.mozilla.firefox).

Configure via the "Security Center"

On some firmware, the option is hidden in Settings → Security Center → Autorun. Find your browser there and enable all permissions for it, including Open Links.

How to fix changes and avoid automatic resetting

Even after a successful browser change, MIUI can return the Mi Browser after:

• 🔄 System updates
• 📱 Resetting to factory settings
• 🔧 Cleaning the cache of the application "Settings"

To avoid this:

1. Turn off automatic MIUI update in Settings → About Phone → System Update (check “Notify, but do not download”).
2. Freeze Mi Browser via Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Disable (if the option is active).
3. Use Tasker to automatically restore settings after rebooting (requires automation skills).

💡

If the browser resets after the update, repeat the procedure for changing it and immediately clear the cache of the Settings application (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Memory → Clear the cache).

Best Alternative Browsers for Xiaomi in 2026

Not all browsers work equally well on Xiaomi, and we tested 5 popular options for speed, MIUI compatibility, and privacy protection:

For maximum privacy, we recommend Firefox or Brave — they don’t transfer data to Xiaomi and block trackers by default. If speed and integration with Google services are important, choose Chrome.

⚠️ Attention: Via Browser (popular in China) collects user data more aggressively than Mi Browser. avoid installing it if you value privacy.

Problem Solving: The browser does not change or open links

If, after all the manipulations, links still open in Mi Browser, check:

• 🔗 Application-specific settings: For example, Telegram or WhatsApp may have its own link handler. Go to the messenger settings and reset your browser by default.
• 📱 Energy saving mode: In Settings → Battery → Power saving mode add your browser in exceptions.
• 🔄 System cache: Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Clear cache (not to be confused with data cleanup!).

If the problem persists, try uninstalling the updates for Mi Browser:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Mi Browser.
2. Press three points (⋮) In the upper corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Reboot your phone and repeat the browser change.

💡

On devices with MIUI Global, browser change problems are less common than on MIUI China. If you use Chinese firmware, consider switching to a global version.

Reset browser by default after the MIUI update

After major MIUI updates (e.g., 13 to 14), the system resets all default application settings, including the browser, because Xiaomi is reassembling the cache of system services to avoid losing settings:

1. Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset (select System Settings).
2. Turn off automatic update installation in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update.
3. Use the App Cloner app to create a clone of your browser with an account link, which will help you restore your settings faster.

If the update is already installed and the browser reset, repeat the procedure for changing it and immediately follow the following steps:

adb shell cmd package reset com.miui.browser

This command will reset the Mi Browser settings, reducing the chance of it automatically returning.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi