How to change the default browser on Xiaomi phone: detailed instructions

Changing the default browser on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a challenge many users face after buying a device. The manufacturer installs its own MIUI browser as its primary, but not everyone likes it because of limited features, advertising or an uncomfortable interface. Fortunately, the Android operating system makes it easy to swap the standard application for any other — be it Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the default browser on Xiaomi phones with MIUI 14/15, including nuances for different versions of Android (from 11 to 14). You will learn how to install the new browser correctly, configure it as the main one and what to do if the system does not allow you to change the settings. We will also consider the problems that you may encounter and give tips for optimizing the browser you choose.

Why you should change the default browser to Xiaomi

The standard MIUI Browser browser has several drawbacks that make users prefer alternatives:

• 📊 Advertising and Tracking: The built-in browser often shows banners and collects data about the sites visited, even if you have disabled personalization.
• 🚀 Low speed: Compared to Chrome or Firefox, Xiaomi’s native browser can slow down when opening heavy pages.
• 🔒 Limited features: No sync with other devices, weak extension support, and no dark theme on some versions.
• 📱 Uncomfortable interface: Many users complain about button layout, lack of gestures and complicated navigation.

Alternative browsers offer:

• 🔄 Sync bookmarks, history, and passwords between devices (for example, through a Google Chrome account).
• 🛡️ Built-in ad blockers and tracking protection (Firefox Focus, Brave).
• 🎨 Flexible appearance settings (dark theme, fonts, panel layout).
• 📈 Optimizing battery consumption and traffic (e.g. Lite mode in Opera).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (especially in China), the pre-installed browser may be part of system applications.It cannot be completely deleted without root rights, but you can disable it in the settings.

What browser to choose instead of MIUI Browser

Before you change your browser by default, you need to decide on an alternative. Here is a comparison table of popular options:

If you're not sure about the choice, try installing 2-3 browsers and comparing them to work. They're all free and available on Google Play. You can use sites like BrowserLeaks (data leak checker) or HTML5Test (web standards support score) for the test.

Method 1: Change the default browser through Android settings

This is the simplest and most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones with Android 10 and later. Instructions are suitable for the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and other models with a MIUI 14/15 shell.

Step 1: Install an alternative browser from Google Play (like Chrome). If it's already installed, skip this step.

Step 2. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.

Step 3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps (or Default in some versions of MIUI).

Step 4. Scroll down to the Browser section and tap it.

Step 5: In the window that opens, select the browser you want from the list (e.g. Chrome or Firefox).

Step 6. Confirm the selection by clicking Ready or Set by Default.

Open any link from a message or mail|Make sure it opens in a new browser|Check that the default settings are the selected browser|Reboot your phone (optional if the changes don’t apply)-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially Chinese) may have the default App item hidden. In this case, use Method 2 or Method 3 from this article.

Method 2: Change browser through specific application settings

If the standard way didn’t work, you can assign the default browser directly to your browser settings, a method that works for Chrome, Firefox, and other popular browsers.

Instructions for Google Chrome:

1. Open the Chrome app.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Select the default browser (or the default application).
4. Click Set by Default and confirm the selection.

Instructions for Mozilla Firefox:

1. Launch Firefox.
2. Click on three points → Settings → General.
3. Select Make Firefox the default browser.
4. Follow the system's clues.

If there is no default change item in the browser settings, then it must be assigned using Method 1 or Method 3.

💡

If links still open in MIUI Browser after changing your browser, clear the cache and data of the standard browser in Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Browser → Storage.

Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change (for advanced ones)

On some versions of MIUI (especially on Chinese firmware), the system can block the default browser change via the GUI, which will help the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) command, which requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command-line knowledge.

Step 1. Install ADB Tools on your computer and enable USB Debugging on your phone:

Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times to turn on Developer Mode)


Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB (enable)

Step 2 Connect your phone to your PC via USB-cable and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.

Step 3: Open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

adb devices

Make sure your device is listed.

Step 4: Follow the command to change your browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package):

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome

List of packages of popular browsers:

• Google Chrome: com.android.chrome
• Mozilla Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• Opera: com.opera.browser
• Brave: com.brave.browser

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure about your actions, you should consult Method 1 or 2. MIUI default settings may be reset.

Problems with changing the browser and their solutions

Sometimes users have difficulty trying to change the default browser, so let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Application Rights: Make sure the new browser has permission to open links (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → browser).
• 🛠️ Root rights: Some custom firmware requires Magisk to change system applications.

Optimizing the new browser on Xiaomi

After changing the browser by default, it is recommended to configure it for maximum convenience and performance. Here are some tips:

For Google Chrome:

• 🔄 Enable synchronization: Settings → Your profile. → Synchronization.
• 📱 Activate Traffic Savings in Settings to Speed Up Page Loading.
• 🌙 Include a dark theme: Settings → Topics → Dark.

For Mozilla Firefox:

• 🛡️ Install extensions to block ads (e.g. uBlock Origin).
• 🔒 Enable Enhanced Tracking Protection in Privacy Settings.
• 📁 Configure saving downloads to the folder on the memory card: Settings → Downloads. → Conservation folder.

For Opera:

• 🌍 Turn on the free. VPN: press the badge VPN address-bar.
• 📊 Activate Turbo Mode to Save Traffic.
• 📱 Set up quick access to your favorite sites on the homepage.

Regardless of the browser, it is recommended to:

• 🔐 Use a password manager (embedded or third-party, such as Bitwarden).
• 🧹 Regularly clear Cash and Cookies in the browser settings.
• 📵 Disable notifications from the browser if they are not needed (Settings) → Notifications).

💡

If you often open the same sites, bookmark them or on the home screen, which will save time and traffic, as the browser will cache data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi