Xiaomi Redmi 9 runs on the proprietary shell MIUI, which has its own features in managing applications by default. Many users face the problem when the system automatically opens links in the standard Mi Browser browser, even if you prefer Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or another alternative browser. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the browser by default, including hidden MIUI settings, circumventing restrictions and solving typical errors.
Unlike pure Android, where it takes a few clicks to change the browser, Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be complicated by the firmware version, regional restrictions, or pre-set manufacturer settings. For example, in some versions of MIUI 12 and MIUI 13, the default browser selection option is hidden in the deep menu or not at all in the standard interface.
If you have previously tried to change the browser through settings and faced with the message "It is impossible to install this application by default", do not rush to reset your phone to factory settings. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved without radical measures - just know where to look for the desired parameters or how to reset the cache of system applications.
Why Xiaomi Redmi 9 can’t just change the default browser?
Xiaomi is integrating its own services into MIUI, including the Mi Browser browser, which is closely linked to the Mi Account ecosystem, cloud services and system utilities, creating several technical limitations:
1. System Component Linking. Mi Browser is used to display web content in other applications (e.g. Settings → About Phone → System Update).
2. Regional restrictions: In the Chinese firmware (MIUI China), the default browser change option is often blocked at the system level. In the global versions (MIUI Global), it may be available, but hidden.
3. Google Policy: Starting with Android 10, Google has tightened the default browser selection requirements, forcing manufacturers (including Xiaomi) to rethink the logic of this mechanism, and now the system can request confirmation each time a link is opened if a non-standard browser is selected.
4. Conflict with "Light Mode." In some versions of MIUI, the enabled Light Mode automatically resets the default browser settings to the Mi Browser.
⚠️ Note: If you are using a firmware MIUI China (without Google services), standard browser change methods may not work, in which case you will need to install Google Play Services manually or switch to custom firmware.
Official method: change the browser through the MIUI settings
This method works on most versions of MIUI 12/13/14 for Xiaomi Redmi 9 (Redmi 9A/9C/9T models are also supported). Follow the instructions carefully, as the path to settings may vary depending on the firmware version.
1. Open the Settings menu (the gear icon on the home screen or in the notification panel).
2. Go to the Applications section → Application Management.
3.In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the Default Apps (or Reset App Settings in some versions).
4. Find the Browser item and tap it.
5. In the list of available browsers, select the desired one (for example, Google Chrome or Firefox).
If your browser is not on the list, make sure it is installed and updated to the latest version. Sometimes it takes the first launch of an application to appear in the selection menu.
Install an alternative browser from Google Play
Update the application to the latest version
Launch your browser at least once
Check that the browser settings have enabled the option "Open links by default"-->
On some versions of MIUI 13, the path may look different: Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun, where you need to enable autorun for an alternative browser and then return to the default Apps.
⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI default browser settings may reset, it is recommended to check them after each major system update.
Alternative method: resetting application settings
If the standard method didn’t work, try resetting the default application settings, which will remove all user preferences, including browser selection, and allow you to reset it.
1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2.Push three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Reset application settings (or Reset default settings).
3. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.
After resetting the next time you open the link, the system will prompt you to select a browser. Choose the desired one and tick Always (or Use by default).
This method also helps if you have previously randomly selected Mi Browser as the default application for all types of links (HTTP, HTTPS, web pages).
Google Chrome|Mozilla Firefox|Mi Browser|Opera|Other-->
Problem Solving: What to do if the browser does not change?
If after all the manipulations the system continues to open links in Mi Browser, check the following points:
1. Conflict with Light Mode MIUI has a function Light Mode, which simplifies the interface and resets some settings. To disable it: Settings → Special features → Easy Mode and switch the slider to off position.
2. Restrictions of the device administrator
Some applications (e.g. corporate applications) MDM-solutions or antiviruses can block the default settings:
Settings → Passwords and security → Device administrators
3. Cache and system application data
Sometimes the crash is caused by a damaged Settings cache to reset it:
Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Show system-based → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache
4. Regional firmware restrictions
If you have firmware installed for the Chinese market (MIUI China), the option to change the browser may be blocked.
Install global firmware (MIUI Global) via Fastboot or Recovery.
- Use it. ADB-Forced change teams (see next section).
How do I check the MIUI version?
Advanced method: changing the browser through ADB
If standard methods fail, you can force the default browser to be set using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to your computer and enabling the developer mode.
Step 1: Preparation
1. Enable Developer Mode:
Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB Debugging.
3. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
Step 2: Installation of ADB
1. Download Platform Tools from the official Google website.
2 Unpack the archive and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
Step 3: Execution of commands
Enter in turn:
adb devices(The name of your device should appear)
adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.providers.settings(This will reset the application settings by default)
adb shell am start -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS(Opens the default application selection menu)
After completing the commands, try again to change the browser through the MIUI settings.
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not follow commands unless you are sure of their purpose. It is recommended to back up the data before starting.
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If so, ADB-The browser is still not changing, try restarting the phone to Safe Mode (hold the power button). → Safe mode) and repeat settings.
Xiaomi Redmi 9 browser comparison: which one to choose?
Before you change the default browser, you should evaluate the alternatives. Below is a comparison of popular browsers by key parameters for Redmi. 9 (helio-processor G80/G35 and 3–4 GB RAM):
| browser | Speed. | RAM consumption | Synchronization | Blocking ads | Support for MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ~500-700 MB | Yes (Google Account) | No (requires extensions) | Great. |
| Mozilla Firefox | ⭐⭐⭐ | ~400-600MB | Yeah (Firefox Account) | Yeah (built-in) | Good. |
| Mi Browser | ⭐⭐⭐ | ~300-500MB | Yeah (Mi Account) | Yes (limited) | Perfect. |
| Opera | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ~450–650MB | Yeah (Opera Account) | Yeah (built-in VPN) | Good. |
| Brave | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ~550-800MB | Yeah (Brave Account) | Yeah (aggressive) | Satisfactory. |
For Xiaomi Redmi 9 with 3GB of RAM, Firefox or Opera are the best choice – they offer a balance between performance and functionality. If speed is the priority, choose Chrome, but be prepared for increased RAM consumption.
Important: On MIUI firmware below version 12.5, Brave’s browser may not work as stable as a result of a conflict with Xiaomi’s system services.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When changing the default browser, Redmi 9 users often encounter common errors.
1. "The application does not support web links"
This error occurs if the alternative browser has not registered itself in the system as a processor. HTTP/HTTPS-references:
Open your browser settings (e.g. Chrome).
- Go to Settings → Default Apps and enable all available options.
2 Links open in Mi Browser despite settings
The problem may be related to the link opening settings in the browser itself.
- Chrome: ⋮ → Settings → Open supported links → Open in this annex.
- Firefox: ⋮ → Settings → General. → Open links in Firefox.
3.After the MIUI update, the settings reset
This is a well-known MIUI problem, and to avoid it in the future:
- Before upgrading the system, back up the settings through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
After updating, re-set the browser by default.
4. does not show an alternative browser in the selection list
Possible causes:
The browser is not updated (check the version in Google Play).
- Annex is mounted on SD-The card (transfer it to the internal memory).
Conflict with Safe Mode or Second Space (disable these features).
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If none of the methods worked, check if the phone has custom firmware with modified MIUI settings. In this case, you may need to flash it to the official version.