How to install the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: all methods (including hidden)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is still a popular smartphone among users who value the balance of price and performance, but many face the problem: after installing an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox, Opera or Brave), the system persistently opens links in the standard MIUI Browser. In this article, we will analyze all the working ways to change the browser by default, from basic settings to circumventing the limitations of MIUI, including solutions for cases when the browser select button is gray and inactive.

The Redmi Note 5 (whyred and vince models) is still heavily used in MIUI 9 to 14 versions, each with its own nuances. We tested the instructions on MIUI Global, MIUI Europe and even custom builds — all methods work, but some require additional actions. If you tried to change the browser through standard settings and nothing worked, do not rush to reset the phone: below you will find alternative solutions, including manual editing of system files (for advanced users).

Why Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 can’t just choose the default browser

The problem lies in Xiaomi’s policy of aggressively promoting its MIUI Browser by blocking the change of standard apps on some firmware versions. Here are the key reasons why the browser selection button may be inactive:

• 🔄 Version. MIUI below 12: in old assemblies (e.g, MIUI 9/10) The default browser change function is simply not in the interface.
• 🛡️ Restrictions of regional firmware: in Chinese (China) ROM) and some global versions MIUI Option blocked at system level.
• 📦 No alternative browser: if you have installed APK manually (not from Google Play), the system may not recognize it as a full-fledged link processing app.
• 🔧 Failures in settings: sometimes after updating MIUI default rights are reset, and even the previously selected browser stops opening links.

Fun fact: Redmi Note 5 Pro (Whyred) with MIUI 12.5 and newer is less common, but owners of the base version (Vince) often face blocking, because Xiaomi gradually abandons support for older models, leaving in firmware "forgotten" restrictions.

Method 1: Standard change through settings (works on MIUI 12+)

If you have MIUI 12 or later, try the classic method, which is the simplest and doesn't require superuser rights.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on Browser.
4. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If there is no default App or browsers in the list are not displayed, then your version of MIUI is blocking this feature.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the browser does not appear in the list)

Sometimes the system forgets about installed browsers due to cache failures, to return them to the default application list:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action (this will not delete the data, but reset all permissions).
4. Reboot the phone and repeat Method 1.

Important: Once reset, you may need to re-allow contacts, camera, and other features for all applications, a method that often helps if a previously installed browser suddenly disappears from the list of standard applications.

Method 3: Use ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If the standard methods don't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer, but doesn't need root rights.

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes adb.exe).
2. Turn on your phone to debug USB: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to become a developer) Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB
3. Connect Redmi Note 5 to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (should appear the device with the serial number).
4. Run the command to reset standard applications: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.providers.settings
5. Restart your phone and try to select your browser again through the settings.

If this method didn’t work, try a more targeted command to force the default browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser’s package, such as org.mozilla.firefox):

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

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure about your actions, skip this method or ask for help in forums. XDA Developers.

Method 4: Manual editing of system files (requires root)

This is an extreme method that is only suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights.We do not recommend it for beginners, but if other methods have not helped, here is what you can do:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Cross the path: /data/system/users/0/ and find the file. settings_global.xml.
3. Open the file in the text editor and find the line: <setting id="default_browser" value="com.android.browser" />
4. Replace com.android.browser with your browser package (e.g. com.android.chrome for Chrome).
5. Save the file, reboot the phone.

Critical detail: make sure to back up the file before editing settings_global.xml. Syntax error XML This can lead to a phone load cycle!

Method 5: Bypassing "Open supported applications"

If the system blocks the browser change globally, you can force it to request a choice each time you open the link:

1. Open any link (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp).
2. When a window appears offering to open in MIUI Browser, tap on Supported Apps (or Always → Open only once).
3. Select the browser you want and tick Always.

This method does not change the default browser at the system level, but it does make MIUI remember your choices for specific types of links (for example, from messengers or mail).

💡

If links still open in MIUI Browser after selecting a browser, clear the cache and Settings app data (not to be confused with system settings!).This often helps to reset the "sticky" default settings.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, Redmi Note 5 users are facing problems.

• 🔄 Links are opened in MIUI Browser despite choosing a different browser: Reason: Some apps (like Facebook or Instagram) ignore system settings. Solution: In the settings of these apps, disable the option to Open Links in the internal browser.
• ⚠️ Browser selection button is grey and inactive: Reason: limitation MIUI Solution: Update the firmware to Chinese firmware or older versions. MIUI 12+ or use ADB (Method 3).
• 📱 After the reboot, settings are reset: Reason: Settings Provider malfunction.Solution: Clear the Settings (com.android.settings) app cache through ADB: adb shell pm clear com.android.settings

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Redmi Note 5 (especially in China) ROM) The default browser change is completely locked at the kernel level, in which case the only way out is to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

1. MIUI version (update to 12+).

2. firmware region (on China ROM restrictions are stricter).

3. the presence of an alternative browser in the main memory (not on the SD-map).

4. Lack of active power saving modes for the browser.-->