How to install the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro smartphone based on MIUI often automatically assigns the built-in Mi Browser or Google Chrome application to the standard browser, even if you prefer another one - for example, Firefox, Opera or Yandex Browser. This situation leads to the fact that all links from messengers, mail or social networks open in the wrong application that you are comfortable with.

The problem is complicated by the fact that in different versions MIUI (11-14+) The path to settings may vary, and some browsers, such as Samsung Internet, do not appear in the default list at all. In this article, we will discuss 3 working methods for assigning any browser to the primary on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, including bypassing system limitations. You will also know why after the update. MIUI Settings can be reset and how to prevent it.

Why can’t Redmi Note 8 Pro change the default browser?

On Xiaomi’s MIUI-shelled smartphones, there are several reasons why the standard browser doesn’t change:

• 🔄 Automatic reset after update. MIUI Sometimes resets default settings after installing new versions of the software (especially important for transitions between the two versions). MIUI 12 → MIUI 13).
• 📱 Restrictions on third-party browsers: Some applications (e.g. DuckDuckGo or Brave) are not registered as full-fledged browsers.
• 🔒 Block system applications if you have disabled Mi Browser through Settings → Applications, the system may ignore your choice.
• 🛠️ Cache errors: Damaged application data interferes with the correct operation of the settings menu.

Before you start changing your browser, check:

1. Is the browser installed and updated to the latest version (go to Google Play and update the application).
2. Is it disabled in settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management).
3. Is the power saving mode for the browser activated (Settings → Battery → Applications selection).

⚠️ Note: If you use the Redmi Note 8 Pro with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), the path to settings may be different. ADB).

Method 1: Standard Change through MIUI Settings

This is the easiest method that works on most devices with MIUI 11-14.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list, select the desired application (such as Chrome, Firefox or Opera).

If your browser is not listed:

• 🔍 Make sure it is installed and not a “lightweight” version (e.g., Chrome Lite does not support link opening).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📦 Clear the Settings app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

Install the desired browser from Google Play

Update it to the latest version

Check if it is not switched off in the settings.

Clear the cache of the "Settings" application

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Important: On some Redmi Note 8 Pro firmware (e.g., the global version for Europe), the default App item may be called Default apps or hidden in the Additional section.

Method 2: Assigning a browser through opening a link

If the standard method didn’t work, try to “cheat” the system by making it suggest a browser choice when you open the link:

1. Open any app that has clickable links (such as Telegram, WhatsApp or Gmail).
2. Click on any link (for example, https://xiaomi.ru).
3. In the window that appears, select Always (or Always) and specify the desired browser.
4. Confirm the action by pressing OK.

If the window with the choice does not appear:

• 🔗 Try a different type of link (for example, http:// instead https://).
• 📱 Make sure you don’t have a Developer Mode activated with pop-ups turned off.
• 🔄 Reinstall the browser you want to make the main one.

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Opera

Yandex Browser

DuckDuckGo

Other-->

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 13+ After selecting the browser through the link, the system can reset the settings after the reboot. To avoid this, immediately after the browser is assigned, open Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Your browser. → Open by default and make sure the tick is next to the desired item.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If the first two methods don't work, you'll have to use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), an advanced way that requires you to connect your phone to your computer, but it's guaranteed to work even on custom firmware.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📋 Installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download from the official website).
• 🔧 Utility. ADB (Installation instructions - here).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.

adb devices

Make sure your Redmi Note 8 Pro is listed.

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.providers.settings

Chrome

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

For other browsers, use their batch names:

• Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox/.App
• Opera: com.opera.browser/.MainActivity
• Yandex Browser: com.yandex.browser/.MainActivity
• Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB Some system applications (such as Mi Browser) may stop updating through Google Play. To fix this, follow the command: adb shell pm clear com.xiaomi.mibrowser.global

What to do if the browser is reset after the MIUI update?

Many Redmi Note 8 Pro users find that after updating the firmware browser settings default, this is due to the peculiarities of MIUI, which when major updates (for example, with MIUI 12.5 to MIUI 13) resets some user settings.

To prevent discharge:

• 📥 Before updating, back up the settings through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 🔧 After the update, do not click "Cancel" in the browser selection window when you first open the link - wait for the system to boot (5-10 minutes) and reconfigure the setting.
• 🛡️ Turn off automatic memory optimization in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery for your browser.

If the discharge has already occurred:

1. Repeat Method 1 or Method 2 from this article.
2. If it doesn’t work, use Method 3 (ADB).
3. Check if the settings for other apps are reset by default (such as Gallery or Music).

💡

If your browser settings are gone after the MIUI update, try to clear the Settings app data (Settings → Apps → Settings → Storage → Clear Data) and this will return all menu items to their original state, but will not delete your personal data.

How to check which browser is currently used by default?

To make sure that the settings are applied correctly, follow the following steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Apps.
2. Check the browser item – there should be the name of the application you have chosen.
3. Open any link from the messenger or mail and make sure it opens in the right browser.

If the link is opened in the wrong browser:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📌 Make sure you don’t click Always for another browser when you open the previous link.
• 🔍 Check if you have multiple versions of the same browser (e.g. Chrome and Chrome Beta).

💡

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 14, checking your current browser by default is also available via voice assistant: say “OK Google, which browser is the default?” (requires Google Assistant enabled).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you change your default browser to Redmi Note 8 Pro, users often face typical problems.

If none of these methods worked, your Redmi Note 8 Pro may have a modified firmware with remote system components installed.

• 🔄 Try to reflash the phone to the official version MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.
• 📱 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that allows you to flexibly configure link opening.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions