How to change the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi Note devices with MIUI shells often come pre-installed with Mi Browser, which automatically becomes the default application for opening web links. However, many users prefer alternative solutions — Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge — because of their advanced features, synchronization with other devices or lack of advertising. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the default browser to Redmi Note (including the Note 10/11/12/13) models, taking into account the features of different versions of MIUI and Android.

It's important to understand that the process can vary depending on the firmware version and the updates installed. For example, in MIUI 14 based on Android 13, the algorithm differs from MIUI 12.5 on Android 11. We'll look at universal methods, and we'll also point out common errors that prevent users from successfully changing settings. If you're faced with a situation where the system ignores your choices or resets after a reboot, there's a solution in the article for that.

Why can't you just delete the Mi Browser?

Many users try to solve the problem radically by removing the standard browser. However, Mi Browser in MIUI belongs to the category of system applications that can not be uninstalled without root rights or special tools like ADB. Even if you disable it through the settings, it does not change the browser by default automatically.

Moreover, in some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 13 Global), trying to disable the Mi Browser can cause other system components such as Weather or Themes that use its engine to display content, so the right way to do this is not to delete it, but to properly configure the alternative browser.

• 🔧 Mi Browser is integrated into MIUI system level and is responsible for displaying web content in other applications.
• 🚫 Removal without root is impossible – you can only turn off (but this will not solve the problem with silence).
• ⚠️ In some regional firmware (for example, for India), Mi Browser cannot be turned off at all.

Method 1: Change the default browser through Android settings

This is the most obvious and versatile method that works on most Redmi Note devices regardless of the MIUI version. The algorithm is the same for Android 10/11/12/13, but may vary slightly depending on the shell.

Steps:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
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 of available applications, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not listed, make sure it is installed and opened at least once.Some applications (like Brave) require additional permission confirmation when you first run.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play| Open it at least once | Check for MIUI Updates |Reboot your phone if the browser doesn't appear in the list-->

Method 2: Configure via the Open with Menu (for individual links)

Sometimes the system ignores global settings and keeps opening links in Mi Browser, in which case you can manually specify the browser for a specific type of link, which is useful if you want, for example, links from Telegram to open in Chrome and from WhatsApp to Firefox.

How to do this:

1. Find any web link (for example, in a message or on your desktop).
2. Press it and hold your finger until the context menu appears.
3. Choose Open with Help.
4. In the list of applications, tap on the desired browser and mark Always (or Use by default).

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Facebook or Instagram) have built-in browsers and ignore system settings, in which case the links will open inside the app, rather than in the browser of your choice.

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If the link still opens in Mi Browser, try clearing the cache and data of the app that sends the link (such as Telegram or Gmail).

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

If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to regional firmware limitations), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your phone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to your PC, install ADB drivers and open the command line.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, execute the command to reset the silence: adb shell pm clear-defaults com.android.browser Then install the new browser by default: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/org.chromium.chrome.browser.ChromeTabbedActivity (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package, for example, org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to use other methods or seek help from a specialist.

Method 4: Reset application settings (if the browser does not change)

Sometimes MIUI forgets default settings because of cache or system application conflicts, in which case it helps to reset all the silences to factory.

How to reset your settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm action. This will reset the silence for all applications, including browsers, calls and SMS.
4. After reset, reset the desired browser by default (see Method 1).

This method is also useful if you have lost your settings or errors when opening links after the MIUI update, but note that the reset will affect other applications, for example, you will have to re-select the default messenger for SMS.

Solving problems: the browser resets after restarting

Some Redmi Note users are faced with a situation where, after restarting the phone, the browser defaults again to Mi Browser, due to the features of MIUI, which can automatically restore system settings.

Here's how to fix it:

• 🔄 Turn off the automatic Mi Browser update: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Browser → Auto Update and select Do Not Update.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache and data of the Mi Browser: this will prevent it from activating as a system component. → Annexes → Mi Browser → Warehouse → Clear the cache/data.
• 🔒 Freeze the Mi Browser with the help of ADB (without removal: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser This will disable it, but will not remove it from the system.

⚠️ Note: Disable Mi Browser via ADB This can cause errors in weather widgets and some system notifications. If you notice a crash, return it to its original state with the command: adb shell pm enable com.android.browser

Alternative methods: Launching links through widgets and shortcuts

If none of these things worked, you can go a detour, creating shortcuts or widgets to quickly open links in the right browser, which won't change the system silence, but avoids Mi Browser in everyday use.

How to create a label:

1. Install the Shortcut Maker or Tasker app from Google Play.
2. Select the option to create a shortcut to Open URL.
3. Specify the browser where the link should be opened (e.g. Chrome).
4. Save the label on the main screen.

Now, when you click on a link in a message or email, you can manually select the shortcut you created to open it in the right browser, a method that is especially useful for users who often work with the same sites (such as social networks or work services).

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If standard methods don't work, the combination of ADB + reset + disabling Mi Browser gives 99% success, but remember: any manipulation of system applications can affect the stability of the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note