How to install Google Chrome browser by default on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro

Why Redmi Note 9 Pro users want to change the default browser

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones come with a pre-installed MIUI Browser browser that automatically becomes the default browser. However, many Redmi Note 9 Pro owners prefer alternative solutions β€” especially Google Chrome, which features synchronization with a Google account, advanced features and a more familiar interface.

The main reasons for changing the browser: MIUI Browser often blocks file downloads because of built-in antivirus, displays aggressive ads in the news feed, and does not support some extensions. Chrome offers cross-platform synchronization of bookmarks, history and passwords, as well as better compatibility with Google web services. In addition, many users note that Chrome is more stable on the Redmi Note. 9 Pro with firmware based on Android 10/11.

In this article, you’ll find current ways to make Chrome the primary browser, including bypassing the possible limitations of MIUI. Instructions are adapted to the Redmi Note 9 Pro (M2003J6A1G and M2003J6B1G models) with the latest system updates.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you change your browser by default, make sure that the basic conditions are met:

  • πŸ“± Google Chrome installed (download from Google Play or via Google Play) MIUI App Store).
  • πŸ”„ Updated firmware MIUI Up to the latest version (check in Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system).
  • πŸ”“ Allowed installations from unknown sources (if Chrome downloaded manually through the APK).
  • πŸ“ Cache and data cleared MIUI Browser (optional, but recommended for conflict avoidance).

Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 12/13 may require additional permission to change the default settings. If the browser change option is not available after installing Chrome, check for system restrictions in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Chrome β†’ Permissions.

πŸ“Š What browser do you use on Xiaomi?
MIUI Browser
Google Chrome
Firefox
Opera
Other

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

This is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices without root rights.

  1. Open the settings on your Redmi Note 9 Pro.
  2. Go to the Appendix section β†’ 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 browsers, select Google Chrome.

If Chrome is not on the list, it means the app is not installed or has the necessary permissions. Make sure you download the official version from Google Play, not the modified build.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for the browser change

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially Chinese) may have the option of changing the browser blocked. ADB.

Method 2: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If the standard method doesn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but it is guaranteed to work even on locked firmware.

Instructions:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi Note 9 Pro: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers. Activate Debugging on USB.

Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).

ADB Tools

Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.

adb devices

The name of your device should appear.

adb shell pm set-default-browser com.android.chrome

Once you have completed the command, restart your smartphone. Chrome will become the default browser. If you have an Operation not allowed error, then there are additional restrictions on your firmware - try the third way.

What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Make sure you have Xiaomi drivers installed (download from the official website). USB-cable or port. Enable the "Allow debugging by" option in the developer settings USB (safe-haven)".

Method 3: Bypassing MIUI restrictions through application settings

On some versions of MIUI (especially MIUI 12.5+), standard browser change methods are blocked, in which case manual configuration of the link handlers will help:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find Google Chrome and tap it.
  3. Choose Open Supported Links (or Open by Default).
  4. Activate all switches for link types: 🌐 http:// πŸ”’ https:// πŸ“„.html,.htm

MIUI Browser

This method forces the system to use Chrome to open web links, even if it is not selected as the default browser in the main settings. MIUI settings may reset.

πŸ’‘

If links still open in MIUI Browser after changing your browser, clear the Settings cache (com.android.settings) through the application management menu.

Table: Comparison of browsers on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro

CharacteristicsMIUI BrowserGoogle ChromeFirefox
Synchronization with the accountXiaomi/Mi AccountGoogle AccountFirefox Account
Blocking adsBuilt-in (aggressive)Requires extensionsBuilt-in (moderate)
Support for extensionsNo.Yes (limited)Yes (full)
Speed of operationMedium (depending on firmware)Tall.High (optimized for weak devices)
Integration with servicesXiaomi CloudGoogle (Mail, Disk, Maps)Mozilla (Pocket, Monitor)

As you can see from the table, Chrome benefits from integration with the Google ecosystem, which is especially important for users who are actively using Gmail, Google Drive or YouTube. MIUI Browser can be useful for those who sync data through a Xiaomi account.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change your default browser to Redmi Note 9 Pro, users experience typical errors.

  • ❌ Chrome is not in the browser list Solution: Reinstall Chrome by pre-clearing the cache and data via Settings β†’ Apps. Make sure you download the version for ARM64 (Suitable for Snapdragon processor 720G Redmi Note 9 Pro).
  • ❌ After restarting the settings reset Solution: This is a feature of some firmware MIUI. Use it. ADB-command for permanent fixation of the browser: adb shell cmd package set-default-browser com.android.chrome
  • ❌ Links from the applications are opened in MIUI Browser Solution: Clear the Android System WebView app data (com.google.android.webview) and restart your device.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Stable version 12.5.3+ You may need to roll back to an earlier firmware to completely change your browser. Before rolling back the data through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset.

Can Chrome be made a default browser without root rights?
Yes, on most Redmi Note 9 Pro firmware, this is possible through standard settings or ADB. Root rights are only required for deep modification of system applications, for example, the complete removal of MIUI Browser.
Why is Chrome no longer the default browser after the MIUI update?
It's a known problem. MIUI β€” After major updates, the system resets some default settings.Solution: Re-select Chrome in the settings or lock it through ADB-command as described in the second method.
How do I get MIUI Browser back?
Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Default Apps β†’ Browser and select MIUI Browser. If it is not listed, clear Chrome data or reinstall it.
Will Chrome consume more battery than MIUI Browser?
On the Redmi Note 9 Pro with a Snapdragon 720G processor, the power difference is minimal. Chrome is optimized for background work, but if you notice increased consumption, check active tabs and disable unnecessary extensions in chrome://extensions.
Can I remove MIUI Browser completely?
No root rights, no, because it's a system application. You can only disable it through Settings β†’ Applications β†’ MIUI Browser β†’ Disable. Complete removal will require unlocking the bootloader and superuser rights.

πŸ’‘

On the Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 13 The most reliable way to change the browser is a combination of standard settings and ADB-This ensures that the browser you choose is saved even after the system updates.