How to make Google Chrome the default browser on Xiaomi: all ways

Why Xiaomi is difficult to change the default browser and what to do about it

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a problem: even after installing Google Chrome, the system persistently opens links in the standard MIUI or Mi Browser browser. This is not an accident, but a feature of the firmware, where the manufacturer imposes its services. Unlike “pure” Android, here the browser change is blocked by default at the system level.

The reasons for this behavior lie in Xiaomi’s policy: the company integrates advertising modules, statistics collection and its own cloud services into MIUI, which work only through a proprietary browser. However, this does not mean that the user is doomed to Mi Browser — there are legal and non-obvious ways to circumvent restrictions. Next, we will examine all working methods, including those that do not require root rights.

Method 1: Standard configuration via application menu (MIUI 12–14)

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added a half-hidden default browser change option, but it is unstable and depends on the firmware region.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Scroll to the Browser section and select Google Chrome from the list.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially for Redmi Note) 10/11 and POCO X3) This item may be missing or reset after the reboot. If Chrome doesn't appear in the list, move on to the next way.

Remove updates for Mi Browser in Play Market|Clear the Mi Browser cache in Settings → Annexes|Reboot your smartphone before setting up|Check the version. MIUI (Relevance: MIUI 12 and newer)-->

Method 2: Reset application settings (works on 90% of devices)

If Chrome is installed but does not appear in the default browser list, the problem lies in the system cache, and resetting app settings often solves it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Once reset, all permissions for applications (including camera access, microphone access) will be revoked, and they will have to be reconfigured.
4. Repeat Method 1 – Chrome should be on the list.

This method works even on Xiaomi Mi A3 (with Android One), where browser change problems are less common, but still occur. If the method does not work, check if the device has a duplicate Chrome (for example, via APK).

Google Chrome|Mi Browser|Firefox|Opera|Other-->

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

If previous methods didn’t work, then there’s ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a debugging tool that lets you manually assign Chrome to the default browser, which requires a computer and a developer mode enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install ADB-tools and execute the commands: adb devices adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.settings adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If Chrome is not the default browser after completing the commands, check the correctness of the packages entered (com.android.chrome for Chrome, com.miui.browser for Mi Browser).

Method 4: Remove Mi Browser via uninstaller (requires root)

A radical but effective method is to remove the Mi Browser completely from your device, and this is only possible on an unlocked root bootloader. Use applications like Titanium Backup or Root App Deleter:

1. Install one of the applications to remove system programs.
2. Find it in the list of com.miui.browser and delete it.
3. Reboot the device. The system automatically assigns Chrome to the default browser.

Warning: Removing system applications could disrupt work MIUI, Especially on devices with HyperOS (new firmware Xiaomi). TWRP.

Problems and Solutions: Chrome is not saved as the default browser

Even after a successful browser change, users are faced with MIUI resetting settings, and here are the typical reasons and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Automatic Mi Browser Update: Disable Auto Update for Mi Browser in Play Market and Remove All Updates.
• 📱 Reset after reboot: This is a firmware bug. Helps rollback to an older version MIUI or.
• 🚫 Blocking through "Security": In Settings → Security → Autostart Add Chrome to Exceptions.
• 🔗 Links open in Mi Browser: Clear the Android System WebView app data in the settings.

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If Chrome doesn’t save anyway, try installing it via APK from APKMirror instead of Play Market, which sometimes resolves conflicts with system services.

Alternative browsers for Xiaomi: what to choose instead of Chrome

If Google Chrome still refuses to work as the primary browser, consider MIUI-optimized alternatives:

• 🦊 Firefox: Supports the default change without ADB, has a built-in tracker lock.
• 🅾️ Opera: Lightweight, with function VPN. It works well for Redmi. 9A/9C.
• 🌐 Kiwi Browser: Chromium-based, but with better integration MIUI.
• 🛡️ Brave: Blocks ads at the browser level, which is relevant for Xiaomi with its intrusive banners.

For devices with 2-3 GB of RAM (for example, Redmi 8A or POCO C31), we recommend Opera Mini – it consumes a minimum of resources and less often conflicts with MIUI.

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On HyperOS devices (such as the Xiaomi 13/14 series), standard browser change methods are more stable, but may require additional customization in the Special Features menu.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi