How to make links open in the Xiaomi app

Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a situation where when you click on a link (for example, in a messenger or mail), the system forcibly opens it in the browser, even though the device already has an app installed, which is annoying, disrupts the working rhythm and makes you do unnecessary actions to switch between windows, the problem is relevant for the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS.

The root of the problem lies in Deep Links and the default application priority. The Android operating system that powers Xiaomi phones allows developers to claim rights to certain types of links, but often user settings or aggressive shell optimization resets those preferences, resulting in a link to YouTube videos or products on the marketplace opening in the web version rather than in the native client.

Fortunately, you can manually correct this behavior by gaining full control over how your gadget responds to external calls. The setup is done through a hidden “Supported Links” menu in the parameters of a particular application, rather than in the general browser settings. In this article, we will discuss a step-by-step algorithm of actions that is guaranteed to make links open in the right programs.

Why links are opened in the browser instead of the application

Before you start fixing, you need to understand the logic of the system. URL-address, the operating system scans the list of installed programs for the presence of handlers for this domain. If an app like Telegram or Wildberries claims to be able to handle its domain’s links, the system should ask you what to open a link, or use the default choice.

However, MIUI and HyperOS shells often have a “safe browsing” mechanism, or simply store the old selection cache where a user accidentally clicked “Always open in Chrome” (or another browser), and the lack of confirmation of domain ownership from the application after it is updated also affects.

The main reasons for incorrect opening of links:

• 📱 In the application settings, the default option “Open supported links” is not activated».
• 🌐 Browser (Chrome, Yandex) intercepts everything HTTP-Requests as Priority.
• 🔄 After the update, the application reset the processing rights of Deep Links.
• 🧹 Aggressive memory cleaning or antivirus block the launch of third-party software.

⚠️ Note: If the problem persists after resetting, check if you have a browser installed as the “default application” for all web queries in the global system settings.

It is important to distinguish between regular web links and Deep Links. A normal link leads to a site page, whereas a deep link can immediately open a specific product, video or user profile within an application.

Setup link opening through application parameters

The most effective and reliable way to get links to open in the right application is to change the settings directly for this application.This method works on all current versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14) in conjunction with Xiaomi shells.

You have to get to the software management menu first, and you can do this in two ways: through a general list of all the programs, or through a quick search, and the second option is often faster if you know the exact name of the program.

The sequence of actions to enter the menu:

• 🔍 Open the phone settings and select the Application item.
• 📂 Go to All Apps and find the program you want in the list (e.g. Instagram).
• ⚙️ Click on the name of the application to open the page of its information.
• 🔗 Find the Open by default option (may be called “Default Start»).

Once in this section, you'll see the Open Supported Links switch, which is often turned off or is in Always Ask mode by default, and you need to activate it or select Open in this app, which force the app to register as your domain's primary link handler.

Instructions for MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS

The configuration interface may vary slightly depending on the shell version. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices must consider the features of their version of MIUI or the new HyperOS. In recent versions of firmware, the menu has become more logical, but items can be hidden in the “Additional” submenu.

Consider the differences in navigation across different versions of the system. HyperOS emphasizes visuals, and icons may differ from the classic MIUI 12. However, the access rights structure remains the same across the entire ecosystem.

Comparative table of ways to set up:

If you upgrade to HyperOS, look for a new interface, and the link control can now be directly on the main page of application information, without having to go to the "Advanced" subsection, which makes it easier to access system settings.

⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI The list of domains can be hidden. If you don't see the list of links, try first clicking "Clear Default Settings" and then turning the switch back on.

After making changes, the system may require confirmation of action, a standard Android security measure that prevents malware from intercepting links without the user's knowledge.

Managing Supported Domains Manually

Often, even after you turn on the Open Links switch, the system continues to lead you to the browser for specific addresses, because not all domains are labeled as trusted. Modern versions of Android (starting with version 11) have detailed control over each domain.

In the Open by Default menu, click on Supported Links or Link Settings, and you will see a long list of web addresses that the app can handle, for example, for a marketplace application, these can be links to products, stocks, categories, and seller profiles.

How to properly set up the list:

• ✅ Select the “Open in this app” option for all important domains.
• ❌ Disable addresses that should only be opened on the web (such as help pages or legal information).
• 🔁 If the list is empty, click the Reset or Update button to allow the app to re-check active links.

This feature gives you a flexible management, and you can set your phone up so that links to videos are opened on YouTube and links to articles are opened in the browser, even if YouTube has its own web version, and this allows you to create a personalized digital environment.

Reset browser settings and priorities

If manually configuring the application didn't help, the browser may have blocked the choice, the system may have secured a priority that overrides the settings of individual programs, in which case you need to clear the preferences of the browser itself.

You don't have to delete the browser or clean its cache (history and passwords), just reset the default opening settings, which will return the browser to a state where it will ask the system how to open it when it meets with a link, rather than taking it away silently.

The algorithm for resetting browser priorities:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find your primary browser (Chrome, Mi Browser, Yandex).
3. Scroll down and find the default button or Open by default.
4. Click the Reset default settings button (or “Delete default settings”).

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After resetting the browser settings, the first time you click on the link in the messenger, the system can show a pop-up with the question “What to open?” Be sure to select the desired application and click “Always” to capture the choice.

After this procedure, the next time you click on the link, the system will ask you again which program to use, which is the perfect moment to choose the right application and forget about the problem.

Solving Deep Links and Verification Problems

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a link opens in a browser and then there is an "Open in the app" suggestion, which means that the verification of Asset Links (digital domain signatures) was unsuccessful or was not carried out.

A common cause is the lack of Internet connection when an application is installed or first launched, and that's when domain rights are checked, and if there was no network, the application has not confirmed its rights.

What to do in this case:

• 📡 Make sure that mobile internet or Wi-Fi is enabled.
• 🗑️ Remove the problem app and install it again from the official GetApps store or Google Play.
• ⏳ After installation, do not open the application immediately, wait a couple of minutes for the background services of the system to check.

It’s also worth checking if you’re using “Lite” versions of apps or modified builds. They often don’t have valid digital signatures, making it impossible for Android’s security system to intercept links.

⚠️ Note: If you use third-party launchers or automation programs (Tasker, MacroDroid), they can intercept click events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Main conclusion: For stable link performance, it is necessary not only to turn on the switch in the settings, but also to make sure that specific domains are activated in the list of supported links within the application.