How to Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on Xiaomi: Working Methods for MIUI 2026

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones default on the Mi Browser browser, a proprietary solution with integrated services. However, many users prefer Google Chrome for its speed, sync with a Google account and advanced features like translator or read mode. The problem is that MIUI actively resists changing the default browser by hiding settings or resetting them after updates.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to make Chrome the primary browser on Xiaomi (including the Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models), taking into account the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14. From standard settings to workarounds for stubborn firmware, you will find a solution even if the system blocks changes.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t make it easy to change the default browser?

The reasons are rooted in Xiaomi’s business model and MIUI architecture:

• 💰 Monetization via Mi Browser: Built-in browser displays ads and collects data about user preferences, which brings companies revenue.
• 🔒 Android restrictions for Chinese firmware: Google services blocked in China, so Xiaomi optimizes MIUI local alternatives (e.g. Baidu or QQ Browser).
• 🔄 Resets after updates: Some versions MIUI Automatically return default settings after installing security patches.

In practice, this is expressed in:

• 🔍 Absence of the "Default Browser" item in application settings.
• 🚫 Blocking changes to the standard browser through the Settings menu → Annexes.
• 🔄 Re-boot your Mi Browser after rebooting.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a global version MIUI (For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro Global, the browser change is usually smooth, and the difficulties arise on Chinese firmware (for example, Redmi Note 12 China). ROM) custom-built.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

To begin with, the most obvious method that works on most devices with global MIUI (e.g., the POCO X5 Pro or Redmi Note 12 5G) is that it does not require superuser rights and takes less than a minute:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Click on the browser and select Google Chrome in the list.

If there is no default paragraph of the Annex:

• 🔎 Try an alternative path: Settings → Special facilities → Default applications.
• 🔄 Restart the device and try again – sometimes MIUI hides options before reboot.

Is Google Chrome installed from Google Play?

Has the firmware been updated to the latest version?

Is there an active connection to the Internet?

Is it off? VPN/Proxies (they can block changes)?-->

On some devices (such as Xiaomi 12T), after selecting Chrome, the system may display a warning:

"This browser is not optimized for your device. We recommend using Mi Browser."

Boldly ignore it and click Use it anyway.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if Chrome doesn’t appear in the list)

If Google Chrome is not on the list of available browsers, the problem may lie in the cache of the system or a conflict of rights, in which case resetting the application settings will help:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action (password or fingerprint is not required).
4. Reset the device.

After the reboot:

• 🔄 Repeat Method 1 – Chrome should appear on the list.
• 📥 If not, remove and reinstall Chrome from Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting app settings will remove all permissions, login data and cache for all programs, and after the procedure, you will have to reconfigure access to contacts, camera, etc. for instant messengers and social networks.

MIUI 14 (Android 13)

MIUI 13 (Android 12)

MIUI 12.5 (Android 11)

Another version.-->

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If standard methods fail, you’ll need to connect to the device via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a computer, but is guaranteed to work even on “hard” firmware like the MIUI China ROM.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Google’s Platform Tools utility (download and unpack into a separate folder).
• 🔧 Included Debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

USB debugging

• Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• Activate the debugging switch over USB.
• Connect the smartphone to the computer and confirm the trust in the device (a request will appear on the phone screen).
• Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with Platform Tools.
• Follow the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your Xiaomi.
• Enter the command to change the default browser: adb shell cmd role add-package com.android.chrome android.support.customtabs.service Then: adb shell cmd role set-default-browser com.android.chrome

Inside the lab:

• 🔍 Look for options like Default Settings or Browser Management.
• 🔄 If you find a switch for Chrome, activate it and restart the device.

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13.0.6 for Redmi K50) in the lab has an application reset option – it works similarly to Method 2, but is more likely to keep Chrome as the default browser after the reboot.

💡

If MIUI Lab doesn't open after 5 taps, try using ##6484## in the dialer, which is an alternative way to access on some models.

Method 5: Install custom firmware (for advanced users)

If all previous methods failed, the radical solution is to install custom firmware based on AOSP (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which would remove the limitations of MIUI completely, but would require:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (the procedure erases all data!).
• 🛠️ Ability to work with fastboot and TWRP.
• 📱 Compatible firmware for your model (check on forums) XDA Developers or 4PDA).

Pros of the method:

• ✅ Full control of the system without restrictions Xiaomi.
• ✅ Ability to install any browsers by default.
• ✅ Lack of advertising and unnecessary services.

Cons:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• ❌ Risk of “bricking” in case of errors during firmware.
• ❌ Lack of certain functions MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo).

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or POCO M5) unlocking the bootloader can lead to hardware limitations (e.g. locking the camera in high resolution.

Compatibility table with MIUI versions

Not all methods work on all firmware, but here are the latest compatibility data (based on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO F5):

For HyperOS devices (the new shell from Xiaomi that replaced MIUI), most methods also apply, but the path to settings may differ. For example, in HyperOS, the browser controls are moved by default to Settings → Applications → Default settings for applications.

What to do if Chrome is reset after an update?

One of the most common problems is that MIUI returns Mi Browser as the default browser after installing updates.

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system. → Settings → Turn off Automatic Booting.
• 📵 Freeze Mi Browser (requires root): Use the Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher app to freeze com.android.browser.This will prevent your browser from activating after updates.
• 🔧 Create a task in Automate: Install the Automate app from Google Play. Create a task that automatically starts after the reboot ADB-browser-changer.