How to make Google Chrome the default browser on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO have their default MIUI Browser, which is not always a good fit for users, and many prefer Google Chrome for its speed, synchronization with a Google account and advanced features, but changing the default browser on MIUI devices is not as obvious as on pure Android.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to make Chrome the main browser on Xiaomi, including bypassing the limitations of MIUI. Instructions are suitable for models based on Android 11-14 with MIUI 12-14 shells, as well as for Xiaomi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F3/F4/F5. Separately consider the nuances for Chinese versions of firmware and devices without Google services.

Why does MIUI block browser change by default?

Xiaomi deliberately limits the ability to change the standard browser in some regional versions of the firmware.

• 💰 Monetization through advertising in MIUI Browser (built-in banners, push notifications)
• 📊 Collect anonymous statistics on user behavior (on by default)
• 🔒 Compliance with local regulations in China (where Google services are blocked)
• 🛡️"Protection from inexperienced users (Xiaomi’s official position)

On European (EEA) and global (Global) firmware versions, the restrictions are milder, but even there the option can be hidden. In the Chinese (China ROM) versions, the default browser change is often completely blocked at the system level.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with China ROM without pre-installed Google services (GMS) Chrome may not work properly even after manual installation. Global/EEA Or install Google Installer.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings (for MIUI 13-14)

Starting with MIUI 13 (Android 12+), Xiaomi has partially unlocked the default browser change option, but the option is hidden in an unobvious place.

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 click on it
4. Select Google Chrome (if not, install it from Play Market)

If the default App item is not on the menu, then your version of MIUI doesn't support it. Go to alternative methods.

Install Google Chrome from the Play Market|Update. MIUI last-minute|Check for the "Default Apps" option in the settings|Turn it off. MIUI Browser in autoload-->

Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If the standard method doesn’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but it works on all versions of MIUI.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 📱 Included debugging by USB smartphone
• 🛠️ Google's Platform Tools utility

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 the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Download Platform Tools, unpack and open the command line in this folder.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
6. Run the command to reset standard applications: adb shell cmd package reset-com.android.chrome
7. Then install Chrome as your default browser: adb shell cmd package set-home -p com.android.chrome

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB some system applications (for example, MIUI Browser may start to give out errors. This is not critical, but if you are annoyed, reset via adb shell cmd package reset com.android.browser.

Method 3: Through the settings of a particular application (a workaround)

If MIUI blocks a direct browser change, another way to do this is to set up Chrome as the default link handler for certain types of content. This won’t make it the default browser entirely, but most links will open in Chrome.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Find Google Chrome in the list and tap it.
3. Select Opening by Default (or Silence)
4. Activate all available options: 🌐 Browser links 🔗 HTTP-reference 🔗 HTTPS-reference 📄 HTML-file

After that, most web links from instant messengers, emails, and other apps will open in Chrome. However, some system links (such as from Settings → Help) can still open in MIUI Browser.

MIUI 12|MIUI 13|MIUI 14|I don't know.|other-->

Method 4: Remove MIUI Browser (root users only)

The most radical method is to completely remove the standard browser, which is only possible on devices with unlocked bootloader and root rights. On some Xiaomi models, removing MIUI Browser can cause system utilities to malfunction (for example, "Security" or "Themes").

Procedure:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (linking to the Mi Account is required).
2. Install custom recovery (such as TWRP) and get root rights through Magisk.
3. Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove the packet: 📦 com.android.browser (main browser) 📦 com.miui.browser (shell) MIUI Browser)

Reboot the device. The system automatically prompts you to choose another browser by default.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12/13 Pro and Redmi. K50 Deleting the browser may disrupt the Quick Commands function in the notification panel. Before deleting, back up via TWRP.

💡

If you don’t want to remove MIUI Browser completely, you can simply turn it off auto-start and notifications. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Browser → Battery → Auto-Start and deactivate the option.

Method 5: Using third-party launchers

Some alternative launchers (e.g. Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion) allow you to flexibly configure applications by default, bypassing the limitations of MIUI. This method does not require root rights and is suitable for most models.

How to set up:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Play Market.
2. Click on the empty space on the home screen and select Settings Nova.
3. Go to Applications and Notifications → Default Apps.
4. Select Google Chrome as the default browser.
5. Return to the basic Nova settings and activate the option to Use Nova as the default launcher.