How to make Google the default browser on Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face intrusive system applications, especially when it comes to web surfing. The standard Mi Browser, preinstalled in the shells of MIUI and HyperOS, may not suit users due to excessive advertising, synchronization with Chinese servers or just a habit of Google ecosystem. Fortunately, the Android operating system on which Xiaomi phones are based, makes it easy to change the program to open links by default.

The process of replacing the browser does not require obtaining root rights or complex manipulation of code. It is enough to have Google Chrome installed or any other preferred web browser. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions for all current versions of firmware, including the latest HyperOS, and consider the possible nuances that can be encountered when changing priority applications.

Sometimes the system may forget a choice or suggest opening a link in a third-party app every time, which indicates a cache crash or version conflict. We'll also touch on the topic of cleaning these apps to fix the result forever. Understanding how the default apps work on Android will help you better control your smartphone.

Preparation for installation and configuration

Before you change your system settings, you need to make sure that alternative software is already installed on your device. Unlike some other manufacturers, Xiaomi does not always offer to choose a browser when you first activate your smartphone, automatically assigning your product.

It’s important to note that there’s usually nothing more to do to make Google services work properly on global firmware versions. However, if you have a Chinese version of your smartphone (CN Version) with a re-interlaced global shell, make sure that the Google Services frameworks are installed and updated. Without them, the browser may not work properly or appear in the list of system applications.

Once installed, it is recommended to launch a new browser at least once, log in to your account and configure basic settings such as synchronizing bookmarks and passwords, which will allow the system to understand that the application is ready to work. It is also worth checking for updates for the Mi Browser itself, as new versions of MIUI user retention mechanisms become more aggressive, and old methods of bypassing may stop working.

Instructions for MIUI 12, 13 and 14

In the classic versions of the MIUI shell, the path to setting up browsers is pretty standard, but has its own menu layout. To make Google Chrome the main one, you need to get into the deep menu of system settings. The interface may vary slightly depending on the regional version of the firmware (Global, Russia, Europe), but the logic remains the same.

Follow the step-by-step algorithm:

• 📱 Open the Settings app on the main screen.
• 🔍 In the search bar, enter the word "apps" from the top or scroll down to the Appendix item.
• ⚙️ Select Application Management (sometimes referred to simply as All Apps").
• 🌐 Find the default button or tab of the App, which is usually at the top of the screen or in the three-dot menu.
• 🏆 Click on the Browser and select Chrome in the list that appears.

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If the "Default Apps" option is not in the top menu, click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen inside the "App Management" section and select the appropriate option there.

Once selected, the system can display a service change alert pop-up, which is standard Android security practice, warning that the browser you select will access the links you open, confirm the action with the OK or Accept button, and from now on, all links from messengers, emails and other applications will open in your chosen web browser.

Setup in the new shell HyperOS

With the release of HyperOS, Xiaomi has significantly redesigned the configuration menu structure to make it more logical, but at the same time changing the way navigation is done. Users who have updated with MIUI 14 can search for familiar items for a while.

The algorithm for HyperOS:

• 🚀 Go to the smartphone settings.
• 📱 Go to the Applications section (Applications).
• 📂 Select the App Settings option (App Settings).
• 🔝 Click on the Application Management button or immediately look for the Default App tab at the top.
• 🌍 In the category list, find the browser and change Mi Browser to Chrome.

⚠️ Note: In some beta versions of HyperOS, the menu may be hidden inside the "Additional Settings" section. If you haven't found an item in the main apps, try searching through a global search for default settings".

HyperOS features a more aggressive background process. After changing the browser, it is recommended to open Security → Accelerate and check if the restriction on the new browser is worth it. This will ensure that pages load quickly immediately after clicking on the link, without delaying the "unfreeze" of the application.

What to do if the settings are not saved

A common problem is that Xiaomi resets browser selection after rebooting or updating, which can be caused by a cached data conflict or an error in the Package Installer system component. If you have chosen Chrome, but after a while the links reopen in Mi Browser, you need to clean these settings.

To solve the problem, follow the following steps:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find the Settings app (cog icon) on the list. Be careful not to confuse it with System Settings.
3. Click Clear → Clear all data. This operation will only reset application system settings (such as permissions or default choices), your personal data (photos, contacts) will remain in place.
4. Reboot your smartphone.
5. Repeat the default browser installation procedure again.

It’s also worth checking for updates to Google Play Services.Outdated components of Google services may not interact properly with new versions of MIUI, causing failures in determining priority apps. Update usually occurs automatically, but you can manually check status in your Google account settings.

Browser comparison: Mi Browser vs Chrome

Many users are wondering if they should change the standard browser at all. To make a smart decision, let’s compare the key characteristics of the built-in solution from Xiaomi and market leader from Google. Understanding the differences will help determine which web browser (more suitable) is for your use case.

If you’re actively using Google’s ecosystem (Gmail, Docs, Drive), Chrome’s choice is obvious. Instant access to history, passwords, and open tabs on your computer greatly improves productivity. At the same time, the Mi Browser can be useful as a secondary browser for viewing news thanks to its built-in content aggregator, although it’s often criticized for being intrusive.

Alternative methods and hidden functions

For advanced users who don't have the standard methods, there are ways to get a deeper setup, such as turning off the Mi Browser completely if you don't need it, and that will prevent any accidental launches and free up some system resources, but you need to be careful not to disrupt the system widgets.

To disable the built-in browser:

• 📂 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications.
• 🔍 Find the Browser (a planet icon, often untitled or with the caption Mi).
• 🚫 Click the Disable button at the bottom of the screen.

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove or disable system components unless you are sure of their purpose.Full removal of Mi Browser via ADB can lead to errors in the widget "Tape" or search bar on the desktop.

Also worth mentioning is the Lite Mode feature in Chrome, which can be useful on older Xiaomi models with little RAM. It compresses traffic and speeds up page loading, which compensates for the possible heavyweightness of the Chromium engine on budget Redmi or Poco devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Changing the default browser is a basic setup that greatly improves the user experience by providing synchronization with the PC and the familiar interface.