By default, Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphones use the built-in Mi Browser browser, a proprietary solution from the manufacturer with integrated services of the company. However, many users prefer Google Chrome for its speed, synchronization with a Google account and advanced features. Switching the default browser to Redmi 8 has its nuances due to the features of the MIUI shell, which limits some system settings.
In this article, you will find 3 working methods to make Chrome the primary browser on your device, from standard change through settings to bypassing the limitations of MIUI with third-party tools. We will also discuss why the system can reset and how to avoid this. If you are faced with a problem that after the MIUI update, the browser changed to Mi Browser again, here you will find a solution.
Important: instructions are current for Xiaomi Redmi 8 (model M1908C3JG/M1908C3JH/M1908C3JI) based on MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-11. Additional steps may be required for other firmware versions.
Why Xiaomi Redmi 8 is difficult to change the default browser
Xiaomi’s MIUI shell is known for aggressively promoting its own services, and the Mi Browser is no exception. Even if you manually select Google Chrome in the settings, the system can automatically reset the selection after a reboot or update.
1. Priority of system applications: MIUI gives embedded programs (including browsers) a higher priority than third-party ones.
2. Background Processes: com.miui.systemAdSolution periodically checks the default settings and resets them if it detects "non-standard" values.
3. Android Restrictions: Starting with Android 10, Google has tightened the rules for changing apps by default, and manufacturers have been given the right to block these settings for specific categories (such as browsers or launchers).
In practice, this means that simply selecting Chrome from the Default Apps menu is not enough. Additional actions will be required to anchor the choice.
Method 1: Standard change via MIUI settings
This method works on most Xiaomi Redmi 8 devices, but may require re-execution after a system update.
1. Open Settings (⚙️) mainscreen.
2. Go to the Applications section → Application Management.
3. At the top of the screen, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.
4. Find the Browser item and tap it.
5. In the list of available browsers, select Google Chrome (if not, install from the Play Market).
If after these steps Mi Browser continues to open by default, follow the following steps:
Clear the Mi Browser cache in Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Storage
Turn off Mi Browser Auto Update in Play Market
Restart the device after changing the settings
Check if there are any “fast commands” for Mi Browser in the gesture settings-->
An important caveat: on some versions of MIUI, the "Default Apps" option may not be on the menu, in which case use an alternative path:
Settings → Memory → Default Applications💡
If Google Chrome doesn’t appear in the browser list, try opening it manually first and wait until the initial setup is complete (synchronize with your Google account).
Method 2: Using ADB to Force Browser Change
If the standard method doesn't work, you can use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands, which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but is guaranteed to change the settings at the system level.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB (download from Google)
- 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi 8 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB)
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
Step-by-step:
1. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on your smartphone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with ADB.
3. Enter a command to check the connection:
adb devices4. If the device appears in the list, follow the command to change the browser:
adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main5. Reboot the smartphone.
After that, Google Chrome will become the default browser. If the command doesn't work, try the alternative:
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "http://" -n com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.MainWhat if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 3: Third-party applications for managing silences
If the first two methods did not help, you can use specialized utilities that bypass the limitations of MIUI.
1. App Manager (Open Source)
- 🔧 Allows you to reset default settings for all applications
- 📌 Doesn't require root rights
- 🔗 Download to Play Market
2. Default App Manager
- 🎯 Direct browser change by default in 2 clicks
- 🔄 Automatic resetting of settings MIUI
- 🔗 Download to Play Market
3. SetEdit (requires root)
- 🛠️ Editing system settings files
- ⚙️ Ability to block the discharge MIUI
- ⚠️ Risk of disrupting the stability of the system
How to use:
1. Install one of the applications (e.g. Default App Manager).
2. Open it and provide the necessary permissions.
3. Find the "Browser" section and select Google Chrome.
4. Save the changes and restart the device.
💡
Third-party apps may conflict with MIUI updates. After each firmware update, check your browser settings again.
Table: Comparison of methods of changing the browser to Redmi 8
| Method | Difficulty | PC required | Root rights | Stability | Reset after update |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings of MIUI | ⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Medium | ✅ Often |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | Tall. | ❌ Rarely. |
| Default App Manager | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Tall. | ✅ Sometimes. |
| SetEdit (root) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Low. | ❌ Never. |
What to do if the browser is reset after the MIUI update
MIUI 12.5 and later automatically resets the default browser settings whenever you update your system through OTA. This is due to Xiaomi’s policy to promote its own services. To avoid constant resets, follow these recommendations:
1. Turn off MIUI auto-update:
Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Press three points (⋮) and select the Update Settings.
- Turn off the option Automatic download via Wi-Fi.
2 Freeze Mi Browser (requires root or ADB):
With ADB, execute the command:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browserThis will disable the built-in browser, but may disrupt some system functions.
3. Use Tasker to automatically restore settings:
Create a task in Tasker that will start after the reboot and re-installe Chrome browser by default.
💡
If you don’t want to disable MIUI updates completely, back up your settings via Mi Cloud or Titanium Backup before installing each update.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to change the default browser, Xiaomi Redmi 8 users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
1. Google Chrome is not listed in the browser list
- 🔹 Make sure the app is installed and updated to the latest version.
- 🔹 Start Chrome at least once manually.
- 🔹 Clear the cache and data of Google Play Services in the application settings.
2.Settings are reset after rebooting
- 🔹 Check if power saving mode is enabled for Chrome (Settings) → Battery → Choice of applications).
- 🔹 Turn off optimization. MIUI For Chrome: Settings → Annexes → Chrome → Battery → No restrictions.
3. ADB does not recognize the device
- 🔹 Install Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager (Windows).
- 🔹 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🔹 Include in the developer settings the option Debugging by USB (security).
How to remove Mi Browser completely?
⚠️ Attention: Use of teams ADB or root-access applications may violate Xiaomi’s warranty.Before making any changes at the system level, back up your data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 13/14 for Redmi 8 may require a rollback until MIUI 12.5 Before rolling back, check the firmware compatibility with your model on the Xiaomi.eu forum.