How to make Google Chrome the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi: the full guide

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi?

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones based on the MIUI shell are known for their aggressive promotion of branded applications - especially the Mi Browser browser. Even after installing Google Chrome, the system stubbornly returns the user to the standard solution, resetting settings or offering the "optimal" option. This is not an accident, but part of Xiaomi's marketing strategy aimed at keeping users in its ecosystem.

Unlike pure Android, where it takes 2 clicks to change the default browser, Redmi can turn this process into repeated repetitions of the same actions, due to the limitations of MIUI, which block changes at the system level. For example, after updating the firmware or rebooting the device, settings can be reset, and in some versions of MIUI, the default browser option is not on the menu at all.

Duplicating functions adds to the complexity: Redmi can run up to 3 browsers simultaneously — Mi Browser, Google Chrome and Android System WebView, all of which claim to be the main one. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to bind Chrome to the system, including bypassing the limitations of MIUI and solving typical errors.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you start settings, make sure your smartphone is ready for changes. Skipping these steps can cause crashes or inability to save the browser you choose.

First, update Google Chrome to the latest version via Google Play.Outdated builds often conflict with the latest version. MIUI, Especially on newer versions of the shell (MIUI 14+). Check the version in the browser settings: Chrome → ⋮ → Settings → About Chrome. Current version at 2026 - 124.0.6367.* and higher.

Second, clear the Mi Browser cache and data to rule out its impact on the system.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Browser (or simply the Browser).
3. Click Clear the cache and Clear the data.
4. Turn off autostart: Battery → Autostart → Mi Browser → Turn off.

The third step is to check the permissions for Google Chrome. Go to the Chrome app settings and make sure it has rights to:

• 📱 Display over other windows (for proper operation of pop-up windows).
• 🔗 Change system settings (necessary to change the default browser).
• 📥 Auto-Run (so Chrome doesn’t close in the background) MIUI).

Install/update Google Chrome|

Clear cache and data Mi Browser|

Disable auto-run Mi Browser|

Check the permissions for Chrome|

Reboot your smartphone-->

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

This is the most obvious method that works on most Redmi devices with MIUI 12-14, but it may not work on some regional firmware (e.g. China) or after the latest updates.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser item and click on it.
4. Select Google Chrome (if not, see the troubleshooting section).
5. Confirm the choice by pressing OK or Install.

If the browser is still unchanged after these steps, try an alternative path:

1. Open any web link (for example, in a message or note).
2. In the window that appears, select Google Chrome and tick Always (or Use by default).

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If the default application is missing, try searching for it in the settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

Important! Some MIUI firmware may display a notification after you change your browser saying, "The system has detected a browser problem by default." This is standard behavior -- just click Cancel or close the notification.

Method 2: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If the standard method doesn’t work, you’ll have to debug through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but it’s guaranteed to work even on locked firmware.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. tap the MIUI Version 7 times until the notification “You’ve become a developer!” appears.

Turn on USB debugging.

• Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• Activate the debugging switch over USB.
• Confirm permission by pressing OK.
• Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute commands: adb devices (your device should be displayed) adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser (clears the settings of the standard browser) adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main (forced to install Chrome by default browser)

Warning: Using ADB can cause MIUI to malfunction if you type incorrect commands. Do not change other settings through ADB unless you are sure of their purpose.

Method 3: Using third-party applications (without ADB)

If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can use specialized utilities that automate the process of changing your browser.

How to use Default App Manager:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the App Settings.
3. Find the Browser section and select Google Chrome.
4. Confirm the changes and restart the smartphone.

Attention! Some applications (e.g. SetEdit) may require unlocking the bootloader, which will result in a reset of all data on the device. Before using, back up through Settings → About Phone → Backup.

Solving typical problems when changing browsers

Even after a successful browser change, Xiaomi Redmi users are faced with typical errors.

1. Chrome is not in the default browser list

If the default Apps menu → The browser does not have Google Chrome, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Chrome is not installed in the main memory, but on the SD-The card (transfer it back to you).
• 🚫 Application disabled or frozen (check in Settings) → Annexes).
• 📥 Installed a modified version of Chrome (download the official from Google Play).

Solution: Remove Chrome, restart your smartphone and install it again.

2.Settings are reset after rebooting

This is a typical MIUI feature. To anchor Chrome:

• 🔧 Use it. ADB-Adb shell settings put global default_browser_component com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main
• 🛡️ Turn off battery optimization for Chrome: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Chrome → No restrictions.

3. Links still open in Mi Browser

The problem is Android System WebView, a system component that redirects links.

1. Update Android System WebView to Google Play.
2. Clear his cache: Settings → Annexes → ⋮ → Show system-based → Android System WebView → Clear the cache.
3. Install Chrome as the default link handler through Settings → Apps → Chrome → Open supported links → Add.

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If none of these methods worked, check out the MIUI version. On Chinese firmware (e.g. Redmi K60), the default browser change is locked at the kernel level. The only way out is to install global or European firmware.

Additional settings for comfortable work with Chrome

Now that Google Chrome has been successfully installed by default, set it up for maximum performance on Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Performance optimization:

• 🚀 Enable Light Mode (for weak devices): Chrome → ⋮ → Settings → Lightweight mode.
• 🗑️ Clean the cache once a week: Chrome → ⋮ → History → Clear the data → Cashed images.
• 🔋 Turn off background synchronization: Settings → Synchronization → Background synchronization (saves battery power).

Security and confidentiality:

• 🔒 Enable Safe Browsing: Settings → Confidentiality → Safe viewing.
• 🚫 Block pop-up windows: Settings → Site settings → Pop-ups → Blocked.
• 🔑 Set up automatic history deletion: Settings → Confidentiality → Deletion of data → Automatic removal.

Integration with MIUI:

• 📱 Add Chrome widget to the home screen: Long tap on the desktop → Widgets → Chrome.
• 🔍 Set up a quick search: in Launcher MIUI Add Chrome Search Bar to Dock Bar.
• 🎨 Change the Chrome theme to the shell MIUI: Settings → Topics → Color scheme → Systemic.

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If Chrome is slowing down on Redmi with 4-6 GB of RAM, try Kiwi Browser (based on Chromium, but optimized for weak devices).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi