Installing Google Chrome with the main browser on Xiaomi

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face an intrusive offer to use the built-in Mi Browser browser immediately after unpacking the device, a standard practice for the MIUI ecosystem and the new HyperOS, aimed at keeping the user within the company’s own services. However, many users prefer the more functional and familiar Google Chrome, which provides better account sync and enhanced security features.

The process of changing the priority application does not require complex manipulations or obtaining root rights. It is enough to make adjustments to the system parameters of your Android device. The correct configuration will automatically open links from messengers, mail and other programs in Chrome, ignoring the standard system offers. Below we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions for current versions of shells.

It’s worth noting that the layout of menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS.We’ll look at the universal paths that work on most modern models, including the Xiaomi 13 series, Redmi Note 12 and Poco F5. Follow the instructions consistently to avoid confusion in settings.

Preparation for installation and configuration

Before you start changing system settings, you need to make sure that the Google Chrome browser itself is installed correctly on your device. On many global firmware versions, it is already present in the basic set of applications, but in Chinese builds or some regional modifications it may not be.

If the app is not available, it should be downloaded from the official Google Play Store, which ensures that you are using the latest version with the latest security patches.Outdated versions may not show correctly in the default browser selection list or work unstable with new encryption protocols.

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Make sure that when you first start Chrome, you are logged into your Google account – this will instantly sync passwords, history, and open tabs with your computer or other phone.

It is also recommended to clear the cache of the old browser if you have actively used Mi Browser before, this will help the system to switch to a new application faster and free up some RAM. Sometimes the background processes of the old browser can conflict with the default settings.

Configure via the Application menu

The main way to change the priority app is in deep system settings. MIUI and HyperOS interfaces can hide these options, so it's important to follow the navigation path carefully. Open the standard Settings app on your Xiaomi smartphone.

Next, look for the section that manages installed programs, which, depending on the version of the shell, can be called Apps or All Apps, and we need to get into the behavioral control menu of programs, not just look at the list of installed software.

Within this section, look for Settings (often located in the top right corner of the screen or at the bottom of the list). That's where the default App option is hidden. Click on it to see a list of application categories that the system runs automatically for certain actions.

• 📱 Find the Browser category in the list - it is responsible for opening web links.
• 🌐 Click on the current value (most likely, it will be specified Mi Browser or Browser).
• ✅ In the window that appears, select Chrome from the proposed list of installed browsers.

Once you select Google Chrome, the system will remember that choice, and now all the links you click on in other programs will open in the browser you choose, which is the most reliable method that works consistently even after you reboot your device.

Using Search in Settings

If manually searching for the menu you want takes too long or the menu structure in your HyperOS version has changed, you can use the built-in search.It’s a quick way to get to the right option without having to go through complex nested menus.This method is especially useful for beginners who may get confused with the abundance of Xiaomi settings.

Open Settings and at the top of the screen, find the search bar with a magnifier. Enter the "default browser" or simply "default" request. The system will suggest a list of relevant items. Select the default App option or App Configurement.

The good thing about this method is that it ignores the changes in the menu structure that Xiaomi often makes with updates. Even if the item is moved to another place, the search usually finds it. After clicking on the link from the search, the algorithm of actions remains the same: select a category of browsers and install Chrome.

⚠️ Note: If the search does not give results, make sure that the language of the phone interface is set in Russian. English queries in the Russian version of the firmware may not find hidden system settings.

Sometimes the system may suggest resetting applications if the search is not working properly. Do this only as a last resort, as this will remove all your personalized permissions for other programs.

Resetting default settings

In some cases, the user may encounter a situation where the selected browser is not applied, or the system constantly asks what to open the link, this may be due to a conflict of settings or an error in the cache of the Android system service, in which case the preference reset helps.

To do this, go back to the App menu -> Settings (three dots or gears). Find the option to Reset App Settings or Reset Preferences. This action will not delete your data, photos or contacts, but will return all default permissions and choices to the original state.

Once reset, when you first click on the link, the system will ask you again which browser to open the page, at which point it is important not just to click "Once", but to select the option Always (or Default) and confirm the choice of Chrome, which will force the new rule to be written into the system.

Using the table above will help you understand the difference between a simple change of settings and more radical methods. For most users, the first paragraph is enough, but if the system is "glutchy", the second option will be a great solution.

Removing the standard Xiaomi browser

A radical but effective way to get a system to use Google Chrome is to completely remove the built-in Mi Browser, but the standard means of doing this is not possible, since it is a system application. ADB-team.

This method is suitable for advanced users who understand the risks of removing system components. If you delete the browser on which some system widgets or news feeds are tied, the interface may not work correctly.

If you do decide, you can use your computer and USB debugging. Connect your phone to your PC, turn on developer mode, and type a command to remove the com.android.browser or com.mi.global.browser package. After that, Chrome will remain the only option, and the system will use it without question.

⚠️ Note: Removal of system components through ADB This can cause the shell to function unstable. Make a complete backup of the data before the procedure begins.

The alternative to completely removing the app is to freeze the app through special utilities if you don't want to go into the code. This will turn off the browser, and it will stop interfering, but formally stay on the system. For normal use, just ignore it, setting Chrome in charge.

Solutions and features of MIUI

Xiaomi users often face unique challenges with aggressive battery optimization.The system can restrict Chrome background work, causing links to open slowly or not at all. To avoid this, you need to set up auto-start and work in the background.

Go to Settings -> Apps -> All apps, find Chrome and select Auto Run. Allow the application to run automatically. Also, in Battery (or Energy Saving) select No Limits mode, which will prevent the browser from falling asleep by the system.

Another common problem is the pop-ups from Mi Browser, which can appear even after changing the settings. This happens if notifications are included in the settings of the Mi Browser itself or it is added to the list of frequently used.

Remember to update Google Chrome regularly through the Play Market. Developers are constantly improving compatibility with new versions of Android and fixing vulnerabilities. An outdated version may not work properly with modern web standards, which is especially noticeable on sites with heavy content.

⚠️ Note: After major updates MIUI (for example, transition MIUI 14 on HyperOS) default settings may reset. Check this setting after every major system update.

Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to enjoy a comfortable surfing on the Internet without the need for the intervention of standard tools Xiaomi. your experience of using a smartphone will become more predictable and convenient, according to your personal preferences.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)

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Main conclusion: For stable operation, you need not only to choose Chrome in the default settings, but also to allow it to auto-start and work in the background so that aggressive MIUI optimization does not block its functions.