Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi?
Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their deep customization of Android, but this feature sometimes plays against the user, such as when you try to make Google Chrome the primary browser instead of the standard Mi Browser. The system actively resists: hides settings, resets after updates or completely ignores your actions.
The problem is compounded by the fact that MIUI aggressively promotes its own services, and even if you manually select Chrome in the settings, some links (such as from Mi Account or system notifications) will still open in the Mi Browser.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hidden MIUI settings, ADB circumvention, and even a radical solution for the most persistent cases. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 and Android 11-14, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra models.
Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings
So to start with the most obvious method, which works 60 percent of the time, it doesn't require root rights or technical skills, but it may not work on some firmware. MIUI for China ROM).
Open Settings → Applications → App Management. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select the default Apps. Here, find the Browser section and tap it. In the list of available apps, select Google Chrome.
- ✅ Pros: Quickly, does not require additional actions.
- ❌ Cons: After the update MIUI Settings may reset; some system links will still open in Mi Browser.
- 🔄 Alternative: If there is no default Appendix, go to Method 2.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 for European firmware (EEA ROM) This path may be called Settings. → Annexes → Application settings → Default apps. If you don't find a section, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top).
Install Google Chrome from [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android.chrome)
Update MIUI to the latest version (check in Settings → About Phone → System Update)
Close all background apps (especially Mi Browser)
Reboot your smartphone before setting up-->
Method 2: Reset applications by default (if Chrome doesn’t appear in the list)
Sometimes Google Chrome just doesn't appear on the list of available browsers, because it forgets about its features after updates or resets, and the solution is to reset all application settings by default.
Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, then click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset App Settings. Confirm the action.
- Open any link (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp).
- The system will suggest selecting a browser - specify Google Chrome and tick Always.
- Repeat the action for different types of links (HTTP, HTTPS, web addresses from other applications).
| Action. | MIUI 12/13 | MIUI 14 |
|---|---|---|
| The way to dump | Settings → All settings → Annexes → Settings (⚙) → Reset the settings | Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ → Reset application settings |
| Need a reboot? | No. | Yes (recommended) |
| It works the first time. | 80% | 50% |
⚠️ Warning: After resetting, you will have to re-select the default apps for calls, SMS And music. Write down your current settings in advance if they're important.
Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change (advanced)
If standard methods don't work, it's time to plug in artillery. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands let you manually tell the system which browser to use by default, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Connect your phone to your PC and execute in the command line:
adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser
adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "http://example.com" -n com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.MainThe first team resets the Mi Browser settings, the second one forcibly assigns Chrome to the primary, the third one tests the opening of the link. If everything goes well, restart the phone.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 4: Disable Mi Browser through application settings
A radical but effective way to disable the standard browser completely is to force the system to use Chrome for all web links, but has side effects.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Browser (or Mi Browser) in the list and tap it.
- Select Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
- Confirm action. The system will alert you to possible failures -- ignore it.
After disabling Mi Browser, some system functions (such as checking for updates or logging into Mi Account via a browser) may not work properly. To return everything back, turn the browser back on in the settings or reset the application settings.
💡
If the "Disable" button is inactive, try to delete all updates for Mi Browser first, then clear the cache and data.
Method 5: Install custom firmware (for experienced users)
If you're willing to go to extreme lengths, installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will solve the problem completely, and these firmwares are free of MIUI restrictions and allow you to freely choose your default browser.
Cons of the method:
- 🔧 Requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets the phone to factory settings.
- ⚠️ Risk of "bricking" of the device in case of errors.
- 📱 Loss of some functions MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo).
If you decide, follow the official instructions for your model on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. First, check your device’s support on firmware sites:
- LineageOS (maximum stability)
- Pixel Experience (Pure Android)
- Xiaomi.EU (MIUI without Chinese restrictions)
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on new Xiaomi models (released after 2022) requires waiting 168 hours (7 days) after the account is tied.
💡
Custom firmware solves the browser problem once and for all, but it is warranty-free and requires technical skills. Use this method only if other methods have not worked.
Additional Tips for Chrome Stable Work
Even after successfully changing your browser by default, you may encounter "kickbacks" or bugs. Here's how to avoid them:
- 🔄 Update Chrome to the latest version. Older versions may conflict with the latest version. MIUI.
- 🛡️ Turn off optimization for Chrome: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Chrome → Battery → No restrictions.
- 📱 Clean the Mi Browser cache once a month, even if you don’t use it: Settings → Annexes → browser → Clear the cache.
- 🔗 Use wrapper apps like Better Open With (from Google Play) to force links to Chrome.
After the update MIUI Reset the settings, repeat the actions from Method 1 or Method 2. ADB-team from Method 3.