How to Install Google Chrome as a Main Browser on Xiaomi Redmi: All Ways 2026

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones come with the MIUI shell, which uses the company’s Mi Browser browser by default. However, many users prefer Google Chrome for its speed, sync with a Google account and advanced features. The problem is that Xiaomi does not always allow you to easily change the default browser: in some versions of MIUI, this option is hidden or blocked.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to make Chrome the primary browser on Redmi in 2026, including bypassing MIUI restrictions, setting up through the app menu, and even methods for devices with locked settings. Separately, consider common mistakes (for example, when the system ignores user choices) and give recommendations for optimizing Chrome on Xiaomi smartphones.

Important: instructions are suitable for all modern Redmi models (Note 12/13, 10A/11A, K60/K70, etc.) based on MIUI 13/14 and Android 12/13/14. If you have an older version of the firmware, some points may differ - check the relevance of your software in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Why does MIUI block browser change by default?

Xiaomi is integrating its own services into MIUI, including Mi Browser, which is closely linked to the brand ecosystem, and here are the key reasons why changing browsers can be difficult:

• 🔒 Xiaomi is interested in promoting its applications, therefore restricting alternatives.
• 📦 Pre-installed services: In some regions (e.g. China), Mi Browser is part of system components and cannot be removed.
• 🛡️ Security: MIUI considers your browser more secure from phishing and malicious sites (although this is a controversial claim).
• 📱 Optimization for MIUI: Branded browser is better adapted for shell functions, for example, to work with Quick Apps or Second Space.

In practice, this is expressed as follows:

• ❌ In some versions MIUI Browser option by default is not in the application settings.
• ❌ Even after selecting Chrome, the system can automatically open links to Mi Browser.
• ❌ Update MIUI browser settings are reset by default.

However, we can bypass these limitations – we will consider the working methods.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

If your version of MIUI doesn’t block this feature, the easiest way is to use the built-in Android settings.The instruction is suitable for most Redmi models on MIUI 14 and later:

1. Install Google Chrome from Google Play if it is not already installed.
2. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list, select Google Chrome.

If there is no default App, try an alternative path:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Find Google Chrome and tap it.
3. Select Open by default → Clear the default settings.
4. Then open any link (such as in a message or email) and select Chrome in the window that appears by ticking Always.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware for Redmi (especially global versions for Europe) may have the option of changing your browser hidden. If the standard method doesn't work, go to the following methods.

Method 2: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If MIUI ignores your choice, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a debugging tool that allows you to change system settings, which works even on locked firmware, but requires a connection to a PC.

Step 1: Preparation

• 🖥️ Install. ADB Fastboot Tools on the computer.
• 📱 On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode: go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times tap on the version MIUI.
• 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.
• 🔌 Connect Redmi to the PC by USB (Select the File Transfer Mode).

Step 2: Execution of commands:

1. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices Wait for the serial number of your device to appear.
3. Follow the command to change the browser by default: adb shell cmd role add-package com.android.chrome android.support.customtabs.service
4. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

Step 3. Verification:

Once you reboot, open any link that should open in Chrome. If not, repeat the command or try an alternative:

adb shell cmd role add-package com.android.chrome android.intent.category.BROWSABLE

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI, If you type in the wrong commands, don't edit other system settings without understanding the consequences. MIUI The settings can be reset - they will have to be reused.

Method 3: Bypassing "Special Opportunities" (for MIUI 13/14)

In some versions of MIUI 13/14, you can change your browser through the Special Features menu, which does not require root rights or ADB, but does not work on all firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Special Opportunities Management.
2. Find the default section of the Application (may be called Application Settings).
3. Slip on the browser and select Google Chrome.
4. Confirm the selection and restart the device.

If there is no section, try an alternative path:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Browser and tap it.
3. Select Disable (this won’t delete the browser, but will block its launch by default).
4. Now, when you open links, the system will prompt you to choose Chrome.

The downside is that the Mi Browser will remain on the system and can be updated through Google Play, taking up space. To completely remove it, root rights will be required.

💡

If you don’t open links in Chrome after you disable Mi Browser, clear the Settings cache (Settings → Apps → Settings → Storage → Clear the cache).

Method 4: Using third-party launchers

If MIUI stubbornly ignores your browser choices, you can fool the system with an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher), which allows you to assign applications by default regardless of system settings.

How it works:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Assign it to the default launcher (at the first start, the system will prompt you to do this).
3. Open the launcher settings (usually a long tap on the home screen → Settings).
4. Find the Default Apps or Application Association section.
5. Assign Google Chrome to open links (HTTP/HTTPS).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works even on blocked firmware.
• ✅ Allows you to flexibly configure other applications by default.
• ✅ Does not require rooting or ADB.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ The launcher consumes additional RAM.
• ❌ Certain functions MIUI (For example, App Vault may not work properly.

Solution: Why Chrome doesn’t become the default browser?

Even after following the instructions, Google Chrome may not work as a primary browser, and let’s look at the typical reasons and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: MIUI resets settings after update

Decision:

• 🔄 After updating MIUI Repeat the default browser setting (via ADB or setting).
• 📵 Turn off automatic Mi Browser updates in Google Play (find the app) → three-point → Turn off auto-update).

Problem 2: Links from some apps open in Mi Browser

Decision:

• 🔗 Check the settings of a particular app (for example, Facebook or Twitter often have their own browser).
• 🛠️ Install the Open Link With extension to force links to Chrome.

Problem 3: “No applications to handle this action”

Decision:

• 🔧 Clear the cache and application data Settings (Settings) → Annexes → Settings → Warehouse).
• 🔄 Reinstall Google Chrome.
• 📱 Reset the application settings by default: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Reset application settings.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Second Space or Dual Apps in the MIUI, The default browser settings may vary for each space!

💡

The most reliable method is a combination ADB-This ensures that Chrome will be used by default even after updates MIUI.

Optimizing Google Chrome for Xiaomi Redmi

After a successful browser change, we recommend optimizing Chrome for a better experience on Redmi:

1. Include traffic savings:

• 📶 Open Chrome. → Three points. → Settings → Lite mode.
• 🔘 Activate the option Save traffic – this will speed up the loading of pages on the slow Internet.

2. Set up synchronization:

• 🔄 In the same Settings tab, select Log in Chrome and log in to your Google account.
• 📁 Enable synchronization of Bookmarks, History and Passwords.

3. Optimize productivity:

• 🚀 Enter in the Chrome address bar: chrome://flags.
• 🔍 Find the flags: #enable-itep - speed up page loading (enable). #enable-parallel-downloading - parallel downloading files. #enable-lite-video - lightweight video playback.
• 🔄 Restart Chrome.

4. Limit background activity:

• ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Google Chrome → Battery.
• 🔋 Select Limit Background Activity (this will reduce battery consumption).

For Redmi models with low RAM (3-4 GB) we also recommend:

• 🗑️ Clean Chrome Cache Once a Week (Settings) → Annexes → Chrome → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🌐 Use Firefox Focus for quick surfing without a history.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi