Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face intrusive behavior of the branded shell. Immediately after the first device is turned on or system update, the user notices that all links from messengers and applications open in Mi Browser. This is annoying, especially if you are used to the Google ecosystem and password synchronization.
Fortunately, Android makes it easy to reassign programs by default, so you don't have to be an expert in programming or get root permissions to change those settings, but you just have to go through a few steps in the menu in a sequence to take back control of your device.
In this article, we will discuss the process of replacing the browser in detail. We will look at the settings in the current versions of the MIUI 14 shell and the new HyperOS. You will learn how to block pop-up ads and prevent automatic resets after the system update.
Why Xiaomi is imposing its browser and whether it is worth removing it
Xiaomi is actively developing its services to monetize sales of low-margin devices. Mi Browser is part of this ecosystem, collecting data on search queries and showing targeted advertising. For many users, this is the main argument against its use.
In addition, the built-in solution often runs slower than optimized Google Chrome or Firefox.It consumes more RAM in the background, which can reduce the overall performance of the smartphone when working with heavy web pages.
⚠️ Note: Complete removal of the system browser through ADB It can cause weather widgets or Glance news feeds to work unstable, and it is recommended to simply turn it off in settings without deleting system files.
Alternative solutions provide access to advanced functionality, with cross-platform synchronization with your computer, built-in page translator and robust phishing protection provided by Google Safe Browsing.
Preparation: Installation and Update of Google Chrome
Before you make Chrome the main one, make sure it’s installed and updated to the latest version. On Xiaomi smartphones for the Global region, the Google Play store is pre-installed by default. If you have a Chinese version of firmware, you’ll need to install GMS (Google Mobile Services).
Open the Play Store app and search for "Chrome." If the app is already installed but the version is outdated, the system will offer an Update button. The current version is critical to the correct operation of modern web standards and security.
☑️ Checking readiness for setup
Once installed, run your browser at least once, which is necessary for initializing your profiles and accepting the license agreement, and without this step, the system may not display the application in the default list of available profiles.
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Sign in to your Google account immediately after installation, which will instantly pull up all saved passwords, history and bookmarks from other devices.
Instructions: Install Chrome browser by default on MIUI and HyperOS
The process of changing the main application varies slightly depending on the shell version, and owners of new devices with HyperOS (based on Android 14) and older models with MIUI 12-14 should carefully choose the path in the menu.
For current versions of firmware, the algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 📱 Open the smartphone settings.
- ⚙️ Go to the Appendix section.
- 🌐 Select the Application Management option.
- ⚙️ Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
- 🔍 Find the Browser string and tap it.
- ✅ In the list, select Chrome.
If you have an older version of MIUI, the path may look different. Sometimes the default apps item is placed in a separate submenu immediately after you enter Settings → Apps. In some cases, you need to click on the gear icon at the top of the screen.
| Shell version | The way is on the menu | Nuance of choice |
|---|---|---|
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings → Applications → Management → Applications by default | The menu may be hidden in the tripods |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Applications → Applications by default | Direct access from the top menu |
| MIUI 12/13 | Settings → Applications → Application Management → (Triple) → By Default | Submenu entrance required |
Once you select Chrome, the system will no longer ask questions than open links. URL-Addresses from Telegram, Viber or Email will automatically run in the selected browser.
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The main change in HyperOS is to move the “Default Apps” item deep into the “Application Management” menu, which often confuses users.
Set up notifications and clean up Mi Browser
Even after changing the default browser, Mi Browser can continue to send notifications with news and promotional offers, and to completely eliminate visual noise, it is necessary to limit its rights.
Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find the Mi Browser (or simply “Browser” with a compass icon) in the Notifications section and turn off the Allow Notifications switch.
⚠️ Note: Do not delete system browser updates through your storage settings unless you are confident in your actions.This can lead to errors when trying to open links through the system components of Android.
It is also recommended to clear the old browser cache to free up space.In the same app settings menu, select Memory and click Clear Cache.This will delete temporary files, but will not affect your personal data, since you no longer use them.
For advanced users, the option to disable the application is available: Click Delete (which will turn into Disable for system components), which will hide the browser icon from the menu and prevent it from running in the background.
Solving problems: if settings are reset
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where, after a reboot or upgrade, the Mi Browser becomes the main one again, this can be due to aggressive battery optimization or software conflicts.
Check if the background activity limit for Chrome is worth it. In the Battery and Performance menu, find the browser and set the No Limits mode. This will allow the system to correctly handle requests for link opening.
Hidden Default Data Cleanup Function
In rare cases, a complete application preference reset helps. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, click on the three-point and select Reset App Settings. This will return all file associations to factory ones, after which you will need to re-select Chrome.
Alternatives: What other browsers are worth considering
While Google Chrome is the standard, other engines work well on Xiaomi. If you don't have the functionality, look for customized solutions with ad blockers.
Popular alternatives for Android owners:
- 🦊 Firefox – Extensions support and maximum privacy.
- ⚡ Brave - built-in tracking and advertising lock, high speed.
- 🛡️ DuckDuckGo – focus on anonymity and data protection.
The process of installing them by the main browsers is identical to the one described above. Just install the application from the Play Store and select it from the Default Apps menu.
Choosing a browser is a matter of personal preference, and the key is to make the tool convenient, secure and not annoying with intrusive advertising, which is especially true for the Xiaomi ecosystem.