How to make Google Chrome the main browser on Xiaomi: all ways

Why Xiaomi is Hard to Change the Default Browser and What to Do About It

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) often face a problem: even after installing Google Chrome, the system persistently opens links in the standard MIUI Browser. This is not a coincidence, but a feature of the MIUI firmware, where priority is given to their own services. Unlike “pure” Android, here the default settings are hidden deeper, and some parameters are blocked at the system level.

The trouble starts with MIUI aggressively pushing its browser: it’s integrated into the search bar on the home screen, opens links from messages, and even intercepts requests from other apps. But the good news is that you can change the default browser to Xiaomi, and we’ll look at all the working ways — from standard settings to circumventing restrictions through ADB. It’s important to understand that the process depends on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the device model.

Before you start, check two things:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. It depends on which menu items are available.
• 🔄 System updates: sometimes browser selection bugs are patched. Update via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Android settings. It works on most Xiaomi devices, but may vary depending on the version of MIUI. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Google Chrome from the app menu. If you don't have one, install it from Google Play.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down and tap the default browser.
4. In the window that opens, select Google Chrome from the list.

If this item is not, go to the system settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Tap the browser and select Chrome.

Install Google Chrome from Google Play

Update MIUI to the latest version

Close all background applications

Check if Chrome has Administrator Rights-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro with a MIUI 13) after selecting Chrome, the system can return MIUI Browser when opening links from WhatsApp or Telegram.This is due to the fact that messengers have their own settings for processing links.

Method 2: Configure link processing for individual applications

If Chrome is installed as the default browser, but the links still open in MIUI Browser, the problem lies in the settings of specific applications, for example, Telegram or VK can ignore the global settings of the system.

1. Open an app that doesn’t open links in Chrome (like Telegram).
2. Go to its settings (usually through the icon) ⚙️ or three lines on the menu).
3. Find the section Link Opening, the default browser or External Links.
4. Select Google Chrome or turn off the option to Open Links within the app.

A separate control point has been added for MIUI 14:

• 🔗 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Opening of links.
• 📌 Turn on the option to always ask to select a browser at each click.
• 🔄 If there is no option, try resetting the app settings through Settings. → Annexes → [Name of messenger] → Warehouse → Reset the settings.

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If SMS links open in MIUI Browser after changing your browser, remove the standard Messages app and install an alternative (e.g. Google Messages).

Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change (for advanced ones)

If standard methods do not work, you can resort to ADB-This requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and enabling the developer mode, but is guaranteed to solve the problem on all versions. MIUI. This is the only way to avoid the limitations. MIUI system level, but requires caution – wrong commands can disrupt the device.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).

ADB Tools

Win + R → cmd

adb devices


adb shell pm clear-default-browser com.android.browser




adb shell pm set-default-browser com.android.chrome

Once you have completed the commands, restart the device. Now all links must open in Chrome.

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F4 s MIUI 14) after use ADB Google's services may be disrupted. In this case, execute the command:

adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job

Browser comparison: MIUI Browser vs Google Chrome

Before you finally switch to Chrome, it’s worth assessing the pros and cons of each browser. MIUI Browser is optimized for the Xiaomi ecosystem, but inferior in functionality, and Google Chrome offers more features but can consume more resources.

If you want to sync data between devices or work with extensions (for example, to block ads or translators), Chrome is definitely better, but if the priority is saving battery power and a minimalist interface, you can stay on a standard browser by customizing it for yourself.

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Google Chrome consumes more power, but offers advanced features critical to work (e.g., developers or those who use multiple accounts).

Problem Solving: What to do if the browser does not change

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the system persistently returns MIUI Browser, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔄 App cache: Clear the Chrome cache and MIUI Browser through Settings → Annexes → [Name of name] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced) reset to factory settings helps to reset browser binding.
• 🔧 Launchers conflict: If you use an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher), reset its settings.
• 🛡️ Antivirus or security MIUI: B Settings → Memory and security → Security disable the option Protection from malicious links.

If nothing helps, try installing Chrome as a system app through ADB:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.chrome

⚠️ Warning: On devices with a bootloader locked, this command may not work, in which case only manual removal remains. MIUI Browser through ADB (But it's risky and it could disrupt the system!).

Optimizing Google Chrome on Xiaomi: Tips for Saving Your Battery

Chrome is known for its voracious appetite for RAM and battery power. To reduce the load on the device, use these tips:

• 🔋 Turn on “Light Mode”: Go to Chrome Settings → Light mode and activate the option, which will speed up page loading and reduce traffic consumption.
• 🗑️ Limit background activity: In Android settings (Settings) → Annexes → Chrome → Battery) select Limit background activity.
• 📵 Turn off unnecessary notifications: Go to Chrome Settings → Notifications and deactivate alerts from websites.
• 🔄 Update Chrome: Check for updates on Google Play regularly – new versions are better optimized.

For devices with low RAM (for example, Redmi 9A with 2 GB of memory), it is recommended to use Chrome in the "Saving Data" mode. This will reduce the quality of images, but will speed up the browser by 1.5-2 times.

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If Chrome is slowing down, try alternatives: Firefox Focus (for privacy) or Brave (with built-in ad blocking).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi