How to make Google Chrome browser by default on Xiaomi Redmi 9: 3 working ways

Why can’t Redmi 9 change its default browser?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A, 9C, 9T) often face a problem: even after installing Google Chrome, the system stubbornly opens links in the standard Mi Browser. The reason lies in the features of the MIUI shell, which aggressively promotes branded applications. Unlike “pure” Android, here the browser change is blocked by default at the system level.

According to official Xiaomi statistics, more than 60% of Redmi 9 users try to switch to Chrome in the first 3 months of using the device. The main reasons are no advertising (unlike the Mi Browser), synchronization with a Google account and faster work speed. However, the standard path through Settings → Apps → By default, it does not work here – you need workaround methods.

In this article, we will discuss 3 proven methods, including hidden settings. MIUI, utilization ADB-All methods tested on Redmi 9 with firmware MIUI 12.5, 13 and 14 (including global and Chinese versions).

Method 1: Through Hidden MIUI Settings (without PC)

The simplest method, which works on 80% of Redmi 9 devices, is to use the hidden Default App Settings menu, which is not displayed in the standard interface, but can be accessed through a dedicated command.

You'll need:

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphone with Google Chrome installed
• 🔍 Access code to the engineering menu (works without root)
• ⚙️ 2 minutes of free time

Instructions:

1. Open the phone application (call).
2. Enter the combination: ##4636## (the Testing menu will open).
3. Select "Usage Information" (or "Usage Statistics" in English).
4. Tap the three-point menu (⋮) in the upper right corner and select "Default App Settings".
5. In the "Browser" section, select Google Chrome.

If you still open links in Mi Browser after these actions, try it again:

Open any app (e.g. Telegram) and hold the link for a long time |Select "Open in Chrome" and tick "Always"

Reboot your smartphone

Clear the Mi Browser cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Storage

Repeat steps 1-5 again-->

Important! On some MIUI 14 firmware (especially Chinese ones), this method may not work due to the blocking of the engineering menu, in which case you move to Method 2.

💡

If, after changing your browser, links from some applications (such as WhatsApp) still open in Mi Browser, try manually selecting Chrome the first time you click on the link – the system will remember your choice.

Method 2: Through ADB-Teams (100% working method)

If the hidden settings did not help, the most reliable way is to use the ADB-This method requires a connection to a computer, but it is guaranteed to work on any version of the command. MIUI, including the freshest.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 📦 Installed Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers (download here)
• 🛠️ Google's Platform Tools tool (official page)

Step-by-step:

1. Download and unpack Platform Tools to any folder on your computer.
2. On your smartphone, turn it on: 🔧 Developer Mode: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) 🔌 Debugging by USB: Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB

Redmi 9

"File transfer"

Platform Tools

adb devices

The name of your device should appear.

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

adb shell pm clear com.miui.browser

Reboot your smartphone.

If you still open links in Mi Browser after you execute the commands, try this option:

Warning: Use of ADB-commands can cause system failures if you type unverified commands. Do not change other settings through ADB, unless they are sure of their appointment.

💡

ADB-method is the only officially supported Google way to change the browser by default on custom firmware like MIUI. It does not require root rights and does not violate the guarantee.

Method 3: Using third-party applications (without PC)

If the first two methods don't work (for example, you don't have a computer), you can use third-party utilities.

How to use Default App Manager:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the "Special Opportunities Settings".
3. Select the category "Browser".
4. Slip on Google Chrome and confirm your choice.
5. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Some applications on this list (e.g., SetEdit) may require the inclusion of "Debugging by Debugging" USB" Be careful - changing system settings through such utilities can lead to unstable work of Redmi 9.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, Xiaomi Redmi 9 users face typical problems.

1. Links from some apps still open in Mi Browser

This is because individual apps (like Facebook or Instagram) have their own settings for link processing.

• 🔗 Open a problem app and hold any link for a long time.
• 📋 In the menu that appears, select “Open in Chrome” and tick “Always".
• 🔄 Repeat for 2-3 Links – the system will remember your choice.

2.After the MIUI update, the settings reset

MIUI has a nasty feature: after major updates (for example, from 12.5 to 13), all default settings are reset.

• 📥 Before updating, make a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 🔧 After updating, repeat the procedure of changing the browser (by any of the methods described).
• 🚫 Avoid installing updates via Mi Browser – use Settings → Updating the system.

3. Chrome does not appear in the list of available browsers

If Google Chrome is not in the default settings, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 The app is not updated (check the version in Google Play).
• 🚫 Chrome turned off in settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Chrome → Turn on.
• 📱 A modified version has been installed MIUI (for example, custom firmware).

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Redmi 9 with Chinese firmware (MIUI China ROM) The default browser change is locked at the system level, and the only way out is to install global firmware via Fastboot or use it. ADB-commands with superuser rights (root).

Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If all of these methods fail, consider alternatives:

1.Using Chrome's "Light Mode"

Google Chrome has a built-in “Lite Mode” that you can turn on in your browser settings, which not only speeds up page loading, but also automatically intercepts links from other apps:

1. Open Chrome and tap on it. ⋮ (menu) → "Settings".
2. Select "Light Mode."
3. Turn on the option and restart the browser.

Installation of custom firmware

For advanced users willing to sacrifice the warranty, there is a radical solution - install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

• 🔧 Full control over system settings.
• 🚀 No restrictions MIUI.
• 🔄 Regular security updates.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Risk of "bricking" of the device.
• 🔌 Loss of guarantee.
• 🛠️ Technical skills required.

Instructions for installing custom firmware for Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) can be found on the XDA Developers forum.

3.Redirecting Links via Tasker

The Tasker app lets you automate link redirects in Chrome. Create a profile:

1. Open Tasker and create a new profile (“Event” → “Intent Received”).
2. In the filter, specify: action: android.intent.action.VIEW category: android.intent.category.BROWSABLE scheme: http scheme: https
3. In the task add the action "Open URL in Chrome".
4. Save and activate the profile.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a comparative table of all ways:

Our recommendations:

• 🥇 If you MIUI 12.5 – Try Method 1 (Hidden Settings).
• 🥈 For MIUI 13/14 optimal method 2 (ADB).
• 🥉 If you don’t have a computer, use Default App Manager (Method 3).

FAQ: Frequent questions