Why Chrome is not the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro often face a problem: despite the installation of Google Chrome and attempts to make it the main browser, the system persistently returns the standard MIUI Browser or offers a choice every time a link is opened. The reason lies in the features of the firmware MIUI, which aggressively promotes its own services. Even after manually setting up in the Android settings, links can open in an unnecessary browser due to the background processes of Xiaomi.
To make matters worse, the Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia) with Android 9-11 has a different default reset algorithm than with pure Android. For example, after a system update or factory reset, priority automatically returns to MIUI Browser, and Chrome loses its status as the main app. This article will help you figure out how to permanently fix Chrome as the default browser, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.
Preparation: What to do before changing your browser
Before you start setting up, follow a few critical steps, without which even the right settings can reset in a few days:
- 📱 Update Chrome to the latest version via Google Play.Older versions (below) 120.0) They may not interact with you properly. MIUI 12/13.
- 🔄 Turn off auto-update MIUI Browser, go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → MIUI Browser → Disable updates.
- 🛡️ Disable battery optimization for Chrome. in Settings → Battery → Optimize your battery and find Chrome and select “No Limits".
- 📁 Clear the cache and data of the current browser by default (if it is not Chrome.
Pay special attention to the battery optimization item. MIUI aggressively closes the background processes, and if Chrome is not removed from this list, the system can reset its priority at the first memory cleaner, and check if the device has duplicate applications (for example, DuckDuckGo or Opera Mini), which can intercept default settings.
Method 1: Standard settings through the Android menu
This is a basic method that will work on most Redmi Note 8 Pro devices with MIUI 11-13, but due to the firmware features, it may need to be repeated after major system updates:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Find the Browser item and select Google Chrome from the list.
- Confirm the choice by clicking Set by default.
If Chrome is not listed, it is not installed as a system application.
Install Chrome from Google Play|Open Chrome at least once.|Close all background applications|Reset the device-->
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After selecting Chrome, the system can suggest "use only once." In which case, reopen the settings and select Chrome again - now the "always" option should appear.
Method 2: Reset app settings (if Chrome doesn’t appear in the list)
If Chrome doesn't appear in the default browser selection menu, the problem may lie in the reset permissions, which will return all application settings to factory, but will not affect personal data:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset App Settings.
- Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.
- After restarting the device, repeat Method 1 (standard setting).
This method is also useful if all settings have reset after the MIUI update, or if you have previously experimented with other browsers (such as Firefox Focus or Brave), resetting will return the system to a state where Chrome will again be available for selection.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome is not on the browser list | App permissions reset | Reset application settings (see Method 2) |
| Settings are reset after rebooting | Optimizing the battery for Chrome | Add Chrome to battery exclusions |
| Links open in MIUI Browser | Conflict with system services | Disable the auto-update MIUI Browser |
| The "always" option is inactive. | Chrome never opened again. | Run Chrome and accept the Terms of Use |
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If Chrome doesn’t appear after resetting, try temporarily installing another browser (like Firefox), selecting the default browser, and then repeating the procedure for Chrome.
Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change (for advanced ones)
If standard methods don't work, you can use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands, which require you to connect the device to a computer, but it's guaranteed to work even on the most stubborn versions of MIUI.
- 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Next, execute commands in the terminal (command line):
adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.settings
adb shell settings put global http_proxy :0
adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.MainOnce you do, restart your device. Chrome should become the default browser. If there is a No such file or directory error, make sure that the Chrome package is installed correctly (standard package is com.android.chrome).
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause system failures, and if you're not sure what you're doing, skip this method or seek help from a specialist. ADB Some system applications may need to be reconfigured.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Method 4: Alternative methods (if nothing helps)
If all of the above methods didn't work, try workarounds. They won't make Chrome the default browser at the system level, but they will let you open links in it without further confirmation:
- 🔗 Use "Open with" when you open any link, select Chrome and select "Always." Repeat this action. 3-4 time-to-time (HTTP, HTTPS, webpages).
- 📌 Secure Chrome on the home screen and use it to manually enter addresses. MIUI You can make it your main point.
- 🔄 Install a launcher from Google (like Google Now Launcher).Some users note that this reduces interference. MIUI default.
- 🛠️ Turn it off. MIUI Browser through Settings → Annexes → Application management → MIUI Browser → This will force the system to use an alternative browser.
The latter method (disabling MIUI Browser) is the most radical, but effective. However, note that some system functions (for example, checking for updates) may use the built-in browser, in which case, after turning off, they will become unavailable.
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If you use apps that force you to open links in your built-in browser (like Instagram or Facebook), even Chrome by default won’t help, in which case you need to turn off the “Open Links in the App” option in the app settings themselves.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even after a successful setup, Chrome may no longer be the default browser, and here are the typical Redmi Note 8 Pro users’ errors and ways to prevent them:
- 🔋 Ignoring battery optimization: If Chrome is added to the list of optimized apps, MIUI It can reset its settings when you clear the memory. → Battery → Optimize your battery for Chrome with no restrictions".
- 🔄 Auto-update MIUI Browser.Once the system browser is updated, it can become the main browser again.Solution: Disable its updates in Google Play or remove updates through Settings → Annexes.
- 📱 Use "Light Mode." In this mode. MIUI It blocks background processes, which can reset Chrome settings. Solution: Turn off Easy Mode in Settings → Special facilities.
- 🔒 Reset to factory settings. After a full reset, all settings return to default.Solution: Immediately after the reset, repeat the default setting of Chrome.
Another common problem is conflicting with cleaner apps (like Security or Clean Master) that can reset default settings as “optimization.” Before setting up Chrome, disable auto-cleaning in those apps or uninstall them.