How to make Google Chrome the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note: the full guide 2026

You just installed Google Chrome on your Xiaomi Redmi Note, but when you open links, you still run the standard MIUI browser? Or worse, the system insists on choosing an app every time? This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi smartphones, where the manufacturer is actively promoting its own services. Unlike "pure" Android, MIUI firmware has its own nuances - and today we will break them all down.

In this article, you will find not only the basic instructions for changing the default browser, but also solutions for cases where:

• 🔹 The “Use by default” button is inactive or not
• 🔹 After updating MIUI settings dropped
• 🔹 The system ignores your choice and opens the Mi Browser again.
• 🔹 The error appears on the screen: "It is impossible to set by default"

We tested all methods on the current Redmi Note 12/11/10 Pro and Redmi Note 9/8 models with the latest MIUI 14/13 (including global and Chinese firmware). If you have a different model, don’t worry: the working principles are the same for the entire Redmi line.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t make it easy to change the default browser?

MIUI is originally set up to use its own services — part of Xiaomi’s business model. The Mi Browser is integrated into the system at a deep level: it is responsible for processing web links from other applications, displays ads in the search bar and collects data for personalization (unless you have disabled this feature).

Key causes of problems:

• 📱 Systemic constraints MIUI: Some firmware versions block the default browser change for "system" applications.
• 🔄 Automatic resets: after update MIUI or resetting browser selection may be cancelled.

Fun fact: on the Chinese versions of MIUI (without Google services), changing the default browser is even more difficult, because there is no alternative to the standard settings at all, but for this case we have prepared a solution.

⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi Note with corporate firmware (for example, from an employer), the administrator can block the default browser change via Android Enterprise policies.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

So to start with the most obvious method that works on most devices, but even here, there are pitfalls that are characteristic of MIUI.

Steps:

1. Open Google Chrome and wait until it fully loads (important for proper login).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Click on the Browser (or Open Web Links in Newer versions of MIUI).
5. Select Google Chrome from the list. If you don't have it, go back to step 1 and try again.

What if Chrome is not listed?

Start Chrome at least once.|Update Chrome to the latest version on Google Play|Reboot the phone.|Check if Chrome is installed as a "System App" (in the app settings)-->

If you choose Chrome and still open Mi Browser, try the following trick:

1. Open any link (for example, from Telegram or WhatsApp).
2. When the browser selection window appears, tick Always and select Chrome.
3. Reboot the phone – this will help to fix the settings.

⚠️ Attention: on some firmware MIUI 13/14 For the Redmi Note 10/11 After selecting Chrome, a notification may appear "Settings not saved." In this case, proceed to the Method. 2.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the standard method doesn’t work)

Sometimes the system forgets about your choice due to cache or conflicts, in which case resetting the application settings will help, it is safe and will not delete your data.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the action. This will clear the default settings for all applications!
4. Immediately after reset, open Chrome and repeat the steps from Method 1.

Why does it work? Reset removes all attachments to file types (including HTTP/HTTPS links), and then the system re-quests your choice when you first open the link.

On the Redmi Note 9 Pro and older models, resetting app settings often doesn’t help because of the stripped-down version of MIUI.

Method 3: Use ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If previous methods have failed, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is Google's official tool for managing system settings via a computer, which requires USB debugging, but does not require root rights.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.
2. Activate USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on the USB Debugging Switch.

Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.

ADB Tools

Win + R → cmd

cd path to folder sdk/platform-tools


adb devices




adb shell pm clear-defaults com.android.browser




adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

After you execute the commands, restart your phone. Chrome should now become the default browser.

⚠️ Attention: on some firmware MIUI after-use ADB You may get a warning about "unauthorized access." That's okay -- just confirm the action. But if you're not sure what you're doing, you better skip this.

💡

If ADB does not recognize the device, try installing Xiaomi USB Drivers from the official website or using the Mi PC Suite program.

Method 4: Remove or disable Mi Browser (radical method)

If Mi Browser is preventing you from living, it can be completely removed or at least disabled. note that this may affect the operation of some system functions (for example, opening links from notifications).

Options for action:

• 🔧 Disconnect (without root): Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find Mi Browser and click Disable. Confirm action. The app will disappear from the menu, but stay on the system.

Removal

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

This command will remove the browser only for your user without affecting system files.

What happens after the shutdown/deletion?

• ✅ Links will automatically open in Chrome (if installed).
• ⚠️ Some system notifications (such as those from Mi Account) may open in an empty window.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI browser can be restored.