Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi 9 models, come with a pre-installed suite of apps that doesn’t always meet the needs of advanced users. Often device owners face a situation where links from messengers or social networks open in the standard Mi Browser browser, although the user prefers the functionality and synchronization of Google Chrome. Changing the default browser is a basic but critical setting for comfortable use of Android.
The process of changing a priority application in the MIUI shell may differ from standard Android due to the deep customization of the interface. owners of Redmi 9 need to understand not only the sequence of actions in the menu, but also the possible nuances of the application management system. Incorrect configuration can lead to the fact that the system will continue to ignore your choices and run built-in services.
In this guide, we will go into detail about the algorithm that will allow you to fix Chrome as the main tool for surfing.We will look at the standard method through settings, alternative paths through the application manager and methods of solving problems when the system blocks the change of parameters, which will provide complete control over the digital environment of your device.
System preparation and component updates
Before making changes to system priorities, make sure that the Google Chrome browser itself is installed on your Xiaomi Redmi 9 and updated to the latest version. Older versions of the software may contain errors that prevent the system from correctly recognizing them as a suitable replacement for the standard browser.
MIUI shell is known for its aggressive energy saving policy, which sometimes limits the background of applications. To Chrome to work stably after installing it by default, it is recommended to provide it with the necessary permissions in advance, this applies to access to storage, location (for geolocation on sites), and notifications.
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Make sure your Redmi 9 has at least 100MB of free internal memory installed, otherwise the system may not allow the application to fully activate as the main one.
It’s also worth checking if the Settings are activated with strict restrictions on unknown sources, although this is rarely a problem for apps from the official store. If you use third-party launchers or themes, it’s best to temporarily disable them so they don’t intercept system calls to links.
The main method of setting up through the system menu
The most reliable way to change the default browser on Redmi 9 is to use the regular Android settings menu, which is guaranteed to work on all versions of firmware, from global to Chinese, as it relies on the basic functions of the operating system. The algorithm of actions requires care, since the names of items can vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.
To start, open the Settings app and look for the Apps section. In some versions of the shell, this item may be called Apps and Notifications or simply App Management. Inside you are interested in the Default Apps subsection, which is often hidden in the optional menu or at the bottom of the list.
Click on "Browser." The system will open a list of all installed applications that can handle web links. Select from the Chrome list. After that, the system must confirm the selection, and next to the name will appear the corresponding tick or icon.
☑️ The algorithm of changing the browser
It is important to note that immediately after the selection, the system may suggest clearing the cache or data of the standard browser to avoid conflicts.Agree to this action if it is offered, as this will help to reset old associations of files and links.
Alternative path through application management
If the standard way through settings fails or the default browser selection is missing (as is the case with some custom MIUI builds), you can use direct control of a specific application. This method allows you to force prioritization for Google Chrome through its internal settings menu.
Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Search in the Chrome list and open its properties. Scroll down to "Open by default" or "Start by default." Here you will see the "Install as the default app" button or similar wording.
In the window that opens, the system will show the types of data that the browser can process. Make sure the switches are active for HTTP and HTTPS links. If the system offers a choice between several browsers at the time of the first launch of the link, be sure to tick "Always" before confirming the action.
⚠️ Note: If you try to open a link, the selection menu does not appear, and immediately starts Mi Browser, then it has already been strictly prioritized. In this case, you must first reset the settings of the Mi Browser, clearing its data.
This method is especially useful when system settings are reset after updating the MIUI firmware and browser selection is lost. Direct assignment via the application card often proves more resistant to such failures.
Resetting and clearing priorities
There are times when the system gets stuck in a loop, continuing to open links in the wrong application, despite your attempts to change the settings, in this case, Xiaomi Redmi 9 works best full reset preferences for all applications or specifically for browsers.
To reset, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen and select Reset App Settings. This operation will not delete your data, photos or contacts, but will return all system preferences to factory values.
Once you reset the first time you click on a link, the system will force you to ask which app to use, and that's when it's critical to select Chrome and hit "Always." If you accidentally hit "One time," you'll have to repeat the procedure.
What happens when you reset your application settings?
Sometimes it is also useful to clear the Mi Browser cache before the procedure to delete temporary files that may dictate the system rules.
Table of comparison of methods of setting
To make it easier to choose the type of customization that is best for your situation, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand which method will be most effective depending on the version of MIUI and whether you have access rights.
| Method of setting up | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the "Default Apps" menu | Low. | Tall. | Minimum |
| Through the Chrome app card | Medium | Medium | Absent. |
| Resetting application settings | Tall. | Maximum | Resetting the preferences of other programs |
| Use of ADB (for experts) | Very high. | Absolute. | Possible instability of the system |
As you can see from the table, for most Redmi 9 users, the first method is the best, it requires no technical knowledge and provides a stable result in 95% of cases, and the use of more complex methods is justified only in the case of deep systemic conflicts.
Problem Solving and Frequent Errors
Xiaomi users often encounter intrusive offers to use built-in services. Even after installing Chrome by default, the Mi Browser can periodically pop up with suggestions to "accelerate download" or "protect the device." This is not a mistake, but a feature of the manufacturer's marketing strategy.
To get rid of this completely, you need not only to change the default browser, but also to disable notifications from Mi Browser. Go to the notification settings of a particular application and prevent them from showing. It is also recommended to disable the "Recommendations" item in the settings of the browser itself.
Another common problem is that some applications inside MIUI (like weather widgets or news feed) have hard-coded links to an internal browser.In such cases, behavior can only be changed through third-party automation tools like Tasker, but this requires advanced skills.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to remove Mi Browser standard methods without obtaining root rights, as this can lead to errors in the operation of the update system and some system widgets.
Optimizing Chrome on Redmi 9
Once Google Chrome has become the default browser on your Xiaomi Redmi 9, it’s worth doing additional optimization for maximum performance.The device’s processor, while budget-friendly, is able to provide smooth running if you properly configure page rendering options.
Turn on Traffic Saving mode in your browser settings if you use mobile internet. Not only will it save money, it will also speed up the loading of heavy pages by compressing data on Google servers. Wi-Fi connections usually don't require this feature.
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Regularly cleaning the browser cache (every 1-2 weeks) prevents the accumulation of junk files, which can slow down the Redmi 9 and take up valuable space in memory.
It is also recommended to sync your browser with your Google account, which will instantly transfer all bookmarks, passwords and browsing history from your computer or other phone, and the sync setting is located in the profile menu in the upper right corner of the browser.
Additional features and hidden functions
Using Chrome on MIUI devices opens up access to exclusive features that may not be available in a standard browser, such as support for extensions (via special versions) or the ability to stream tabs to your TV through the Chromecast built into the app.
Don’t forget about the incognito mode for private browsing, which does not save history and cookies. On Redmi 9, this mode works stably and allows you to open an unbounded number of tabs, limited only by the amount of RAM of the device.
In conclusion, choosing the right browser is a matter of personal comfort and security. Google Chrome provides a high level of protection against phishing thanks to its built-in Safe Browsing engine, making it the preferred choice for working with banking applications and personal data.