How to install Google Chrome browser by default on Xiaomi Redmi Note

Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones run on the proprietary shell MIUI, which defaults on its own Mi Browser browser. However, many users prefer Google Chrome for its speed, synchronization with a Google account and advanced features. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to make Chrome the main browser on your Redmi Note, including bypassing the limitations of MIUI and solving typical problems.

It is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the version of MIUI and the Redmi Note model (for example, Redmi Note 10/11/12 or Redmi Note Pro).We will consider the universal methods, as well as the nuances for different versions of the firmware. If you are faced with a situation where the system automatically resets the browser settings, here you will find a solution.

Before you start, make sure your device has Google Chrome installed (you can download from Google Play Market). Also check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone – this will help avoid errors when setting up.

Why does MIUI block browser change by default?

Xiaomi’s branded shell is known for its aggressive approach to integrating its own services. Mi Browser is not only pre-installed, but also hard-sewn into the system as a priority application for link opening.

• 🔹 Monetization: Mi Browser shows ads and collects data for targeted ads.
• 🔹 Xiaomi ecosystem: Sync with Mi Account, cloud and other services.
• 🔹 Android Restrictions: Starting with Android 10, Google has tightened rules for alternative browsers, but Xiaomi is using this to promote its software.

In some versions of MIUI 12/13/14, even after manually changing the browser, the system can automatically return the Mi Browser as the main one.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI For the global market (for example, Redmi Note 11 Global), the browser change is easier than on the Chinese versions of the firmware (MIUI If you have Chinese firmware, you may need to adjust or even unlock the bootloader.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

This method works on most Redmi Note devices with MIUI 12 and later.The instruction is relevant for the Redmi Note 10/11/12, but may differ on older models.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. Select Google Chrome (if not, install it from the Play Market).
6. Confirm your choice by pressing OK.

After that, all links from messages, emails and other applications must open in Chrome, but on some Xiaomi firmware, this method does not work stable - the system can reset settings after rebooting.

Method 2: Forced change through application settings

If the standard method didn’t work, try setting Chrome as the default browser directly in the app settings.This method often helps on the Redmi Note 9/10 with MIUI 11/12.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Chrome and tap it.
3. Select the default option (or Open supported links in new versions).
4. Activate the Open Supported Links switch.
5. Go back and find the Mi Browser, then turn off the same option for it.

This method blocks Mi Browser as a link handler, forcing the system to use Chrome. If the settings reset after the reboot, try further clearing the Mi Browser cache:

1. In Mi Browser settings, select Warehouse → Clear cache.
2. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI China default can be hidden. In this case, you will need to use the ADB-commands (see Method 4).

Method 3: Using third-party apps to change browsers

If the system settings do not allow you to change the browser, you can use third-party utilities. One of the most effective is Default App Manager (available on the Play Market), which bypasses Xiaomi's restrictions and allows you to manually specify link handlers.

Instructions:

1. Install Default App Manager from Google Play.
2. Open the application and grant it ADB rights (if requested).
3. In the category list, select Browser.
4. Slip on Google Chrome and click Set as default.
5. Reset the device.

The advantage of this method is that it works even on Chinese MIUI firmware, where standard settings are blocked, but it may require a USB debugging permission (ADB) to work properly.

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If Default App Manager doesn’t see Google Chrome in the browser list, try opening Chrome manually first and accepting all permissions.

Method 4: Change browsers via ADB (for power users)

If none of the previous methods worked, the most reliable, but technically difficult way is to use the method. ADB-This will require connecting the smartphone to the computer and executing several commands in the terminal.

Warning: improper use of ADB may disrupt the system. Follow the instructions carefully.

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer (official page).
2. On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on USB Debugging.

File transfer

cmd

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (the name should appear).

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

Reboot your smartphone.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

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

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI China ADB In this case, you will need to unlock the bootloader or use Magisk to obtain root rights.

Problem Solving: Chrome is not saved as default browser

Many Redmi Note users are faced with a situation where, after a reboot or system update, the browser is reset to Mi Browser, which is due to the background MIUI processes, which force the settings back to factory settings. Here is how to fix it:

• 🔧 Turn off battery optimization for Chrome: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Chrome. Select the battery. → No restrictions.

Clear the Mi Browser data

1. In the Mi Browser settings, select Warehouse → Clear Data.
2. This will reset all browser settings, including forced link opening.

Use Tasker to automatically change your browser

With the Tasker app, you can create a task that will force Chrome to assign the default browser every time you turn on the device.

On MIUI 13 and later, the system can ignore manual settings due to the built-in Data Protection mechanism. To get around this, temporarily disable the feature in Settings → Privacy → Special Access → Data Protection.

Alternative browsers for Xiaomi Redmi Note

If Google Chrome is not suitable for some reason, consider alternatives that can also be made by default browsers:

Use the same methods as Chrome to install the default alternative browser, and Firefox and Kiwi Browser are the most stable, as they are less aggressive in conflict with MIUI.

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If you often experience problems changing your browser, consider switching to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) to remove the limitations of MIUI completely, but require unlocking the bootloader.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note