Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face intrusive behavior of the proprietary shell MIUI or the new HyperOS. The system tries to keep the user inside its services, offering to use the built-in Mi Browser browser to open links from messengers and applications.
Google Chrome remains the benchmark for speed, sync and security for millions of users around the world, however. Changing a priority web surfing app is not just a matter of habit, but a way to improve overall device performance.
The switching procedure can be confusing because of the localization of the menu in different versions of firmware, and in this article we will discuss in detail all the steps necessary to ensure that Android stops opening links in a standard application and starts using the engine of your choice.
Why the system resets browser settings
Users often notice that after updating the system or cleaning the memory, the settings again get confused, due to aggressive optimization of background processes, which Xiaomi engineers implement to save battery power.
In addition, some system components can force the Mi Browser to return as a priority if it was updated in the background. File and protocol associations in Android operate on the principle of “last stand, first” if not fixed the choice rigidly.
Sometimes the problem lies in the cache of the system Settings application, which stores outdated data about user preferences, in which case a simple change of priority will not help until the application preferences are reset.
⚠️ Note: If you use the global firmware version, menu item names may differ slightly from the Chinese version. MIUI China: The logic of action remains identical, but the path may be deeper.
Preparing the browser for work
Before assigning Chrome to the mainstream, you need to make sure it's properly installed and updated.Old versions may not support new security protocols, leading to errors when opening links from other apps.
Go to Google Play Market and check for updates. If the app is not installed, download it from the official store, avoiding third-party sources, so as not to disrupt the integrity of the system.
It’s also important to check that the browser has all the necessary permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Chrome → Permissions. Make sure that access to storage and network is active, otherwise downloading files may not work.
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For maximum performance in Chrome settings, enable Simplified Mode (if available in your version), which will reduce traffic consumption and speed up page loading on weak networks.
Once installed, it is recommended to launch the application once, accept the terms of use and log into your Google account.This synchronizes passwords and history, making the transition from an old device or computer seamless.
Instructions: Install Chrome by default in MIUI
The main method of changing priorities is in the system settings of Android.The path can vary depending on the version of the shell, but the overall algorithm is the same for all Redmi and Xiaomi models.
Open the settings menu and find the Apps section. In some versions of HyperOS, it may be called "Applications and Notifications." We need a subsection that manages installed software.
Next, you'll find the default App, and that's where the key configuration is stored, which determines which app opens when you click on a link, phone number, or email address.
☑️ The browser installation algorithm
In the list that opens, look for the Browser category. Click on it and select Chrome in the window that appears. The system may show a warning about changing the standard application - confirm the action.
If the list does not include "Default Apps", search by settings. Type the word "browser" or "default" into the search bar, and the system will tell you the desired menu section.
Setup in the new shell HyperOS
Newer device owners are facing a HyperOS interface that has a modified menu structure, but the logic has remained the same, but the visual design and layout of the elements has changed.
In HyperOS, the path often looks like this: Settings → Basic modules → Default App Selection. Sometimes this item is hidden inside the App menu → Application Management.
The new system also makes more use of ad integrations, and when you try to open a link for the first time, a window may pop up suggesting you use Xiaomi services, be careful and choose Chrome, and check the “Always” box if it is offered.
| Shell version | The path to settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 / 13 | Applications → Default Applications | The classic Android interface |
| MIUI 14 | Applications → Application Management → Default apps | Duplicate items in different menus |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Basic modules → Application selection | Aggressive promotion of its services |
| Android Stock | Applications → Default Applications | Minimum number of steps |
In this case, the procedure will have to be repeated, as the new system partition will overwrite user preferences.
Troubleshooting: If the settings are not saved
Sometimes you choose Chrome, but the links still open in Mi Browser, which indicates a conflict of priorities or the presence of “stuck” settings in the cache of the system.
The first solution is to reset all apps by default. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Click on three dots in the corner of the screen and select Reset app settings.
⚠️ Note: Resetting your application settings will remove all your default appointments (not just your browser, but your caller, gallery, etc.) and you will have to re-select your preferred apps when you first run them.
After reset, try to open any link from the messenger. The system should ask how to open the link. Choose Chrome and be sure to click "Always." If you click "Just now", the question will repeat the next click.
Another reason could be the security feature from Xiaomi. Security → Licenses and Agreements sometimes hide permissions for system browsers. Check if third-party browsers are blocked from accessing the network.
ADB's Hidden Setting
Additional settings for comfortable work
Once Chrome is mainstream, you should customize it for yourself. In the browser settings menu (three dots → Settings), you can enable tab synchronization, which will allow you to instantly switch between your phone and your computer.
It is recommended to activate Lithium Mode (if available) or simply keep an eye on the engine update, which will ensure maximum speed of page rendering and protection from malicious sites.
Also worth checking is the notification settings. Android allows you to prevent browsers from showing advertising fluffs. Go to Settings → Notifications → Chrome and turn off unnecessary categories, leaving only important ones, such as downloads.
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The stability of the main browser depends on the availability of free RAM. On devices with 4 GB of RAM and less, it is recommended to periodically clean the background tabs.
Remember that Google Chrome consumes more resources than lightweight versions of browsers. If you notice a strong battery drain, try turning off background sync or use traffic saving mode.