How to make Google Chrome the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Are you tired of constantly redirecting to the standard Mi Browser browser on your Xiaomi smartphone? Google Chrome offers faster work, sync with your Google account and no annoying advertising, but the system stubbornly ignores your preferences. This problem is familiar to most device owners on MIUI - even after installing Chrome, the system continues to open links in their native browser.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for making Chrome the default browser on any Xiaomi smartphone, from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14. You will learn not only the standard settings, but also hidden tricks to bypass the limitations of MIUI, including working with ADB and alternative launchers. All instructions are tested on the latest firmware versions and adapted to the features of the Chinese shell.

We'll focus on the typical bugs that make Chrome fly from default to default browser after a system update. You'll also find a table of methods compatibility with different versions of MIUI and a list of models that require additional manipulation. If you're ready to get rid of Mi Browser forever, read on.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the browser change by default?

The manufacturer deliberately limits the possibility of full replacement of standard applications, which is part of Xiaomi’s business model.The Mi Browser browser is integrated into the system at the firmware level and has privileges that are not available to third-party programs.

• 💰 Monetization through advertising: Built-in browser shows banner ads and promotional materials that bring companies revenue.
• 📊 Data collection: Mi Browser provides anonymous usage statistics, which helps improve Xiaomi services (and target ads).
• 🔄 Ecosystem MIUI: Many features (such as quick translation or page saving) only work in your browser.
• 🛡️ Security: According to developers, standard software is better protected from data leaks.

Since MIUI 12, the company has tightened its policy: even after manually selecting Chrome, the system can reset settings after rebooting or updating. Newer versions (such as MIUI 14 based on Android 13/14) have a separate section called Default Apps, but it often ignores the user's choice for the browser.

Fun fact: European (EEA) devices have a slightly lighter restriction, where you can completely change your default browser through standard settings, but global and Chinese versions of firmware have to use workarounds.

Method 1: Standard configuration through system parameters

To start with, the simplest method that works on most devices with MIUI 12.5 and later is one that does not require superuser rights and is suitable for beginners:

1. Open the Settings (⚙️) on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select the Applications by default.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the window that appears, select Google Chrome (if it is not in the list, install it from the Play Market first).

If you still open links in Mi Browser after these steps, follow these additional steps:

Clear the Mi Browser cache in Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Clear the cache |

Reboot the device |

Open any link manually through Chrome and confirm the selection of "Always" |

Disable battery optimization for Chrome in Settings → Annexes → Chrome → Battery → No restrictions.-->

On some models (e.g. Redmi 10 or POCO X3), this method only partially works – Chrome becomes the default browser for new links, but previously opened pages can be redirected to Mi Browser.

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If there is no “Browser” option in the “Default Apps” list, try opening any web link (for example, in Telegram), then tick “Always” in front of Chrome in the app selection window that appears.

Method 2: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

For advanced users willing to work with ADB, there is a more radical way: it is suitable for all versions of MIUI and guaranteed to block redirection of links to Mi Browser.

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official website).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on the phone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the command to reset standard applications: adb shell cmd package remove-defaults com.android.browser
5. Then force Chrome to be assigned by default browser: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

The critical nuance is that once these commands are executed, Mi Browser will remain in the system, but will no longer intercept links. However, after the major updates to MIUI, the settings may reset — the procedure will have to be repeated.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can cause system instability if you type commands at random. Don't change other settings through the adb shell unless you understand their purpose. ROM) This method may not work without first unlocking the bootloader.

Method 3: Installation of an alternative launcher

If previous methods have not helped, consider installing a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair), these programs allow you to flexibly configure link processing and ignore the system limitations of MIUI.

• 🎨 Full control over link opening (you can assign Chrome to all types of content).
• 🚀 Speed up the interface (launchers are often optimized better than standard ones).
• 🔒 Disposal of Mi Browser from the Apps menu.

The following is a step-by-step instruction for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Play Market and make it the default launcher (the system will prompt you to do so when you first start).
2. Click the empty space on the home screen → Nova Settings → Apps and notifications.
3. Select Link Processing → Browser.
4. Specify Google Chrome as your primary browser.
5. Return to the launcher settings and in the Applications section, find Mi Browser - turn off its display on the main screen.

For maximum effect, combine this method with ADB-commands from the previous section. POCO F4 GT This bundle is guaranteed to block all attempts to return the Mi Browser.

Method 4: Disable Mi Browser through the application settings

A less radical, but sometimes effective way is to limit the capabilities of a standard browser. This won’t make Chrome the default browser in all cases, but it will reduce the number of redirects:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser.
2. Click Disable (if the button is active). On some firmwares, this item may be called Remove Updates.
3. Return to the Default Apps section and assign Chrome to the browser.
4. Clear the Mi Browser cache and data (this will delete the history, but will not affect Chrome's performance).

On devices with MIUI 13+, the complete browser shutdown can be blocked.

• 🔕 Limit background activity: in the Mi Browser settings, select Battery → Limited.
• 🚫 Prohibit display of notifications: Notifications → Turn it off.
• 🔒 Remove access to storage: Permits → Warehouse → Banned.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Disabling Mi Browser can cause errors in the operation of system services such as Mi Account or Themes. If after manipulations there are failures, return the browser settings to the original state.

Method 5: Manual editing of system files (for advanced ones)

This is the most difficult, but also the most effective way to do this, and it's suitable for users with unlocked bootloaders and root rights. On devices with a locked bootloader, this method will lead to a system "brick"! If you're not sure about your skills, skip this section.

The essence of the method: editing the packages.xml file, where the settings of standard applications are stored.

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader and root access (for example, via Magisk).
• 📁 File Manager with support for root (e.g. Root Explorer).
• 💾 Backup copy of data (required!).

Instructions:

1. Create a backup of the /data/system folder.
2. Open /data/system/packages.xml file in the text editor.
3. Find a line from com.android.browser (this is the Mi Browser package).
4. Delete or comment on the block where the <default-browser package="com.android.browser" /> is specified.
5. Add a line for Chrome: <default-browser package="com.android.chrome" />
6. Save the file, restart the device.

After this procedure, the system will consider Chrome the default browser at the Android kernel level. However, be prepared for the fact that after the MIUI update, changes may reset – you will have to repeat editing.

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This method is the only way to completely remove the Mi Browser from the system without any stability implications, but it requires deep knowledge and can void the warranty.

Compatibility table with MIUI versions

To save you time, we’ve collected data on how different versions of Xiaomi’s firmware and models work:

For HyperOS devices (the new firmware from Xiaomi, which replaced MIUI), most methods remain relevant, but ADB commands may need to be adapted. For example, com.android.browser is sometimes used instead of com.android.browser.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi