Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones often come with a pre-installed Mi Browser browser, which automatically becomes the default app for opening web links. However, many users prefer Google Chrome for its speed, sync with a Google account and advanced features. You can switch the browser by default to Xiaomi in several ways, from standard settings to workarounds for stubborn versions of firmware.
In this article, we will discuss all current methods (including hidden settings). MIUI 14/15), We explain why Chrome is sometimes not displayed in the list of available browsers, and show how to solve common errors such as resetting after updating the system, POCO and flagships Xiaomi 13/14, Where the algorithm differs.
If you’ve already tried to change your default browser, but you’ve reset your settings after you reboot your device, don’t give up. There’s a section in the article with alternative solutions, including using ADB and third-party utilities to force you to change your default apps.
Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi?
Xiaomi is actively promoting its own services, and the Mi Browser is no exception. In some versions of MIUI (especially on the budget models Redmi and POCO), the system can:
- 🔄 Automatically reset browser selection after update.
- 🚫 Hide Google Chrome from the list of available apps.
- ⚙️ Block the change of settings through the standard menu.
This is due to MIUI’s policy of prioritizing branded apps, such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, where users encountered a bug when, after selecting Chrome, the system ignored the changes and continued to open links to the Mi Browser. In newer versions (for example, MIUI 15 on Xiaomi 14), the problem is partially solved, but workarounds are still relevant.
In addition, devices with regional firmware (for example, for China) may not have Google Chrome pre-installed, in which case it will have to be installed manually via APK or Google Play (if Google services are installed).
⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro) after resetting to factory settings, Mi Browser becomes the default browser again, even if you previously chose Chrome. MIUI, re-establishment of branded applications.
Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in system settings. It works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12 and later.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Find the Browser section and select Google Chrome from the list.
- Confirm the choice by clicking Ready or OK.
If Chrome is not listed, make sure that:
- 📱 The app is installed (download it from Google Play if not).
- 🔄 You have updated Chrome to the latest version.
- 🛠️ Chrome Settings Enables Open Supported Links (In the App Menu).
Install Google Chrome from Google Play|
Update MIUI to the latest version|
Check that Chrome is not disabled in the app settings |
Reboot your smartphone before changing your settings-->
On some devices (such as the Redmi Note 12), the path may be slightly different:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Cogs Badge (⚙️) → Default Applications → Browser⚠️ Note: If you still open your links in Mi Browser after selecting Chrome, try clearing the cache and Mi Browser data in the app settings. Sometimes this helps to “reset” the system priority.
Method 2: Forced change through Chrome app settings
If the standard method didn’t work, try changing the settings directly in Google Chrome, which is especially useful for devices with MIUI 13/14, where the system can ignore global settings.
Instructions:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
- Go to the Default Apps section (or Site Settings → Open Supported Links on New Versions).
- Enable the option to open supported links.
- Go back to the basic settings of the phone and repeat Method 1.
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5 Enhanced on Xiaomi 11T), this section may be called Link Opening or Default Settings. If you don't have an option, try updating Chrome to the latest version - the interface may change in new releases.
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If Chrome does not have a default Apps section, try opening any link from another app (like Telegram) and select Chrome with the Always tick in the window that appears.
Also check if Chrome notifications are disabled:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google Chrome → NotificationsIf notifications are turned off, the system can ignore requests to open links.
Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change
If none of the previous methods worked, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which is suitable for advanced users and requires connecting a smartphone to a computer.
Warning: improper use of ADB may disrupt the system. Follow the instructions carefully.
Steps:
- Turn on Developer Mode on Smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
- Activate debugging over USB in the developer settings.
- Connect your phone to your PC and install ADB Tools.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devices(Make sure the device is determined.)
adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser(This command will reset the Mi Browser settings.)
adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main(Forcedly installs Chrome as the default browser.)
After completing the commands, restart your smartphone. If the Mi Browser becomes the default browser again, repeat the last command or use an alternative method:
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "http://example.com" com.android.chromeThis command simulates opening a link in Chrome, which can help the system "remember" the choice.
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14+ team ADB If you want to change your apps, you can be blocked by default, in which case you can try using Shizuku or other tools to get around the restrictions.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Method 4: Using third-party apps to change browsers
If system settings and ADB didn't work, you can use third-party utilities, and one of the most reliable solutions is the Default App Manager app (available on Google Play), which allows you to manually assign the default apps, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.
Instructions:
- Install Default App Manager.
- Open the application and grant it ADB rights (if requested).
- Find the Browser section and select Google Chrome.
- Confirm the changes and restart the device.
Advantages of this method:
- 🔧 It works even on blocked firmware.
- 📱 It does not require a PC connection (unlike a PC connection). ADB).
- 🔄 You can quickly return the settings if something goes wrong.
Alternative annexes:
- 🛠️ SetEdit (for experienced users, requires root).
- 🔄 App Manager (allows you to reset default settings).
On devices with MIUI 15 (such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra), some apps may not work due to tighter security policies, in which case try using Shizuku + AppOps for manual permission management.
Standard settings MIUI|
Settings in Google Chrome|
Teams ADB|
Application side (Default App Manager, etc.)|
Nothing helped.-->
Problem Solving: Chrome is not saved as default browser
If after all the manipulations Mi Browser continues to open links, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome disappears from the list of browsers | The system resets settings after the update | Turn off automatic update of Mi Browser in Google Play |
| Links open in Mi Browser despite Chrome selection | Cash systems conflict with settings | Clean the cache in Settings → Memory → Cleanup |
| It is impossible to select Chrome in the settings | Restrictions of regional firmware (e.g. Chinese) | Install global firmware or use ADB |
| After resetting, the settings are reset. | Mi Browser service re-writes settings | Turn off Mi Browser in the app settings (if possible) |
If the problem persists, try uninstalling the updates for Mi Browser through the app settings.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser.
- Slip on three dots in the top corner and select Remove Updates.
- Return to the default browser settings and repeat the selection.
On some devices (e.g., POCO F5), disabling Mi Browser via ADB helps:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browserAfter that, the system will be forced to use Chrome.
Alternative browsers for Xiaomi: what to choose instead of Chrome?
If Google Chrome isn’t suitable for some reason (e.g., because of high memory consumption), consider alternatives that work well on Xiaomi.
- 🦊 Mozilla Firefox – supports extensions and has good synchronization.
- 🛡️ Brave Browser – Blocks Ads and Trackers by Default.
- 🚀 Microsoft Edge – optimized for Android and has a traffic saving mode.
- 🔍 DuckDuckGo Browser – Focuses on privacy.
To change your default browser to an alternative, follow the same instructions as for Chrome.
- Install the browser from Google Play.
- Open Settings → Applications → Applications by default.
- Select Firefox in the Browser section.
On devices with MIUI 14/15, some alternative browsers (such as Samsung Internet) may not appear in the list, in which case use ADB or third-party utilities as described above.
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If you care about privacy, avoid Mi Browser – it collects data for Xiaomi’s personalized ads. Chrome or Firefox is more transparent in this regard.