How to install the default application on Xiaomi Poco X3: all the ways and nuances of MIUI

Why can’t Poco X3 change the default app?

Xiaomi Poco X3 smartphones (M2007J20CG and M2007J20CI) run on the proprietary shell of MIUI, which often limits user settings for the sake of "optimization". For example, the system can automatically reset the default application selection after an update or reboot, and some system applications (Browser, Messages, Phone) are blocked from replacement without additional manipulation.

Complicating the problem, different versions of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) may have different settings menus, such as MIUI 12.5, which hides the default path to app settings deeper than MIUI 14, where it is brought to the first screen, and Poco X3 with global firmware (EEA) may have some options blocked due to EU requirements for pre-installation of Google services.

In this article, we'll go through all the working ways, from standard settings to ADB circumvention and cache resetting, and if you've tried changing the settings before, but they're resetting, at the end there's a section to address this problem.

Method 1: Standard configuration via MIUI menu

This is the easiest method that works on most versions. MIUI (including 12.5, 13 and 14) Suitable for browser replacement, SMS-messenger, applications for calls and gallery.

Instructions:

  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. Tap by category (such as Browser or SMS) and select the desired application from the list.

If your app isn’t on the list (like Chrome or Telegram for SMS), it doesn’t support this feature, so try the ADB method (Section 4).

Make sure the app is installed and updated

Check if the application supports the default function (for example, Viber cannot be used). SMS-messenger)

Restart your phone if the changes don’t apply

Turn off MIUI Optimization in the battery settings for the target application-->

Method 2: Change through the settings of a particular application

Some apps (like Google Chrome or Truecaller) allow you to assign yourself by default right from your interface, which is handy if you don’t want to dig into the system settings.

How to do this:

  1. Open the app you want to make the main one (like Chrome).
  2. Go to its settings (usually through three dots in the corner → Settings).
  3. Find a clause like Make the default browser or Settings by default.
  4. Follow the hints on the screen – the system will redirect you to the MIUI menu, where you will only have to confirm the choice.

This method doesn’t work for all apps, but it’s the fastest if supported.For example, Truecaller can replace the standard Phone app for outbound calls, but not for incoming calls (due to Android limitations).

💡

If after selecting the default application, it still does not open when you click on the link, clear the cache of the Settings application → Apps → Three points → Show all applications → Settings (yes, this is a system application!).

Method 3: Reset all application settings by default

If you previously assigned the default apps but now want to start with a clean slate (like after a phone reset or upgrade), use reset.This is useful when the system "forgets" your choices or conflicts with updates.

How to reset:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Click on three points → Reset application settings.
  3. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).

After resetting the next time you open a link or file, the system will again ask which application to use.

  • 🔄 Permissions for all applications (you will have to reconfirm access to the camera, microphone, etc.).
  • 🔕 Notification settings (apps will be able to show pop-ups again).
  • 📱 Battery optimization (you will have to reconfigure the background work).
What to do if the button "Reset application settings" is inactive?
This means that your Poco X3 has enabled the Data Protection feature (MIUI 13+).To unlock the button: 1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Data Protection. 2. Turn off the option to Lock Reset. 3. Go back and try resetting again.

Method 4: Using ADB for forced change (for experienced)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., MIUI blocks system applications from being replaced), you can use ADB, the Android debugging tool, which is the only way to replace your Phone, Messages, or Gallery with third-party counterparts without root rights.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

USB debugging

  • Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
  • Turn on the debugging switch over USB.
  • Connect Poco X3 to your PC and execute the commands: adb devices (your device should appear) adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.providers.settings (default settings reset) adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.example.app/.MainActivity (replace launcher; replace com.example. with your application package).

In this mode:

  • 📵 All third-party applications are disabled (except system applications).
  • 🔧 You can change default settings without the intervention of optimizers MIUI.
  • 🔄 After the release of Safe Mode, the changes will continue.