How to get links to open in the right browser on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways

Have you ever encountered a situation where Xiaomi Redmi all links from messengers, emails or social networks stubbornly open in the standard Mi Browser browser - despite the fact that you prefer Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera? This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones on MIUI, where the manufacturer aggressively promotes its own services. Fortunately, there are several working ways to redirect links to the right browser - from simple settings to technical tricks with ADB.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven methods, including hidden MIUI settings, third-party utilities, and even manual system settings, and focus on the nuances of different firmware versions (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14) and Redmi models (including Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and flagship series), and you’ll learn why some methods stop working after updates and how to get around it.

Why Xiaomi Redmi ignores your browser by default

The reason lies in the policy of Xiaomi: the company is actively integrating its services into the firmware MIUI. The standard Mi Browser browser not only opens the default links, but also:

• 🔗 Intercepts all intent requests to open web pages (even if you have chosen a different browser in the settings).
• 📦 Blocks changing file associations for types http:// and https:// through the standard menu.
• 🔄 Resets settings after system updates (especially relevant for the MIUI 13+).
• 🛡️ Uses secure system permissions that are not available to the user without ADB.

It’s important to understand that the problem isn’t with the browser itself (like Chrome or Firefox), but with how MIUI handles android-intent. Even if you set the browser as default in Android settings, the system will ignore this choice for some types of links — like WhatsApp, Telegram or Gmail.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global (European/Global Firmware) problem is less common than on the Internet MIUI If you have a Chinese firmware version, some methods may require additional actions, such as unlocking the bootloader.

Method 1: Configure the browser by default through the MIUI menu

The most obvious, but often not working, way, though, is to start with:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser section and select the desired application (e.g. Chrome).
4. Confirm your choice.

On MIUI 14, the path may be slightly different: Settings → Apps → Smart Assistant → Default Apps. If your browser doesn’t appear in the list, try opening it manually first and accept all permissions.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play| Open it at least once and confirm permissions |Reboot your phone after installation | Check if the antivirus (e.g. Mi Security) blocks setting changes-->

Why might it not work? Because MIUI shares default settings for different types of links, like Telegram links that open in Mi Browser and Chrome links that open in Chrome itself, so you can move on to the following ways.

Method 2: Use the Default App Manager (without root)

If standard settings don’t work, a third-party Default App Manager (available on Google Play) will come to the rescue, allowing you to manually reassign handlers for different types of links, including http/https.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Default App Manager.
2. Open the app and give it permission to access the settings (you will need to enable Special Access in Android settings).
3. In the list, find Browser (or http/https) and select the browser you want.
4. Reboot the phone.

The advantage of this method is that it works even on MIUI 14 without having to use ADB. However, after major system upgrades, the settings may reset — they will have to be repeated.

Google Chrome|Mozilla Firefox|Opera|Microsoft Edge|Mi Browser (standard)|Other-->

Method 3: ADB commands for forced browser change

If previous methods don't work, you'll have to connect to your phone via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is the most reliable way, but it requires a computer and a little technical training.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your device.
4. Run the command to reset all browser settings by default: adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.settings
5. Now assign the browser you want (e.g. Chrome): adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main For Firefox, use: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity org.mozilla.firefox/.App
6. Reboot the phone.

Important: After these commands are executed, all default application settings will reset. You will have to re-select the browser in the MIUI menu (Method 1), but this time the choice should be saved.

Method 4: Using Tasker to Automatically Redirect Links

If you're not afraid of automation, Tasker will help you create a rule that will intercept links and open them in the right browser, which works even when other methods are powerless.

Instructions:

1. Install Tasker and AutoInput plugin (to simulate clicks).
2. Create a new profile (+ → Event → Plugin → AutoInput → UI → Opening URL).
3. In the task add the action Launch the application and select your browser.
4. Add the action Plugin → AutoInput → Text to transfer the URL to the browser.

Example of a task for Chrome:

1. Launching the app: Chrome


2. AutoInput Text: Field: Text - %aientry (variable with URL)




3. AutoInput Action: Press "Enter"

This method requires customization, but allows you to manage redirects flexibly, for example, you can set the rules so that links from Telegram open in Chrome and from WhatsApp to Firefox.

💡

If Tasker does not catch link opening events, try to enable the option “Monitoring Accessibility Service” in the AutoInput settings and provide all necessary permissions.

Method 5: Remove or disable Mi Browser (for advanced)

The radical but effective method is to completely remove or disable the standard browser, and you can do this in two ways:

Option 1: Disconnect via ADB (no root)

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser

Option 2: Remove via TWRP (requires root)

• Install custom recovery TWRP.
• Download the debloater script for MIUI.
• Remove the com.android.browser and com.mi.globalbrowser packages.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system apps can cause your phone to function unstable, especially if you use features MIUI, associated with the browser (for example, synchronizing bookmarks through Mi Account). TWRP.

Additional advice and problem solving

If none of the methods worked, check the following points:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI: After major updates (for example, with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) settings may reset. Repeat the default browser setting.
• 🛡️ Mi Security: Xiaomi Antivirus sometimes blocks changes to system settings. Try temporarily disabling it in Settings → Memory and productivity → Security.
• 📱 Regional firmware: On Chinese versions MIUI (For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G China) some settings are blocked. ADB or re-flashing to the global version.
• 🔗 Specific applications: Some programs (such as Facebook or Instagram) open links in the built-in browser. It does not depend on the settings of the system - you need to change the settings inside the application itself.

If you use Xiaomi Redmi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the default browser problem is usually absent. However, on stock MIUI, fighting Mi Browser can be like playing cat and mouse - after each update you have to repeat the settings.

💡

The most reliable method is the combination ADB-Teams (Method 3) and Default App Manager (Method 2) can cover the maximum number of link opening scenarios.

FAQ: Frequent questions