How to install Yandex Browser by default on Xiaomi: a complete guide with pictures and life hacks

Xiaomi smartphones based on the shell MIUI They are known for their flexibility, but sometimes basic operations – such as changing the default browser – turn into a quest with pitfalls. If you are used to the Yandex ecosystem and want all links to open in its browser, and not in the standard Mi Browser, you will have to take into account several nuances: from the firmware version to the features of a particular model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others.).

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to make Yandex Browser the main one on Xiaomi – from standard settings to workarounds for stubborn versions. MIUI. You will also learn why the system can ignore your choices, how to check the current browser by default, and what to do if everything resets after the update. MIUI for European and global firmware.

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Why Xiaomi can’t change the default browser?

On most Android smartphones, it takes 30 seconds to change the default browser, but Xiaomi has traditionally made it harder.

🔹 Version. MIUI. In the firmware MIUI 12.5–14 (especially for Redmi and Redmi) POCO) The algorithm for choosing a browser is different from "pure" Android. MIUI 13 for the European region, the option can be hidden in the depth of the Settings menu → Annexes → Smart assistant.

🔹 Regional restrictions: on global firmware devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro for the EU) sometimes blocked the default browser change due to agreements with Google, in such cases, only the installation of custom firmware or use of the browser helps. ADB-team.

🔹 The standard Xiaomi browser (com.mi.globalbrowser) has system privileges and can automatically intercept links even if you choose a different browser.This is especially noticeable after the device is rebooted.

🔹 Cache errors: If you previously changed your default browser, but now it has reset again on Mi Browser, the cache of the Settings app or the Android System WebView service is to blame.

To determine your situation accurately, check:

1. The MIUI version in Settings → About the phone.
2. Firmware region (global, Chinese, European).
3. Root rights (if any, the solution will be easier).

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

This method works for most devices with MIUI 12-14, but may require additional action for some regions:

1. Install Yandex Browser from Google Play or through APK-Open it at least once so that the system registers the application.

2. Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management.

3.In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.

4. Find the Browser (or Open Links) item and tap it. In the list, select Yandex Browser.

🔹 If there is no "Browser" item:

• 📱 Try an alternative path: Settings → Annexes → All applications → Yandex Browser → Open by default.
• 🔧 On some firmware, the option is hidden: go to Settings → System system → Additionally. → Special facilities → Default applications.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone after a change – sometimes MIUI Apply the settings only after the reboot.

Install Yandex Browser from an official source |

Check the version. MIUI on the telephone"|

Close all background apps (especially Mi Browser)|

Connect to stable Wi-Fi (for downloading updates)-->

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Attention: On devices with MIUI for the EU (for example, Xiaomi 12 Lite) after selecting Yandex Browser, the system can show a warning about "incompatibility". Ignore it and click "Stand still use.

Method 2: Forced change through ADB (advanced)

If the standard method did not work, and you do not have root rights, it will help. ADB-This is a good way to do it for all versions. MIUI, But it requires a computer and enabled debugging. USB.

📌 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB Tools and execute the command: adb shell pm set-default-browser com.yandex.browser
4. Reset the device.

🔹 If the team didn't work out:

• 🖥️ Check that your device is displayed in adb devices (there should be an authorized message).
• 🔄 Try the alternative command: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.yandex.browser/com.yandex.browser.MainActivity
• 📵 On some firmware (POCO F4, Redmi K50) Reset the current browser first: adb shell pm clear com.mi.globalbrowser

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Attention: After use ADB-In order to avoid this, some system applications (such as Mi Browser) may start to give errors. To avoid this, do not delete the standard browser - just turn it off in the application settings.

Method 3: Bypasses for stubborn firmware

If none of the above methods worked, try these alternative solutions:

🔧 1. Use of "Open with the help of"

Whenever you open a link (e.g. from Telegram or WhatsApp), select Yandex Browser from the Open with Help menu and tick Always. Over time, the system can "remember" your choice.

🔧 Installation of custom firmware

Forums 4PDA and XDA Developers have firmware with remote Mi Browser (for example, MIUI EU It's a radical method, but it's guaranteed to solve the problem.

🔧 3. Redirect applications

Install a utility like Better Open With or Default App Manager from Google Play, which lets you manually assign apps by default, bypassing restrictions. MIUI.

🔧 4. Resetting application settings

Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ → Reset your application settings. After that, try assigning Yandex Browser to default again.

📊 Comparison of methods for efficiency:

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If you often face problems MIUI, Consider installing a launcher like Nova Launcher or Hyperion, which allows you to flexibly configure link opening and even block system applications without root rights.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even after a successful browser change, Xiaomi users are faced with bugs.-5 problems and solutions:

🚨 1.After the reboot is reset to Mi Browser

Reason: MIUI It restores system settings when you reboot:

• 🔄 Open the Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronize and disable synchronization of system settings.
• 📵 Install the Island app and transfer Yandex Browser to an isolated space – this will prevent interference MIUI.

🚨 2. Links from some apps open in Mi Browser

Reason: Annexes (VK, Telegram has its own settings. Solution:

• 🔧 In the application itself (for example, in Telegram) go to Settings → Open links and select Yandex Browser.
• 📌 Use Tasker to Automatically Redirect Links.

🚨 3. Yandex Browser does not appear in the default browser list

Reason: The application is not registered as a browser.

• 🔄 Reinstall Yandex Browser by pre-clearing the cache in Settings → Annexes.
• 📥 Download. APK from the official Yandex website, not from Google Play.

🚨 Error "Failed to set by default"

Reason: Conflict with Google services. Solution:

• 🔧 Turn off Android System WebView in application settings (temporarily).
• 📵 Install Yandex Browser Beta – sometimes it works more stable.

🚨 5. After the update MIUI all dropped

Reason: Resetting in major update.

• 🔄 Repeat the default browser setting after the update.
• 📵 Reverse to the previous version MIUI via Fastboot (if critical update).

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If none of these methods worked, check to see if your device has a corporate policy set (e.g., Microsoft Intune or Knox) that blocks default system applications from changing.

How to check which browser is used by default?

To make sure that Yandex Browser has become the main one, follow these steps:

1. Through settings:

Go to Settings. → Annexes → Default applications → Browser. Yandex Browser should be displayed here.

2. Test click on the link:

Open any application with a hyperlink (like Twitter or Gmail) and tap it. If the browser you want opens, it's okay.

3. Through ADB:

Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:

adb shell dumpsys package | grep "default-browser"

The output should be com.yandex.browser.

4. Verification through third-party utilities:

Install Default App Manager from Google Play – it will show the current default apps for all categories.

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Note: On some models (Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) Even after a successful browser change, links from Google Search can open in Mi Browser.This is due to the integration of Google services - the problem can only be solved by disabling the Google App (not recommended).

Alternatives to Yandex Browser for Xiaomi

If you failed to make Yandex Browser the main one or it works unstable, consider these options:

🌐 1. Google Chrome

Pros: stable work, synchronization with a Google account.

Cons: high RAM consumption, data collection.

🌐 2. Firefox

Pros: open source, support for extensions.

Cons: slower Yandex Browser on weak devices (Redmi) 9A).

🌐 3. Kiwi Browser

Pros: Based on Chromium, supports extensions from the Chrome Web Store.

Cons: rare bugs with display of Cyrillic.

🌐 4. Bromite

Pros: enhanced protection from trackers, no advertising.

Cons: Requires manual installation APK.

🌐 5. Via Browser

Pros: lightweight (ideal for Redmi Go), ad blocker.

Cons: Limited synchronization.

📊 Comparison of browsers by key parameters:

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions