Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones running MIUI by default use the Mi Browser browser, which is closely integrated into the system. However, many users prefer Yandex.Browser for its adaptation to the Runet, built-in translator and synchronization with other Yandex services. Switching the browser by default to Redmi 9 is not as easy as on “pure” Android – MIUI imposes restrictions, but you can circumvent them in several ways.
In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of installing Yandex.Browser as the main one: from standard settings to bypassing system locks. We will pay special attention to the nuances of MIUI 12.5 and 13, where the browser change algorithm differs from earlier versions, and you will learn how to avoid resetting after a system update and why some links can still open in Mi Browser even after changing a default application.
If you have previously tried to change the default browser and faced the error "failed to install", do not rush to despair. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by cleaning the cache of system applications or installing Yandex.Browser through the Internet. APK-We'll describe each step in detail, including hidden settings. MIUI, which are rarely mentioned in the standard instructions.
Why is Yandex.Browser not installed by default on Redmi 9?
The main reason is MIUI policies that protect system applications from replacement. Unlike Google Chrome on pure Android, the Mi Browser is deeply embedded in the shell and performs additional functions: displays ads in the feed, manages fast links on the home screen and even participates in MIUI Optimizations.
- 🔗 References from MIUI Launcher (weather, news widgets)
- 📱 Quick panels (swipe left on the main screen)
- 🔍 Search results in Xiaomi system search
- 📧 Links from Mi Account, Themes, Security
The second factor is the separation of access rights in new versions of Android. Starting with Android 10, the system requires explicit confirmation for each type of link (HTTP, HTTPS, intent filters). Redmi 9 on Android 10/11 with MIUI 12+ can request permission separately for:
- 🌐 Regular web links (http://, https://)
- 📎 Investments in messengers (PDF, DOCX)
- 🎵 Links to streaming audio/video
The third reason is the version conflict: If you install Yandex.Browser from Google Play, MIUI may block it as an "incompatible application" because of:
⚠️ Note: Redmi 9 with firmware for global region (e.g, MIUI Global 12.5.3) Yandex.Browser from Play Market is often defined as “unoptimized for the future.” MIUI". In this case, manual installation is required. APK from the official Yandex website.
Preparation: What to do before changing your browser
Before installing Yandex.Browser by default, follow the mandatory preparatory steps. This will help to avoid errors such as "Application does not respond" or "Can not establish a connection":
1. Update MIUI to the latest version. On Redmi 9, check firmware relevance in Settings → About Phone → System Update. The minimum version required for stable operation is MIUI 12.0.8 (Android 10) or later. In earlier builds, errors with intention filter processing are possible.
2. Clear the cache of system applications:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (⋮) → Show all applications → System → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear cacheDo the same for security and security.
3. disable MIUI optimization (optional, but recommended):
Settings → Special features → Optimization MIUI → DisableThis will prevent the browser settings from automatically resetting after the reboot.
4 Download the correct version of Yandex.Browser:
- 📱 For Redmi. 9 (Android 10/11) The official version from Yandex website (not from Play Market) is suitable!).
- 🔍 Check the processor architecture: Redmi 9 uses the arm64-v8a, So download it. APK 64-bit devices.
- 📦 The file size should be ~50-60 If the file is less downloaded 30 MB is a lightweight version without intention filter support.
Update MIUI last-minute|Clear Mi Browser cache and Settings|Disable Optimization MIUI|Download APK from the official Yandex website|Check the processor architecture (arm64)-->
Method 1: Standard browser change by default (MIUI 12.5+)
This method works on most Redmi 9s with MIUI 12.5-14 firmware. If you have an earlier version, skip this section and go to Method 2.
1. Install Yandex.Browser from downloaded APK-File (not from Play Market:
- 📁 Move the file to the phone memory (not to the phone) SD-map!).
- 🔧 Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Conductor → Allow installation of unknown applications.
- 🖱️ Launch it. APK-File and wait for installation to be completed.
2. Open any application that contains a web link (such as Telegram or WhatsApp). Click on the link and the system will prompt you to select a browser. Select Yandex.Browser and tick "Always".
3. For a full replacement, go to:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex.Browser → Open by default → Add supportHere, select all available link types:
- 🌐 http:// and https://
- 📄 .html, .htm, .xhtml
- 🔗 VIEW (look-up)
4. Check the result: open Mi Browser and try to click on any link. If it opens in Yandex.Browser, the setup was successful. If not, go to Method 2.
💡
If you choose Yandex.Browser, the links still open in Mi Browser, try restarting your phone. In 30% of cases, MIUI only applies the settings after the reboot.
Method 2: Manual assignment via ADB (for power users)
If the standard method doesn’t work, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your phone to your computer, but it works on all versions of MIUI.
1. Enable USB debugging on Redmi 9:
Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times until the message “You became a developer” appears) → Return to Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging via USB (enable)2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission. ADB-drivers (if not already installed).
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devicesMake sure your Redmi 9 is displayed on the device list.
4. execute a command to reset the current browser settings by default:
adb shell pm clear com.android.browser5. Now assign Yandex.Browser to the main for all supported intent filters:
adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.yandex.browser/.MainActivity
adb shell pm grant com.yandex.browser android.permission.QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES6.Reboot the phone. After turning on, check if links are opened in Yandex.Browser.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 3: Bypassing MIUI restrictions through developer settings
If previous methods have failed, try disabling system application protection through hidden MIUI settings, which is suitable for MIUI 12-13 firmware.
Activate the Developer Mode (as in Method 2) and enable:
Settings → Additional → For developers → Enable MIUI Optimization (disable!)2. Go back to the main settings and go:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three points (⋮) → Special access → Access to data useFind Mi Browser and turn off its access to mobile data and Wi-Fi.
3. Now open Settings → Applications → Yandex.Browser → Battery → Without restrictions and enable the option “No restrictions”. This will prevent the browser from closing by the system.
4.Reboot your phone and try to change the default browser again (see Method 1).
5. If links still open in Mi Browser, reset the application settings:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Dots (⋮) → Application Resetting → Reset⚠️ Note: This step will reset all default settings for all applications, including permissions and notifications. After reset, reassign Yandex.Browser to the main one.
Table: Comparison of methods of changing the browser to Redmi 9
| Method | Difficulty | PC required | It works on MIUI 12.5+. | It works on MIUI 11 and below. | Reset after update |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard change (through settings) | ⭐ | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No (partially) | ⚠️ Possible. |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Developer settings | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Possible. |
| Removal of Mi Browser (root) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
As you can see from the table, the most reliable method is to use ADB, but it requires a computer. If you don't want to connect your phone to a PC, combine Method 1 (standard shift) with disabling MIUI Optimization (Method 3).
What if links are still opened in Mi Browser?
Even after a successful default browser change, some links can be opened in Mi Browser, which is because MIUI reserves some of the intent filters for system applications.
1.For links from MIUI Launcher (widgets, quick panels):
- 📵 Remove Mi Browser widgets from the main screen.
- 🔄 Replace them with Yandex.Browser widgets (if available).
- 🚫 Turn off widget updates: Settings → Main screen screen → Widgets → Updating widgets (disable).
2.For links from system notifications (e.g. MIUI updates):
- 📋 Keep your finger on the notification. → "Notification settings" → Turn off the option "Open links in the browser".
- 🔕 In the notification settings for Mi Browser, turn off all types of alerts.
3.For links from Xiaomi apps (Themes, Security):
- 🔧 In the settings of each application, find the section "Open links" and select Yandex.Browser.
- 📵 If there is no option, turn off notifications for this app.
4.Extreme measure: disable Mi Browser completely (requires root rights):
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser⚠️ Warning: Disabling Mi Browser can lead to errors in the work MIUI Launcher and system widgets. Before executing a command, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.