Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face intrusive Google services that are preinstalled in MIUI or HyperOS. However, for a Russian-speaking user, the Yandex ecosystem often proves more convenient, offering relevant answers, accurate maps and voice assistant Alice.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to force Yandex to be the main search tool. We will touch not only on browser settings, but also on the system parameters that allow you to integrate company services into the shell interface, which will allow you to get search results immediately when you enter a request into the address bar or through a widget on the desktop.
The setup process does not require root rights or complex device reprogramming. All actions are performed using the regular Android operating system. It is important to follow the steps carefully, since the location of some menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI and the model of your Redmi.
Installation and initial configuration of the Yandex application
Before you change the system settings, you need to make sure that the device has the current version of the application. Often in Xiaomi smartphones already preinstalled Yandex Browser or Yandex with Alice, but their versions may be outdated. For the correct operation of all functions, it is better to download a fresh distribution.
Open the Google Play or GetApps app store (the built-in Xiaomi store) and search for Yandex. If you have the opportunity, it is recommended to use the official version of Yandex Browser, as it best integrates with the search ecosystem. Once installed, launch the application and log into your Yandex ID account.
⚠️ Note: Android may request permissions to access geolocation and microphone when first installed. Without these rights, voice search and navigation will not work properly, so it is recommended to provide all requested accesses.
Then you need to activate the search widget on the home screen if it does not appear automatically. Press your finger on an empty part of the desktop, select "Widgets" or "Add." Find in the list "Yandex" and drag the search bar or widget with Alice on a screen that is convenient for you. This will create quick access to the search engine without having to open the browser.
- 📲 Download the official application from a verified source.
- 🔐 Log in to your account to synchronize data.
- 🏠 Add a widget to the main screen for quick access.
- ⚙️ Check the voice input through the microphone button.
After completing these basic steps, your smartphone is technically ready to work with the searcher, but to make it a system priority, you need to change the settings in the browsers you use to surf the Internet.
Setting up Yandex in the standard Xiaomi browser
Redmi smartphones have Mi Browser installed by default, and many users prefer not to delete it, but simply adapt it to their needs, and the search engine in this application is changed through the internal settings menu, which is hidden under the profile icon or three dots.
Open the Mi Browser and click on the menu icon (usually three horizontal bars or dots in the bottom or top corner of the screen). In the drop-down list, look for Settings. Next, scroll to the Privacy and Security section or immediately look for Search Engine. In the list that opens, select Yandex. If it is not in the list, select Add Search Engine.
For manual addition, if the automatic selection did not work, use the following options: In the name field, type "Yandex", in the search bar field, insert URL-Address, and as the default check box, this ensures that all requests from the address bar will go to this service.
https://yandex.ru/search/?text=%s⚠️ Note: When you enter the search bar address manually, follow the syntax. %s is a mandatory parameter, which is replaced by your text query. If you forget this character, the search will not work.
Once you save your settings, try typing any request into your browser address bar. If you were moved to the Yandex SERP page, then the setup was successful. Now Mi Browser will ignore Google and use your preferred engine.
☑️ Checking browser settings
Replacing Google Chrome Search Engine with Xiaomi
Google Chrome browser is the de facto standard for the Android platform, and it is also often used by default on Xiaomi. Google does not let you simply leave your services, so you need to register Yandex search here through the search engine management mechanism.
Launch Chrome and go to the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select Settings, then search for Search. Google will default. Click on this. In the list that opens, select Search Engines. Here you will see the list of options available and the Others section.
If Yandex is not listed, click Add. You will be asked to fill in three fields: title, keyword and URL-Fill them in as follows: “Yandex”, “yandex.ru” and the address with the parameter %s. After adding, click on the three dots next to the item that appears and select “Use by default».
- 🌐 Go to the settings of the Chrome search engines.
- ➕ Add a new system with the address yandex.ru.
- ✅ Set the default status for the new item.
- 🔍 Test the search through the address bar (omnibox).
Now, when you enter a request in the address bar, Chrome will use the Yandex engine. that even then the address bar itself can offer hints from Google, but the direct search for results will go through Yandex. This is the closest setting that allows you to make a “box” Chrome without installing third-party plugins.
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For deeper integration in Chrome, you can install the Yandex extension from the desktop version of the browser if you use synchronization, but on the mobile version of Android, the functionality of extensions is limited.
Use of Yandex.Browser as the main
The most effective way to make Yandex the default search is to use Yandex.Browser as the main application for the Internet, in which case all queries from the address bar, voice input and even widgets will work natively, without crutches and manual URL settings.
To Android on Xiaomi opened links from other applications (for example, from Telegram or WhatsApp) in Yandex.Browser, you need to change the default application settings. Go to the phone settings, select Apps → All Apps.
Inside the app menu, find Default or Default Launch. Click on it and select Open Supported Links or Always Open. You can also go to the phone's general settings: Settings → Apps → Application Management → Three dots in the corner → Default Apps → Browser and select Yandex.
| Setup parameter | Wherever | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| The main browser | Settings → Applications → By default | Select Yandex.Browser |
| Search engine | Browser menu → Settings → Search | Choose Yandex |
| Voice assistant | Settings → Advanced → Voice input | Choose Alice. |
This approach ensures maximum consistency. Desktop widgets that are default-bound to the main browser will also start using Yandex’s engine, and you’ll get access to turbo mode to save traffic and a built-in page translator.
Customization of widgets and voice assistant Alice
Simply changing your browser is not enough for a full experience. Xiaomi users appreciate the ability to quickly access information. The search widget from Yandex on the home screen is a key interface element that replaces the standard Google bar.
To install the widget, press your finger in the free desktop space. In the bottom menu, select "Widgets." Find the "Yandex" list. There can be several options: just a logo, a search bar, a news widget or a widget with Alice. Choose the one you like and drag it to the screen. The widget with Alice is especially useful, because it allows you to activate voice search with the phrase "Listen, Yandex" or by clicking on the microphone button.
To make Alice work as a system assistant (instead of Google Assistant), go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Languages and Input. Find Voice or Button Assistant, where you can call Alice with a long press of the Home button (if she is touch-sensitive) or a power button if the Redmi model allows for button reassignment.
⚠️ Note: On some global firmware MIUI Reassignment of the power button is limited. If the system does not allow you to choose an application for a long press, use third-party utilities like Button Mapper, but this requires additional availability permissions.
Also, be sure to set up Yandex’s News widget, which broadcasts personalized Zen feed, weather and currency rates, making your Redmi desktop as informative as possible without having to open individual apps.
What if the widget doesn’t display the weather?
Frequent problems and their solution
Users may face a number of common problems during the setup process, such as resetting the settings after a MIUI update, and Google will become the search engine again, a standard Android security behavior that seeks to bring back native services.
Another common problem is widget conflict: if you have multiple Yandex applications installed (browser, Alice app, launcher), widgets may duplicate or display information incorrectly, in which case it is recommended to leave only one main application, such as Yandex.Browser or Yandex combine, and remove unnecessary components.
If the search doesn’t switch to Chrome or Mi Browser, check if antivirus or built-in MIUI protection blocks the change of host system files. Sometimes cleaning the browser cache helps: Settings → Apps → Chrome → Memory → Clear cache. After that, the searcher selection procedure should be repeated again.
- 🔄 Resetting settings after firmware updates - normal, repeat installation.
- 🧹 Widget conflict is solved by removing duplicate applications.
- 🛡️ Antivirus can block search engine change, check quarantine.
- 📶 No Internet in the widget requires verification of access permissions.
It is important to understand that a complete replacement of Google at the system level (even in the phone settings search led to Yandex) is possible only on rooted devices or using special scripts, which is not recommended for ordinary users due to the risk of loss of warranty and unstable work of Redmi.
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The stability of the search engine depends on the firmware version. MIUI/HyperOS. On new versions of Android (13/14) Restrictions on System Services Changes Increase.