How to change the browser on the smartphone Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones use the Mi Browser browser, an application with integrated services, advertising and limited privacy settings, by default. Many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Brave for their speed, synchronization with other devices or lack of intrusive advertising. However, changing the browser to Xiaomi is not always obvious: the manufacturer hides some settings, and in the latest versions of MIUI 14, the algorithms for working with web applications have changed.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the current ways to replace your browser, from basic alternative app installation to circumventing system limitations. You’ll learn how to make a new browser the default link app, why some methods stopped working after updates, and how to avoid typical bugs. Instructions will work for most models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra flagships.

Why is Mi Browser not a good fit for users?

Xiaomi’s branded browser has been criticized for several key flaws that force the search for alternatives:

• 📢 Intrusive Advertising: Even in privacy settings, you can’t completely disable banners and pop-ups.
• 🔒 Data collection: by default, the browser transmits information about visited sites to Xiaomi servers (you can manually disable it).
• ⚡ Speedometer 2.0 tests show Mi Browser losing to Chrome and Firefox by 20–30%.
• 🔄 No sync: There is no built-in bookmarking and history between devices (unlike Google or Firefox Sync).

In recent versions of MIUI, the browser has aggressively opened links from other apps (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) without the user’s choice, which is due to Xiaomi’s policy of promoting its own services, but the problem can be solved.

Method 1: Install an alternative browser from Google Play

The easiest way is to download another browser from the official store, but there are nuances:

1. Open the Google Play Market and find the browser you want (e.g. Chrome, Firefox or Edge).
2. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
3. Launch the app and follow the setup instructions (for example, log in to Google account for sync).

But that's not enough: even after you install the Mi Browser, it's still the default app.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser section and select the installed application (e.g. Chrome).

💡

If the list does not have the right browser, first open it manually and confirm the link processing at the first run.

Important: Some models (e.g. Redmi 10C with MIUI 13) may not have the "Default Apps" option.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the browser does not change)

Sometimes MIUI forgets or blocks changes because of cache, to reset the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action (this won’t delete the data, but will reset the default settings for all applications).
4. Repeat the steps from Method 1 to select the browser again.

This method helps if:

• 🔄 After choosing a new browser, links still open in Mi Browser.
• 🚫 There is no "Default Apps" clause in the settings".
• ⚠️ Error: "Can't install the application by default".

Close all browsers and tabs

Keep open pages in bookmarks

Make sure that the new browser is installed

Connect to stable Wi-Fi (in case of reboot)-->

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If the standard methods don’t work (relevant to MIUI 14 on Xiaomi 13/14 or POCO F5), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a computer debugging tool, which requires you to turn on Developer Mode:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified "You're a Developer"). Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging.
2. Connect your phone to your PC: Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive. Connect your smartphone via USB (select File Transfer Mode). In the folder with ADB, hold Shift + right mouse button → Open the command window.

Follow the commands

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear)

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

(Resets Mi Browser settings)

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

(Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package, such as org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox).

Warning: improper use of ADB may disrupt the system. If after commands the browser stopped opening, follow:

adb shell cmd package reset com.android.browser

Method 4: Remove Mi Browser through uninstaller (root rights)

For advanced users who are ready to get root access, there is a radical method - the complete removal of the Mi Browser, which will free up to 150-200 MB of memory and eliminate forced link openings.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may lead to unstable operation MIUI, Update errors or inability to use certain features (e.g. Quick Apps) are recommended to back up via TWRP beforehand.

Instructions:

1. Get root rights with Magisk (see instructions for your model on XDA Developers).
2. Install the System App Remover (requires root).
3. Find com.android.browser (Mi Browser) and com.miui.browser.global (global version).
4. Remove and confirm the action.
5. Reset the device.

After removal:

• 📱 All links will open in the browser selected by default.
• 🔄 Some system updates can restore the Mi Browser.
• ⚠️ The Light Mode function will stop working.

💡

Removing the Mi Browser does not disable data collection by other Xiaomi apps (such as Mi Security).

Method 5: Bypassing Restrictions through the Security Center (for MIUI 14)

In the latest versions of MIUI 14, Xiaomi has added browser change protection through the Security Center to get around this:

1. Open the Settings. → Security Centre.
2. Go to Auto Launch Control.
3. Find Mi Browser and disable all permissions: 🚫 Auto-start 🚫 Showing pop-ups 🚫 Background work

Settings → Applications → Application Management

Select the browser as the default application (now the lock will not work).

This method doesn't remove the Mi Browser, but makes it "invisible" to the system. MIUI settings may reset.

Comparison of alternative browsers for Xiaomi

The choice of browser depends on your tasks, and the table below shows the key differences between the popular options:

For most Xiaomi users, Google Chrome (maximum compatibility) or Firefox (best balance of speed and privacy) is the best choice. Brave is for those who want to block ads at the browser level, but can slow down on devices with 4 GB of RAM or less.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you change your browser to Xiaomi, users face typical problems.

⚠️ Note: If after changing the browser links from Telegram or WhatsApp still open in Mi Browser, check the settings of these applications. → Opening links and selecting another browser.

Problem 1: The new browser does not appear in the “Default” list

Decision:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📥 Remove and install the browser again.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache of Google Play Services (Settings) → Annexes → Show it all. → Google Play Services → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the browser reset to Mi Browser

Decision:

• 🔧 Repeat the steps from Method 1 or Method 5.
• 🚫 Turn off automatic update of Mi Browser in Google Play.
• 📵 Use it. ADB to block updates (command: adb shell pm hide com.android.browser).

Problem 3: Browser slows down or crashes

Decision:

• 🧹 Clear the browser cache (Settings) → Annexes → [Browser name] → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🔋 Disable battery optimization for the browser (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Select your browser → No restrictions).
• 🔄 Try the beta version of the browser (e.g. Chrome Beta or Firefox Nightly).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions