Why do users want to change their browser to Xiaomi Redmi?
The standard MIUI Browser browser on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is often a source of frustration, ranging from intrusive advertising and limited features to bookmark synchronization issues. Many Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or POCO X5 owners prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge — they offer better performance, enhanced privacy settings and cross-platform synchronization.
However, simply installing a new browser from Google Play is not enough: MIUI by default blocks the browser change by default through standard Android settings. This is due to Xiaomi’s policy, which integrates the browser into system processes. In this article, we will discuss all working methods from basic to advanced, including bypassing restrictions without obtaining root rights.
It's important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the MIUI version (e.g. MIUI 14 vs MIUI 12.5) and the smartphone model. The Global ROM algorithm is simpler on Redmi than the China ROM, where additional manipulations may be required. We've taken all the nuances into account and prepared universal instructions.
Method 1: Install an alternative browser and manually change by default
The easiest method is to download another browser and manually assign it to the primary one, which works on most Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11, Redmi 9A), but with the caveat: MIUI Browser will remain in the system, and some links (e.g., from MIUI Launcher) will still open in it.
Steps:
- Open the Google Play Store and install your browser (e.g. Chrome or Firefox).
- Launch a new browser and go through the initial setting (account sync, bookmark import).
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Slip on the Browser item and select the installed browser from the list.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13 and below) the default paragraph of the Application may not be available. In this case, use Method 2 or Method 3.
Download an alternative browser from Google Play|Create a backup copy of the bookmarks in MIUI Browser|Disable notifications from MIUI Browser|Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.-->
Method 2: Disable MIUI Browser through application settings
If changing the default browser doesn't work, you can turn off the standard browser, which won't remove it completely (since it's system-based), but it will make it unavailable for random opening. It works on Redmi with MIUI 12 and later.
Instructions:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 In the search bar, enter Browser (or Browser in Russian).
- 🛑 Choose. MIUI Browser from the results and click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
- ⚠️ Confirm the action in the dialog window.
Once disabled, all links will automatically open in the browser you have assigned by default.
⚠️ Attention: Disconnection MIUI Browser can cause some system functions to crash, such as Quick Ball or Second Space. If you notice a problem, return the browser to its original state.
What to do if the “Disable” button is inactive?
Method 3: Change browsers via ADB (for advanced users)
If standard methods don’t work, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, is suitable for all Redmi models, including the Redmi K50 and Redmi A2, but requires a connection to a computer.
What you need:
- 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (download from Android).
- 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Settings, then enable debugging).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
Step-by-step:
- Connect Redmi to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on your smartphone screen.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear serial number of your device.
- Run the default browser reset command: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser
- Set the new browser by default through settings (see Method 1).
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not execute commands unless you are sure of their purpose, for example, the command adb shell pm uninstall. --user 0 com.android.browser will delete MIUI Browser for the current user, but it may disrupt some features MIUI.
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If the default browser hasn't changed after using ADB, restart your smartphone. Sometimes the changes only apply after the reboot.
Method 4: Using third-party launchers
The MIUI Launcher system launcher often ignores the default browser settings and opens links to MIUI Browser.
- 🌟 Nova Launcher – flexible settings, gesture support.
- 🎨 Lawnchair – open source, minimalist design.
- ⚡ Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows and Office.
How it works:
- Install a launcher from Google Play.
- Assign it to the default launcher (at the first start, the system will prompt you to do this).
- In the launcher settings, find the Open Links section or the default browser and select the desired browser.
Advantages of the method:
| Launcher | Support for changing browsers | Additional benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | ✅ Complete. | Customized gestures, hiding applications |
| Lawnchair | ✅ Complete. | Lightweight, no advertising, open source |
| Microsoft Launcher | ⚠️ Partial (depending on version) | Integration with PC, Office widgets |
| Action Launcher | ✅ Complete. | Adaptive icons, fast panels |
⚠️ Attention: Some functions MIUI (For example, App Vault or Quick Cards may not work with third-party launchers. Before installing, check compatibility on forums, for example, Xiaomi.eu.
Method 5: Remove MIUI Browser via TWRP (power users only)
The most radical method is the complete removal of MIUI Browser through custom recovery TWRP. This is only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP. The method is risky: if you make a mistake, you can get a bootloop ( looped boot).
What do you need?
- 🔓 Unlocked loader (official instruction).
- 🛠️ Established TWRP (The version should support your Redmi model).
- 📄 Backup copy of data (required!).
Instructions:
- Boot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up when turned on).
- Go to Advanced → File Manager.
- Find /system/priv-app/Browser (or /system/app/Browser on some firmware).
- Remove the Browser folder or rename it to Browser_bak.
- Reset the device.
After removing MIUI Browser, all links will open in the browser you assign by default, but some system features (such as web browsing in the settings) may stop working.
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Removing system applications via TWRP is irreversible and can lead to unstable MIUI. Use this method only if other methods have not worked and you are prepared for the possible consequences.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you change your browser to Xiaomi Redmi, users experience common mistakes, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Links from apps (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) open in MIUI Browser, despite changing the browser by default.
Solution: Open the settings of the application from which the link opens (e.g. Settings → Apps → Telegram → Opening by default), and manually assign the browser.
Problem 2: After MIUI Browser shutdown, Quick Ball or Second Space stopped working.
Solution: Return the browser to its original state (Settings → Applications → MIUI Browser → Enable) and use Method 3 (ADB) or Method 4 (third-party launcher).
Problem 3: Redmi with China ROM does not have Google Play, and it is impossible to install an alternative browser.
Solution: Install Google Services Framework manually (instructions are available on Xiaomi.eu) or download the browser’s APK from a trusted source (e.g., APKMirror).