How to change the default browser to Android Xiaomi Redmi: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones based on MIUI use the Mi Browser browser by default, an application with pre-installed bookmarks, news feeds and integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem. However, many users prefer alternatives: Google Chrome for syncing with the account, Firefox for privacy or Brave for blocking ads. The problem is that MIUI does not always obviously allow you to change the browser by default - especially after system updates.

In this article, you will find the most current ways to change your browser to Xiaomi Redmi (including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 and others) taking into account the features of MIUI 12, 13 and 14. We will analyze both the standard method through settings and workarounds for cases when the system blocks changes, and you will learn why the browser becomes Mi Browser again after resetting, and how to prevent this.

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi?

Unlike pure Android, MIUI is actively promoting its own services, including Mi Browser, in several ways:

• 🔄 Automatic Reset: After a system update or reset, the default browser can return to Mi Browser even if you have previously changed it.
• 🚫 Hidden settings: In some versions MIUI The option "Browser by default" is not in the application menu or hidden in the depth of settings.
• 📱 System App Link: Mi Browser is integrated into the home screen search bar and Quick Settings menu, making it difficult to replace it completely.
• 🔒 Restrictions for European firmware: In versions MIUI for the EU (noted) EEA) Additional restrictions may apply due to the law.

In addition, Xiaomi sometimes blocks the default browser change for system links (such as from messages or emails), leaving the Mi Browser as a backup option.This is done to "improve the user experience," but in practice causes annoyance to those who prefer other browsers.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you change your browser by default, follow a few preparatory steps to avoid typical problems:

1. Install an alternative browser from Google Play: 🌐 Google Chrome – to sync with your Google account. 🦊 Firefox – if privacy is important. 🛡️ Brave – to block ads and trackers.

Update MIUI

MIUI 12.0.x

Settings → About the phone → System update

Clear the Mi Browser cache

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear the cache

Create a backup copy of the bookmarks

Mi Browser

Xiaomi Cloud

Important: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi 9A or Redmi 8A with firmware for China) may require unlocking the bootloader to completely replace the browser. If your smartphone is purchased from an official store for Russia or Europe, this step is not necessary.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Update MIUI to the latest version

Clear the Mi Browser cache

Create a backup copy of bookmarks

Check the firmware region (EEA/Global/China)-->

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

This is the main method that works on most Xiaomi Redmi devices with MIUI 12-14. Instructions are relevant for models Redmi Note 11/12, Redmi 10/11, POCO X3/X4 and others with global or European firmware.

1. Open the "Settings" (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select the Applications by default.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).
6. Confirm the choice by clicking Set by default.

If the default App item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip on the default Apps at the bottom of the screen.
3. Then act as in the main instructions.

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10 Pro) may display a notification after selecting a browser that says, “Some system links will open in Mi Browser.” This means that Xiaomi reserves the right to use its browser for certain types of links (e.g., from system notifications).

💡

If, after changing your browser, links from messages or mail still open in Mi Browser, try clearing the Messages or Mail app data in the settings. This will reset the binding to the system browser.

Method 2: Change browser through application settings

If the standard method didn’t work (for example, on MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 12), try changing the default browser directly from the alternative browser:

1. Open the installed browser (such as Chrome).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the default browser section (in Chrome this may be called the default app).
4. Slip the button Set by default.
5. The system will redirect you to the MIUI settings where you need to confirm the selection.

On some devices (e.g. Redmi 9T with MIUI 12.5), this method works even when the standard path through settings is blocked. If the Set Default button is inactive, this means that the current browser is already the main browser or the system limits changes.

For Firefox, the path may be different:

1. Open Firefox and go to Settings → General.
2. Select Make Firefox the default browser.
3. Confirm the action in the system window.
4. Turn on USB debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate the USB debugging switch. Confirm the action by pressing OK in the warning window.

Connect your smartphone to your PC

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed)

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

(clears the settings of the standard browser)

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

(Installs Chrome by default; replace com.android.chrome with your browser package, such as org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox).

After you execute the commands, restart your smartphone. This method bypasses the limitations of MIUI, but may reset after you update the system. Also note that improper use of ADB can cause your device to malfunction.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They give you low-level access to the system. Don't use them unless you're sure you're doing something. --user 0 com.android.browser will completely remove Mi Browser, which may disrupt some system functions (e.g., search on the home screen).

How to remove Mi Browser (and should I?)

Many users want to not just change the default browser, but completely remove Mi Browser.

• ⚠️ System Features Disruption: Mi Browser is integrated into the home screen search bar, quick settings menu and some system notifications. its removal can lead to errors when opening links from these sources.
• 🔄 Automatic recovery: On some firmware MIUI Restores remote system applications after restarting or updating.
• 📦 Loss of functionality: The Mi Browser features synchronization with Xiaomi Cloud, quick access to Xiaomi services (such as Mi Account), which will not work in third-party browsers.

If you decide to remove Mi Browser, do it one way:

1. Through ADB (no root): adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser (removes the browser only for the current user).
2. With root rights: Install Root Explorer or Titanium Backup. Find the com.android.browser app and uninstall it.

Shutdown (no deletion)

• Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser.
• Click Disable (if the button is active).

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI China (CN) Removing system applications can cause a device to "brick" (unloadability). Before experimenting, check the firmware version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If there is a name at the end CN, It is better to limit the disabling of the browser.

💡

Removing Mi Browser does not guarantee that all links will open in your browser of choice.Some MIUI system components may continue to use the built-in URL processing engine, which will lead to errors.

What to do if the browser is reset after the update?

One of the most common problems with Xiaomi Redmi is the default browser reset after the MIUI update, which is because the system restores the standard settings for key applications.

• 🔄 Re-installing the default browser after each update (the easiest but inconvenient way to do so).
• 📵 Disable automatic updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system (⋮) → Settings → Auto boot. Select "Off.
• 🛠️ Use Tasker or MacroDroid to automatically change your browser: Install Tasker. Create a task that, after you reboot your device, executes the command: am start -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS Add the action "Open browser settings by default".
• 🔧 Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that does not have a binding to the Mi Browser.

On some devices (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13) helps reset application settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset application settings.
3. Confirm action. This will bring back all the applications to the factory settings, but it won't delete your data.
4. After reset, re-instal the desired browser by default.

If the problem persists, check if the device has a Security app from Xiaomi installed. Sometimes it blocks changes to system settings. Try temporarily disabling its protection:

1. Open Security (Shield icon).
2. Go to Settings (⚙️) → Auto-start.
3. Turn off auto-start for Mi Browser.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi

adb shell dumpsys package | grep "home:"

(Shows the current browser by default).

• Open any application (such as Messages).
• Slip on the link - the current browser will open by default.