How to change the default browser to Xiaomi with MIUI 12: all ways

Xiaomi smartphones based on the MIUI 12 shell use the Mi Browser browser by default, which does not always suit users. Some prefer Google Chrome for syncing with the account, some prefer Firefox for advanced privacy settings, and some choose Yandex Browser for built-in services. However, changing the default browser in MIUI 12 is not always intuitive: the system can hide options or offer them in non-obvious sections.

In this article, we will discuss all working ways to change the default browser to Xiaomi with MIUI 12, including bypassing possible restrictions. You will learn how to set up link opening in your chosen browser, why the system can ignore your settings, and what to do if the desired browser does not appear in the list of available. MIUI, which affect the behavior of links and may interfere with the correct operation of third-party browsers.

Why does MIUI 12 not make it easy to change the default browser?

The MIUI 12 shell is known for its aggressive integration of branded services, and the Mi Browser browser is no exception. Even if you installed an alternative browser (such as Chrome or Edge), the system can:

• 🔄 Automatically open links in Mi Browser, ignoring your settings.
• 📱 Hide the option to change the browser in the menu "Default Apps".
• 🔧 Block link opening from certain apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) in third-party browsers.
• 📦 Remove the cache of settings after updates, resetting the browser by default to the standard.

This is due to Xiaomi’s policy of keeping users in its ecosystem, but it is possible to circumvent these restrictions – we will show you how to do this in legal ways without root rights or complex manipulation.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (especially in Chinese versions of firmware), the default browser change option can be completely blocked, in which case only installing global firmware or using it will help. ADB-Teams (we will discuss this in a separate section).

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI 12 settings, which are suitable for most global firmware versions.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Scroll down to the Browser section and tap it.
4. In the list of available browsers, select the desired one (for example, Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not listed, make sure that:

• 📲 The application is installed and updated to the latest version.
• 🔄 You rebooted your smartphone after installing your browser.
• 📥 The browser has permission to open links (check in the application settings).

If the browser option is not in the Default Apps menu, it means that your version of MIUI 12 limits the change of settings.

Method 2: Configure link opening through the application menu

Sometimes MIUI 12 allows you to change the default browser not through system settings, but directly in the menu of the installed browser, which works for Google Chrome, Firefox, Yandex Browser and other popular browsers.

Instructions:

1. Open an alternative browser (such as Chrome).
2. Go to its settings (usually through three dots in the upper right corner).
3. Find the default browser section or Open supported links.
4. Click Make the default browser or Open links in this app.
5. Confirm your choice in the system window.

If this option is missing, then the browser does not support this function or MIUI 12 blocks it.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If standard methods don’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires connecting a smartphone to a computer, but is guaranteed to work on any version of MIUI 12.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-plug-in.

Instructions:

1. Connect the smartphone to the PC and allow debugging over USB.


2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.




3. Enter a command to check the connection:




adb devices




(The serial number of your device should be displayed).




4. execute the command to change the default browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package):




adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome




5. Reboot the smartphone.

List of packages of popular browsers:

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can cause system failures if you enter the wrong command.We recommend that you pre-backup the data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 4: Bypassing restrictions through Open with the help of

If MIUI 12 stubbornly ignores your settings and keeps opening links in Mi Browser, you can use a bypass maneuver through the context menu. This method does not change the default browser globally, but allows you to quickly open links in the desired browser.

How it works:

1. Long click on the link in any application (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp).
2. In the menu that appears, select Open with help.
3. Please specify the browser you want and always tick (if available).

The disadvantage of this method is that you have to repeat the action for each type of links (for example, separately for the use of the link). http:// and https://). But it’s better than nothing if other methods don’t work.

💡

To speed up the process, add the widget of the desired browser to the main screen, then the links can be drag and drop directly into the widget, bypassing the system menu.

Problems and Solutions: Why is the browser not changing?

Even after all the instructions have been followed, MIUI 12 can continue to open links to Mi Browser, and consider the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:

If neither method worked, consider alternative firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that doesn’t have such limitations, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and can take away your warranty.

How to check if the browser has changed successfully?

After changing the default browser, it is important to make sure that the system is actually applying the new settings.

1. Open any app with links (such as Twitter or Reddit).
2. Slip on any link – it should open in the browser of your choice.
3. Check the behavior of links from SMS, email and instant messengers.
4. Reboot your smartphone and repeat the check (sometimes the settings are reset after the reboot).

If links still open in Mi Browser, go back to the Problems and Solutions section or try a combination of methods (e.g. first set up your browser through ADB and then confirm the choice in its settings).

💡

The most reliable method is a combination ADB-commands and manually configure the browser menu. MIUI It will not reset your preferences after the update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi