How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi 9A: 3 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi 9A uses the Mi Browser browser, an application with Xiaomi services pre-installed, advertising and limited privacy settings. Many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Brave for their speed, synchronization with accounts and lack of intrusive advertising. However, changing the default browser on devices with the MIUI shell often raises questions: where to look for the right settings, why the system returns the old browser after the update, and how to finally untiere links to Mi Browser.

In this article, you will find current ways to change the default browser for Redmi 9A to MIUI 12/13/14, including bypassing typical system limitations. We will examine not only the standard way through settings, but also alternative methods for cases where Xiaomi blocks changes.

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Redmi 9A?

The MIUI shell is known for aggressively promoting branded services, and the Mi Browser is no exception, and even after manually changing the browser, the system can:

• 🔄 Automatically return Mi Browser as the main one after software update or reboot.
• 🚫 Block the selection of alternative browsers in the settings "Default Apps".
• 📱 Redirect links from other apps (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) back to Mi Browser.

The reason lies in Xiaomi’s policy of tying key features (including web link processing) to its services, but there are legal ways to get around these restrictions without rooting or complex manipulation, and the main thing is to understand that the Redmi 9A (as with other budget models in the series) has additional restrictions compared to Xiaomi’s flagships.

Method 1: Standard change through MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. It works on most firmware versions, but may require additional actions to fix changes.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Scroll 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 it is installed from Google Play (not via Google Play). APK).
• 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI Does not update the default list of applications immediately.
• 🛠️ Check if the browser has disabled permissions in Settings → Annexes → [Browser name] → Permits.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play|

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Clear the cache in Mi Browser (Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Storage)|

Restart your phone before changing your settings-->

An important nuance: Once you change your browser, open it manually and confirm the choice in the "Always Open Links in This App" pop-up window. Without this step, MIUI can ignore your settings.

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If the browser resets to Mi Browser after the reboot, try disabling its updates in Google Play. To do this, open the Mi Browser page in the Play Market, click on three dots → “Disable Auto Update”.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the standard method doesn’t work)

If MIUI blocks browser change or doesn't save changes, resetting application settings by default will help, and this method doesn't delete data, but returns all bindings to factory values.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).
4. After reset, re-execute Method 1 to select a browser.

This method is also useful if:

• 🔗 References from Telegram/VK Opening in Mi Browser despite the settings.
• 📱 Applications (e.g. YouTube) ignore the browser selected.
• 🔄 Browser default settings "fly" after update MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Resetting your application settings will also reset the permissions for all programs (e.g., camera access or geolocation.

Method 3: Using ADB to Forced Shift (Advanced Method)

If Xiaomi completely blocks the browser change through the interface, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to a computer, but it is guaranteed to work on even the most stubborn versions of MIUI.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the Redmi 9A (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Settings, then enable debugging).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your Redmi 9A.
4. Run the command to change the browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package): adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome
5. Reboot the phone.

Packages of popular browsers:

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI, If you type the wrong command, don't change the other settings through ADB For example, the adb shell cmd package clear command will delete all application data!

Solving problems: the browser resets after restarting

A frequent complaint by Redmi 9A users - MIUI returns Mi Browser as the default browser after a reboot or update.The reason is the background process com.miui.systemAdSolution, which resets settings. To fix this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser in the list and select Disable (if the button is active).
3. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account and temporarily turn off synchronization of System Settings.
4. Re-installing the browser by default (see Method 1).

If the button to turn off for Mi Browser is inactive:

• 🛠️ Remove updates to Mi Browser via Google Play (open the app page) → three-point →"Remove updates").
• 🔧 Use it. ADB Disabled: Adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser

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Disabling the sync of Mi Account is a key step to prevent automatic reset of the browser. Once you set up the browser, you can turn on sync again, but watch for MIUI updates: they can return the old settings.

How to check if your browser has changed?

To make sure that the browser change has been successful, follow the following steps:

1. Open any application with web links (such as Telegram or Twitter).
2. Slip on any link – it should open in the browser of your choice.
3. Check the default settings again: Settings → Applications → Default Apps → Browser.
4. Reboot your phone and repeat the test with links.

If links still open in Mi Browser:

• 🔍 Check if the application (for example, Telegram) has separate settings for opening links (Settings) → Open links in...).
• 📦 Remove the cache and Mi Browser data in Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Warehouse.
• 🔄 Repeat the browser change through ADB (see method 3).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you change your browser to Redmi 9A, you're going to have a problem with the most common ones.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: Some regional firmware, like China, have tougher restrictions. Try going global.
• 🔒 Root rights: If your phone is rooted, use apps like App Systemizer to remove Mi Browser.
• 🛡️ Antivirus or Optimizers: Some programs (such as Clean Master) may reset default settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions