How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: the full guide

The modern smartphone user is rarely satisfied with the standard solutions offered by the manufacturer immediately after buying the device. The owner of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 often faces the desire to replace the preinstalled Mi Browser with a more familiar or functional counterpart, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera. This is a natural desire, because third-party browsers often offer better synchronization with desktop versions, built-in ad blockers or just a more user-friendly interface.

The process of changing the main application to open web pages in the MIUI shell can seem confusing due to the deep nesting of the menu and aggressive optimization of the system. However, if you understand the logic of how Android works on Xiaomi devices, you will understand that all settings are in the accessible sections. The main thing is to carefully follow the steps so that the system remembers your choice and stops imposing the standard application with each click on the link in the messengers.

In this article, we will detail the algorithm that will allow you to assign any browser you install to priority, and we will also discuss the nuances of MIUI that can prevent new applications from working correctly, and offer solutions for typical problems, and you will learn not only to change the settings, but also to control the behavior of your operating system.

Preparation for the installation of an alternative browser

Before you start changing your system settings, make sure that the alternative software is already installed on your Redmi Note 5. Android will not allow you to choose an application that is physically absent from the device’s memory. So the first step is always to download the desired browser from the official Google Play store or a reliable source.

Many users make the mistake of trying to change the settings before installing new software, and then wonder why only Mi Browser is displayed in the list of available options. Make sure that after installation, you run a new application at least once so that it passes the initial initialization and registers with the system as ready to go.

It’s also worth noting that some versions of the MIUI shell may require additional permissions to properly display links from other apps. For example, if you plan to use Firefox or Brave, the system needs time to index their capabilities.

Search for the application settings section in MIUI

Xiaomi’s interface is different from stock Android, and finding the right menu can take a beginner’s time.You’ll need to log into the main smartphone settings menu, which is usually presented as a list with a gear icon. This is where all the hardware and software of your Redmi Note 5 is concentrated.

Within the settings menu, we are interested in a section that may be called Apps or Apps and Notifications. Depending on the version of MIUI (whether it’s 9, 10 or more new), the name may vary slightly, but the essence remains the same. If you don’t see the right item right away, search by settings by typing the word “applications”.

⚠️ Note: In some regions of Xiaomi firmware settings may be hidden in the submenu "Additional". If you do not find the right item in the main list, check the tab with additional system parameters.

When you go to the application management section, you'll see a list of all the programs you've installed, but what you need is not just a lista, but behavior management, so look for a button or tab called "Application Management" or "Application Settings," and that's where the key settings for changing the default browser are hidden.

The default browser assignment algorithm

The most important step is to change priorities directly. In the application management menu, look for the "Default Apps" item, which is responsible for which software will run automatically when you perform certain actions, such as dialing a number, sending an SMS or opening web links.

In the list that opens, you will see the Browser or Web Browser option, and clicking on it will give you a choice of all compatible apps installed on the Redmi Note 5. If you did everything right in the preparation phase, the list will include both the standard Mi Browser and your new choice, for example, Chrome or Yandex.

Select the app from the list, and then the system can issue a warning that the app will be able to open links and access some data, which is the standard Android security procedure that confirms your actions, confirm the choice, and from now on all links will open in the selected program.

Resetting the default settings for Mi Browser

Sometimes the default settings menu browser is inactive or hidden, which happens when the system has fixed a standard application hard, and you have to manually reset the settings for the Mi Browser to unlock the choice.

To do this, go back to the list of all apps and look for the browser (meaning standard) and go inside the app card. There you will find the button "Start by default" or "Open by default." If it is "Allowed" or "On", click "Reset by default".

After resetting the standard application, the next time you click on any link in the messenger or notes, MIUI will force you to ask what to open the address. In this window, select a new browser and click Always to pin the result. This is a guaranteed way to get around system restrictions.

Permit setting and work optimization

Just changing your browser isn't enough to make you feel comfortable. MIUI is known for its aggressive power-saving system, which can kill the background processes of new applications. To make your new browser work correctly and notifications arrive on time, you need to configure its permissions.

Go to the battery settings and find the "Security" or "Battery and Performance" section. In the application list, find your new browser and set "No Limits" mode, which will prevent the system from forcing the process to stop, which is especially important for downloading files in the background.

Also check access rights. In the application card, make sure that the new browser is allowed to display content on top of other windows (if required for video mode) and access to storage for downloading files. Without these permissions, functionality can be stripped.

Possible problems and methods of solving them

Even following the instructions, users may encounter unforeseen difficulties. For example, after changing the settings, links still open in the old browser. In this case, try clearing the cache of the Settings app of the smartphone itself. Go to Apps → All Apps → Find Settings → Memory → Clear Cache. This will not delete your data, but will reset temporary interface errors.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse cache cleaning with data cleaning.Settings app data clearing can reset your interface personalizations, wallpaper and desktop widget layout.

Another common problem is that the new browser icon doesn't appear on the desktop after installation. That doesn't mean it's not installed. Check the All Apps menu (swipe up from the home screen). If the icon isn't, it may be hidden in the Tools or Google folder that Xiaomi typically creates.

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If none of these methods worked, try temporarily removing updates to the standard Mi Browser or disabling it from the app menu, which will force the system to look for an alternative to open web content.

In rare cases, the problem lies in a specific Android Manifest file of a third-party application that is not properly declared to be available. If the browser does not appear in the list of choices, try reinstalling it or using its lightweight version (Lite), which is often better optimized for older models like the Redmi Note 5.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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The main secret of success at Xiaomi is not only to choose a new browser in the menu, but also to remove the power saving restrictions for it, otherwise the system will constantly close it.