How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: the full guide

Smartphones Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T run on the proprietary shell MIUI, which default uses the browser Mi Browser. However, many users prefer alternative solutions — Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera. Changing the default browser on Redmi Note 8T does not require root rights or complex manipulation, but has its own nuances due to the features of MIUI.

In this article, you'll find step-by-step instructions for all firmware versions, including MIUI 12/13/14, and solutions to typical problems — when the browser you want isn't displayed on the list or changes aren't saved — and we'll take a look at both the standard way through settings and workarounds for stubborn cases.

Why you should change the default browser to Redmi Note 8T

The built-in Mi Browser is optimized for the Xiaomi ecosystem, but it doesn’t always suit users. Here are the key reasons to install a different browser:

• 🔒 Privacy: Mi Browser collects data about the sites visited (even in “incognito mode”), while Firefox Focus or Brave offer enhanced protection.
• ⚡ Speed of work: Independent tests, Chrome and Opera on the Internet 15-20% JavaScript is faster to process on Redmi Note 8T with its Snapdragon processor 665.
• 🌐 Sync: If you use a Google or Microsoft account, Chrome or Edge automatically syncs your bookmarks, passwords, and history.
• 🛠️ Extensions: Only Chrome and Firefox support full add-ons (e.g., uBlock Origin ad blockers).

In addition, some sites (such as banking or government portals) may not display correctly in Mi Browser due to the outdated WebView engine. Alternative browsers use current versions of Chromium, which solves the compatibility problem.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you change your browser by default, follow a few mandatory steps:

1. Install an alternative browser from Google Play. Popular options: 🌍 Google Chrome is the most universal choice. 🦊 Mozilla Firefox is for privacy lovers. 🎭 Opera - with built-in VPN and ad blocker.

Update your browser

Close all applications

Facebook

Twitter

On the Redmi Note. 8T firmware-old MIUI 12.5 may require pre-cleaning the cache of system applications. → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (menu) → Show system-based → Mi Browser and press "Clear the cache".

Install an alternative browser from Google Play|

Update your browser to the latest version|

Close all applications using web browsing |

Clear the Mi Browser cache (for MIUI 12.5 and older)-->

Standard method: change the browser through the MIUI settings

The most reliable method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. The instructions are relevant for all firmware versions on the Redmi Note 8T:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list that appears, select the browser you want (e.g. Chrome or Firefox).
6. Confirm the choice by pressing OK or Install.

If your browser is not listed, despite the fact that it is installed:

• 🔄 Restart your smartphone – sometimes the system doesn’t immediately recognize new apps.
• 📥 Reinstall the browser (remove and install again).
• 🛠️ Update Google Play Services to Play Market.

Alternative methods: if the standard method does not work

On some Xiaomi firmware (especially custom or Chinese), the default browser change can be blocked, in which case one of the workarounds will help:

Method 1: Through the settings of a particular browser

Many browsers (such as Chrome or Opera) offer to set yourself by default when you first start:

1. Open the installed browser.
2. In the window that appears with the sentence, click Set by default.
3. The system will redirect you to the MIUI settings - confirm the choice.

Method 2: Resetting application settings

If the browser does not appear in the list, try resetting the settings of all applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.
4. Repeat the attempt to change the browser through the default Apps.

⚠️ Note: Resetting app settings will remove all permissions, autocomplete data, and default settings for all programs, not just the browser.

Method 3: Use of ADB (for power users)

If none of these methods worked, you can use the ADB command:

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

Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package (e.g. Firefox – org.mozilla.firefox) This method requires the developer mode on and PC connection.

Table: Browser comparison for Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T

To choose the best browser, compare their key characteristics:

Battery consumption data is obtained on the Redmi Note 8T with MIUI 13.0.4 firmware and a screen brightness of 50%. Real values may vary depending on the number of tabs open and synchronization activity.

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If you use incognito mode frequently, pay attention to Firefox Focus – it automatically deletes history and cookies after closing, and also blocks trackers by default.

Typical problems and their solutions

When you change your browser to Redmi Note 8T, you'll encounter a few common errors, and here's how to fix them:

Problem 1: The browser is not saved by default

If after the smartphone reboot, the browser is reset to Mi Browser again:

• 🔧 Open your browser settings (e.g. Chrome) → Application settings → Open by default → Open supported links → Choose Open in this application.
• 📵 Check if there are restrictions on the application in Settings → Battery and productivity → Restrictions on applications.

Problem 2: Links open in Mi Browser despite settings

This is because some apps (like Facebook or Twitter) have their own settings for link processing:

1. Open the application where the problem occurs.
2. Go to its settings (usually through the menu or profile).
3. Find the "Browser" or "Open links" section and select the desired option.

Problem 3: After the MIUI update, reset your browser

MIUI sometimes resets default settings after major updates.

• 📥 Before updating, back up the settings through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 🔄 After the update, do not click Clear Everything in the app settings.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI 14 and later Xiaomi can block the default browser change for "system" links (for example, from push notifications.

How to return Mi Browser to default

If you decide to go back to the standard browser, do the following:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Apps.
2. Select Browser.
3. On the list, tap on the Mi Browser.
4. Confirm your choice.

If Mi Browser has been disabled or removed (which is unlikely, since it is a system application), restore it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Press three points. → Show system-based.
3. Find Mi Browser and click Enable (if it is disabled).

On China ROM, the Mi Browser can be tightly integrated into the system, in which case it will require a factory reset or a global version of MIUI to be re-flashed.

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On the Redmi Note 8T with MIUI 12.5+ firmware, you can’t completely remove the Mi Browser, but you can turn off its updates through Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Three Dots → Remove Updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi