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

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

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphones run on the proprietary shell MIUI, which is known for its aggressive promotion of standard applications. Even if you installed Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera, the system stubbornly opens links in the native browser Mi Browser — sometimes even after an explicit choice of alternatives. It’s all about the features of Android on Xiaomi: the manufacturer blocks some default settings so that users use “branded” services.

But the good news is that you can get around these limitations. In this article, we’ve shown three proven ways to change your default browser to Redmi Note 9 (including the Pro/Pro Max models) that run on MIUI 12, 13 and 14. We’ll also break down common bugs (like when settings are reset after a reboot) and give you tips on how to optimize your new browser.

Before you start, make sure that:

• 📱 The phone has an alternative browser (for example, from Google Play).
• 🔄 Version. MIUI Updated to the last stable (check in Settings) → The phone. → Update MIUI).
• 🔒 You have administrator rights (not necessarily, but will help in difficult cases).

Method 1: Standard Method through Android Settings

The most obvious way is to use Android’s built-in settings, but it often works with reservations on Xiaomi.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
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, select the desired application (e.g. Chrome).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI The default application item may not be on the menu. If it's not, go to Method 2.

After selecting a browser, check its work:

• 🔗 Open any link from the messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp).
• 📋 Try to enter URL Google-search.
• 📧 Click on the link in the letter (Gmail or Mi Mail).

Links from Telegram open in a new browser|Google Search Redirects to Selected App|Gmail links are not opened in Mi Browser|Settings are saved after restarting-->

If after the phone restart, the settings reset - this is a typical feature of MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi forcibly resets some default settings when you update or restart. To secure your browser choice, immediately open Settings when you change it. → Accounts and synchronization → Mi Account and turn off the sync of application settings for 10 minutes.

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

If you don't have the default App in your settings, or if the browser resets itself, try resetting the cache and settings of all applications. This won't delete your data, but will return the systems to the factory state of the application selection.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots at the top → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).
4. After reset, repeat Method 1 – the Browser item should appear.

⚠️ Note: This method will also reset:

• 🔕 Application permissions (you will need to reconfirm access to the camera, microphone, etc.).
• 📱 Notification settings (you will have to reconfigure for each application).
• 🔄 Background processes (some applications may stop updating automatically).

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Before reset, take screenshots of critical application permissions (such as banking or instant messengers) in Settings → Apps → [name] → Permissions. This will save you time to reconfigure.

If that didn't work, the problem might be the system limitations of MIUI, and then the third way would help.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

For advanced users who are ready to connect the phone to a computer, the method works 100%, but requires debugging over USB and installing ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Utility. ADB Tools by Google.
• 📱 The phone's on debugging. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the Redmi Note 9 to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on your phone.
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 device.
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 Packages of popular browsers: 🌐 Google Chrome: com.android.chrome 🦊 Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox 🎭 Opera: com.opera.browser 🦁 Brave: com.brave.browser

Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB Some system applications (such as Mi Browser) may start to give out errors. To avoid this, do not delete the standard browser - just turn off its notifications in Settings. → Annexes → Mi Browser → Notifications.

Table: Comparison of methods of changing the browser on Redmi Note 9

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, Redmi Note 9 users are plagued with bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Links from some apps (like Instagram or VK) still open in Mi Browser.

• 🔧 Solution: In the settings of the problem application (Settings) → Annexes → [name] → Open by default) reset your link opening settings.
• 🔄 If it doesn’t help, remove and install the app again.

Problem 2: After updating MIUI, the browser is reset to standard.

• 🛠 Solution: Before updating, execute the command ADB (See Method 3. This will "fix" the browser choice.
• 📵 Alternative: Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI → Three points. → Settings → Auto-update.

Problem 3: The default browser list doesn’t have the right app (like Firefox Focus).

• 🔍 Solution: Check if the browser supports link processing. Some lightweight versions (e.g. Chrome Lite) cannot be the default browser.
• 📥 Install the full version of the browser from an official source (not from the official source). APK-fail!).

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If none of the methods worked, the problem may be customized firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU or Global ROM with modifications), in which case only the firmware reflashing to the official version of MIUI will help.

How to optimize the new browser on Redmi Note 9

Changing the default browser is only half the battle, so that the new browser is fast and does not “slow down” the system, follow these steps:

1. Disable unnecessary Mi Browser processes: 🚫 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Mi Browser → Battery → Background activity and select Limit. 🔔 Turn off browser notifications in the same menu.

Set up the cache and data:

• 🗑 In the new browser, open the settings and set the cache limit (e.g. 500MB for Chrome).
• Use Light Mode: In Chrome: Settings → Light Mode (reduces traffic consumption). In Opera: turn Opera Turbo on in the settings.