How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note: all ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones use the Mi Browser or Google Chrome browser by default, depending on the firmware region. However, many users prefer alternative solutions — Firefox, Opera, Yandex Browser or Brave — for additional features, better performance or privacy. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the default browser to Redmi Note (including the Note 10/11/12/13) models, taking into account the features of the MIUI 12-14 shell and Android versions 11-14.

The process differs from standard Android due to the customization of the interface in MIUI. For example, in some versions of the firmware, the option is hidden in the depth of the menu, and in others it requires the pre-installing of an alternative browser. We will also consider typical errors (for example, when the system does not save changes) and how to fix them without resetting the settings.

Why you can't just remove the Mi Browser

Many users try to get rid of the standard browser through Settings → Applications, but face limitations, the fact that Mi Browser in MIUI is integrated at the system level and performs additional functions:

• 🔗 Opens web links from system notifications (for example, when updating software).
• 📄 Used to preview.html and.pdf files in Explorer.
• 🔄 Linked to Xiaomi Cloud services (bookmark synchronization, history).

Deleting the ADB or disabling privileges can cause MIUI to crash, such as stopping links from Messages or Weather, so the right approach is not to delete, but to assign a different browser by default.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you change your browser by default, follow a few steps to avoid problems:

1. Install an alternative browser from Google Play (e.g. Chrome, Firefox or Brave) without which the system will not offer a choice.
2. Update MIUI to the latest version: go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Older versions (e.g. MIUI 11) may not have an option.
3. Clear the current browser cache: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear the cache.

If you’re using a Redmi Note with Global ROM, the process will be easier than the Chinese one (China ROM), where some settings are hidden. Also note that devices with Android 10 and below may require manual adjustment via ADB (discussed below).

Install an alternative browser from Google Play|

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Clear the cache of the current browser |

Check the firmware region (Global/China ROM)

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Method 1: Standard change through MIUI settings

This is the simplest method, running on most Redmi Notes with MIUI 12–14 and Android 11–14.

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, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not listed, it doesn't support web link processing. Try reinstalling it or choosing another. On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13), the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Applications → Application settings (cog icon) → Default Applications → Browser

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If you change your browser, you still open your links in Mi Browser, reboot your phone. This will reset the system cache.

Method 2: Change by Opening a Link (Alternative Method)

If the standard path doesn’t work (like the Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 11), try this workaround:

1. Open any application that has a web link (such as Messages or Telegram).
2. Click on any link (e.g. https://example.com).
3. In the window that appears, select Always and specify the desired browser.
4. Confirm your choice by pressing OK.

This works because Android only asks permission to open a link when the first click is clicked, and if the window doesn't appear, the current browser is already assigned by default, in which case, reset the settings first:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Open by default → Reset Settings

Method 3: Using ADB for forced change (for experienced)

If previous methods didn’t work (relevant to Redmi Note 9 and older with MIUI 12 on Android 10), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) which requires a connection to a computer.

Warning: Incorrect ADB commands can disrupt the system. Use only if you are confident in your actions.

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command:

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser


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. org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox). To find out the package, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep browser

Table: Methods compatible with Redmi Note models

Not all methods work on all devices, and the following is a compatibility table for popular models:

On the Redmi Note 8 and Note 9 with MIUI 11-12, the standard method often doesn’t work due to firmware limitations, in which case use ADB or upgrade.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after changing the default browser, users are faced with bugs.

⚠️ Note: If the settings are reset after rebooting, this means that MIUI Forced to return Mi Browser as a system application, the solution is to disable automatic update Mi Browser through Settings. → Annexes → Mi Browser → Auto-update.

• 🔄 Links open in old browser: Clear cache and Mi Browser data in app settings.
• 🚫 No Default Apps option: Update MIUI or use ADB.
• 🔒 You can’t select a browser: Make sure the alternative browser supports link processing (check permissions in Settings). → Annexes → Your browser. → Permits).

If the problem persists, try resetting the app settings:

Settings → System → Resetting settings → Resetting application settings

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On the Redmi Note with MIUI 12+, the standard method works 90% of the time. Older versions (MIUI 11 and below) require ADB or workarounds.

FAQ: Frequent questions