Changing the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge many users face after buying the device. The manufacturer installs its own Mi Browser browser as standard, but not everyone likes it because of advertising, limited features or low speed. Fortunately, in the latest versions of MIUI (starting with 12.5), the replacement process is simplified, but there are nuances that depend on the phone model and firmware version.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can change your browser, from standard settings to workarounds for older versions of MIUI, and learn which alternative browsers work best on Redmi, and how to avoid common errors when you change your settings. If you’ve tried to change your browser but it didn’t work out, here’s a solution.
Before you go to the instructions, make sure that your Xiaomi Redmi has an alternative browser installed (such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Brave). Without this, you will not be able to change the default browser. Also check the version of MIUI - this depends on the available functionality.
1. Standard method: through MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in system settings. It works on most Xiaomi Redmi devices with MIUI 12.5 and later.
Open the Settings menu on the home screen. Scroll down and find the Apps section, then select Application Management. Here you need to find the Default tab (or the default apps in some versions).
In the list of available categories, tap the browser. The system will show all installed browsers - select the desired one (for example, Chrome or Firefox), after which all links will open in the selected browser.
- 📱 For MIUI 14: The path may be slightly different - look for Settings → Annexes → Application management → By default. → browser.
- 🔄 If it doesn't: So you have an outdated firmware version on your device.
- ⚙️ Additional: Here you can change the default applications for calls, SMS other activities.
After changing the browser, it is recommended to restart the phone so that the changes take effect. If after rebooting links still open in Mi Browser, check if the settings have reset (this happens when you update MIUI).
Install an alternative browser from Google Play
Check the MIUI version in your phone settings
Close all open tabs in Mi Browser
Restart the device after the changes-->
2. Alternative method: through application settings
If the standard method didn’t work, try changing the settings directly in the browser you want to make the primary one, a method that works for Google Chrome, Firefox, and other popular browsers.
Open an alternative browser (e.g. Chrome). Tap the three-point menu in the upper right corner and select Settings. Scroll down to the default browser section (some versions may call it the default app).
Click on the default browser (or similar) button, and the system will redirect you to the MIUI settings where you need to confirm your choice, and if you don't have a button, your browser is already the primary browser, or your device has restrictions.
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with a MIUI 12) this method may not work due to firmware features, in which case try to update the system or use a third method.
If you still open links in Mi Browser after these steps, check if you have Special Permissions for your standard browser installed on your phone. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Permissions and disable all unnecessary options.
3. For older versions of MIUI: workarounds
On devices with MIUI 11 and below, the default browser change is often blocked by the system, in which case one of the following methods will help:
Method 1: Use ADB (for advanced users)
Connect your phone to your computer, enable USB Debugging in the developer settings and execute the command:
adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browserThis command will reset the settings of the standard browser, after which you can choose an alternative one.
Method 2: Remove Mi Browser (requires root rights)
If you have root access, you can completely remove Mi Browser via Titanium Backup or Root Explorer, and then the system automatically prompts you to choose another browser when you first open the link.
- 🔧 For MIUI 10 and below: You may need to roll back firmware or use custom software (e.g. LineageOS).
- 📦 Risks: Removing system applications can lead to unstable phone performance.
- 🔄 Alternative: Customize Mi Browser for yourself (turn off ads, change search engine).
What to do if none of the methods work?
4.The Best Alternative Browsers for Xiaomi Redmi
If you’ve decided to drop the Mi Browser, here’s a list of proven alternatives optimized for Xiaomi devices:
| browser | Advantages | Deficiencies | Download link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Sync with Google account, support for extensions (on Android 10+), high speed | High RAM consumption, data collection | Google Play |
| Mozilla Firefox | Privacy protection, add-on support, open source | Slower Chrome on weaker devices | Google Play |
| Brave | Ad blocking and trackers, built-in Tor, ad viewing rewards | Not all websites work correctly. | Google Play |
| Kiwi Browser | Chrome extensions support, light weight, night mode | Fewer features than in Chrome | Google Play |
For Redmi devices with low RAM (like Redmi 9A or Redmi 8), Brave or Firefox Lite are recommended, which consume less resources. If you want to sync with other devices, Google Chrome is the best choice.
Tip: Before installing a new browser, clear the cache and Mi Browser data in the application settings. This will free up space and prevent conflicts.
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If you frequently open links from instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), check the settings of these apps – sometimes they ignore the default system browser and use a built-in viewer.
5. Frequent errors and their solutions
When changing the default browser, Xiaomi Redmi users often encounter problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
Error 1: There is no default browser in the settings. Solution: Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI. If there are no updates, try resetting your application settings to Settings → System → Reset your settings → Reset your application settings.
Error 2: After changing your browser, links still open in Mi Browser. Solution: Clear the Settings app data (not to be confused with a full reset!). → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the data. Attention: this will reset some system settings (for example, the order of icons on the desktop).
Error 3: When you select a browser, the system will give you a message, "It is impossible to install by default." Solution: Remove updates for Mi Browser via Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Three dots → Remove updates. Then try again.
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro with a MIUI 12.0.3) After resetting the application settings, you may need to re-authorize in your Mi Account.
6 How to get Mi Browser back
If you've decided to go back to the standard browser after experimenting, it's easy. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default → Browser and select Mi Browser. All links will open again in it.
If Mi Browser disappeared from the list (for example, after deleting), restore it through Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Dots → Show system processes. Find Mi Browser, open its page and click Enable.
On some firmware, returning a standard browser may require rebooting your device. Also make sure that the "Open Links in this App" option is disabled in the settings of Google Chrome or another browser.
💡
If you frequently change browsers by default, use the “Default App Manager” app from Google Play, which makes it easier to manage standard applications and prevents crashes.
7. Additional settings for optimal performance
After changing the browser by default, it is recommended to configure it for maximum convenience. Here are some useful tips:
For Google Chrome:
- Enable sync with your Google account: Settings → Your profile → Sync.
Activate Light mode to save traffic: Settings → Light mode.
Disable notifications from sites: Settings → Site settings → Notifications.
For Mozilla Firefox:
- Set up protection against trackers: Settings → Privacy → Enhanced protection.
Install add-ons (e.g. uBlock Origin) to block ads.
- Enable night mode: Settings → Design → Dark theme.
For Brave:
Activate the built-in VPN (available in some regions).
- Set up automatic deletion of cookies after closing: Settings → Privacy → Clear data when you exit.
Connect the Brave Rewards wallet to receive tokens for viewing ads.
- 🔒 Security: In any browser, turn off password saving if you use a password manager (e.g. Bitwarden).
- 📶 Traffic savings: In the browser settings, enable data compression (in Chrome - "Light Mode").
- 🔄 Updates: Regularly update your browser through Google Play to fix vulnerabilities.