Many owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones face intrusive behavior of the system, which insists on using the built-in Mi Browser as the main tool for Internet access. This is not accidental, because pre-installed applications are often part of the manufacturer’s ecosystem, but for many users they can seem redundant or overloaded with advertising. Fortunately, the Android operating system, even in the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS, allows you to flexibly manage preferences and replace standard solutions with third-party analogues like Chrome, Firefox or Yandex.Browser.
The process of changing a default application does not require root rights or complex manipulation of system files. All the necessary settings are available in the standard settings menu, but their location may vary depending on the firmware version and regional build. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to forget about pop-ups with a suggestion to open a link in Mi Browser and enjoy the familiar interface of the application you choose.
It's worth noting that changing the default settings affects the work of all links opened from messengers, social networks and other applications, which ensures uniformity of the experience of using the device and increases your productivity. Next, we will look at the step-by-step algorithm of actions, the features of different versions of the shell and answer frequently asked questions.
Why Change the Standard Browser on Xiaomi
Xiaomi’s standard browser is certainly optimized for shelling, but it often contains embedded news feeds, aggressive advertising and features that the average user may not need. Many prefer to install third-party solutions like Google Chrome, Opera or DuckDuckGo for advanced desktop sync capabilities or more advanced privacy protection tools. Replacing the default browser is the first step to personalizing the device to suit their needs.
In addition, third-party browsers often update faster than system components, which is critical for surfing security. By getting fresh security patches, you protect your personal data from zero-day vulnerabilities. Many users value third-party browsers for the ability to install extensions, ad blockers and themes that are not available in the stock app.
⚠️ Note: When installing a new browser from unknown sources, the system may issue security alerts. Make sure you only download the app from an official Google Play store or a trusted source to avoid malware being introduced.
It’s important to understand the difference between uninstalling an app and changing your default settings. If you just uninstalle Mi Browser (which sometimes requires additional tools like ADB), the system may start to behave unstable or constantly request an app selection every time you click on a link.
Preparation for the installation of a new browser
Before you start changing your system settings, you need to make sure that the alternative application is already installed on your device. Without an installed competitor, Xiaomi will not offer you a choice, since it has nothing to switch to. You can download the desired browser through the Play Market store or, in rare cases, through the built-in GetApps store, although the former option is preferable due to the relevance of versions.
Once installed, it is recommended to launch a new application at least once, accept the user agreement and, if necessary, log in to your account. This is necessary in order for the operating system to recognize the program as fully functional and ready to work. Some browsers suggest becoming the main one when they first start, but we will consider a manual method that guarantees the result.
☑️ Preparation of the device
It’s also worth checking if your device is limited to installing apps from unknown sources if you plan to download them. APK-Hand-held files. Modern versions. MIUI And HyperOS, this setting is controlled quite strictly for security purposes, but when installed from the official Google store, such permissions are usually not required.
Step-by-step: Change through system settings
The most reliable and versatile way to change the default browser is to use the system settings menu. The interface may vary slightly on different models, but the logic remains the same for all Xiaomi smartphones. You will need to open the Settings menu, then find the section responsible for the applications.
Depending on the version of the shell, the path may look like Apps → Settings or Applications → Application Management. In some builds, the Settings menu is right in the list of installed programs. We need to find an item called "Default Apps" or "Default Apps," which is where the priorities for all types of actions are stored.
💡
If you can't find the item on the menu, use the search bar at the top of the settings screen. Type in the phrase "default" or "browser", and the system will prompt the desired section.
In the category list that opens, look for the Browser item, and if you click on it, you'll see a list of all the browsers you've installed on your phone, just choose the one you want to use all the time, and the system will remember that choice and stop asking you every time you click on the link.
Features of configuration in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi shells have their own features that can confuse users who are used to pure Android. In recent versions of HyperOS, the menu has become more compact, and some items have been renamed or moved. For example, in some regions, the default browser selection point may be inside the Additional Settings menu.
Another important feature is the “Security” mechanism. Xiaomi is actively implementing its security services that can scan links before opening in a third-party browser.This can create the feeling that the settings did not apply, as the MIUI protector opens first. To avoid this, make sure that the security settings are not ticked on the forced opening of links through the Mi Browser.
| Shell version | The path to settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12/13 | Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings (cog) → Default Applications | Classic menu, clear structure |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Applications → Settings → Default Applications | Easy access, less nesting |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings → Applications → Settings → Default Applications | New design, possible integration with ecosystem |
| Android One (Mi A series) | Settings → Applications and Notifications → Additional → Default Applications | Clean Android without unnecessary add-ons |
Users of older versions of MIUI may need to update system components through the Security or Services and Feedback app to make the menu look up-to-date, but the browser-change functionality is present in all versions, starting with Android 7.0.
Alternative method: Resetting default settings
Sometimes it happens that the browser selection point is blocked or the system does not allow you to change the priority, in which case the default settings for the current main browser help reset, which will not delete your data, but only make the system “forget” about which application it should open for web links.
To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find the current browser (such as Mi Browser) in the list. Go to its properties and find the default button or Start by default. Press Clear Default Settings or Reset.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting the next click, the system will ask you what to open the link. Choose a new browser and click Always to capture the choice. If you click Once, the question will always arise.
This method is especially useful if the settings went wrong after the firmware update and the phone again began insistently offering to return the Mi Browser.A forced prioritization often solves the problem of "sticking" the old choice.
Solution: If the browser does not change
There are times when, despite all efforts, links continue to open in Mi Browser. This may be because some applications within the Xiaomi ecosystem are “hard-to-tune” to open links through the system component, in which case it is worth checking the settings of the application itself from which you are following the link.
The problem can also be in the cache of a system or a particular application. Try to clear the browser cache you want to make the main one, as well as the cache of the Settings app. To do this, go to the Storage in the app properties and select Clear the cache. Don't confuse it with clearing the data, otherwise you will lose your history and passwords.
What if Mi Browser left on its own?
If nothing works, you can use third-party tools to manage the default apps available in the Play Market, which force you to prioritize where the standard menu may have bugs, but 99% of the time, the standard methods described above are lacking.
💡
The key to success is to make sure that a new app is installed, launched at least once, and has all the necessary permissions before trying to make it a mainstream app.