How to change the default browser to Xiaomi: all working ways for MIUI

Changing the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that many users face after buying a device. The manufacturer installs its Mi Browser as the main browser, but not everyone likes it because of advertising, limited features or low speed. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change a standard browser to Redmi, POCO and other devices running MIUI 12-14, including bypassing typical system restrictions.

It's important to understand that the process can vary depending on the firmware version and the phone model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, the algorithm will be one, and on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5, we will look at universal methods, and also pay attention to common errors, such as when the system does not allow you to choose an alternative browser or resets after a reboot.

If you've tried to change your browser through standard settings, but it didn't work out, don't give up. This article provides solutions for even the most stubborn cases, including manually editing system settings (for power users), starting with the simplest and gradually moving on to advanced techniques.

Why is Mi Browser not a good fit for users?

Xiaomi’s branded browser has been criticized for several key flaws that force people to look for alternatives:

• 📢 Built-in Advertising: Even in the latest versions MIUI browser shows banners and promotional materials that can not be turned off without root rights.
• 🐢 Low performance: Compared to Chrome, Firefox or Edge, Mi Browser often slows down when opening heavy sites.
• 🔒 Limited sync: no integration with Google accounts or other ecosystems.
• 📱 Imposing Xiaomi services: the browser actively promotes branded services, for example, Mi Cloud or Mi Video.
• 🛡️ Privacy concerns: In 2022, researchers discovered that a browser collects user data without explicit consent.

According to a survey of Xiaomi owners in 2023, 68% of users tried to replace the Mi Browser in the first two weeks after buying a phone, while 23% faced difficulties due to the limitations of MIUI. If you also want to upgrade to a more user-friendly browser – for example, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Brave – read on.

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

On most Xiaomi devices (except some models for the Chinese market), the browser can be changed by default through system settings. This method works on MIUI 12.5-14 and does not require superuser rights.

1. Install an alternative browser from Google Play (such as Chrome or Firefox).
2. Open the Settings app on your smartphone.
3. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
5. Slip on Browser.
6. In the list, select the browser you want (e.g. Chrome).

If your browser is not on the list, try opening it manually first and wait for the system to suggest making it the primary one. On some firmware (for example, on POCO F3 with global MIUI), this item may be called Opening Links by default.

⚠️ Note: On some devices with Chinese firmware (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) the default application can be hidden. In this case, try the method with ADB (Described below or install a global version MIUI.

Method 2: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If the standard method didn't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which is suitable for power users and requires a computer, and the advantage of the method is that it bypasses the limitations of MIUI and works even on Chinese firmware.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Installed drivers ADB The utility itself (you can download from the official Google website).
• 🔒 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Next, execute the following commands in the terminal (command line):

adb devices


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

In the last command, replace com.android.chrome with your browser’s batch name (for example, for Firefox it’s org.mozilla.firefox).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This may cause system failures. Before executing commands, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset. If the phone starts to brake after the changes, reset the default browser settings with the command adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser.

Method 3: Reset application settings (if the browser does not change)

Sometimes MIUI forgets the changes or resets the default browser after rebooting, which helps reset all the apps, not deleting your data, but resetting the default permissions and settings for all the programs.

How to do this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the action.
4. After resetting again, try to set the browser by default through Settings → Default Apps.

This method often helps if you have tried to change your browser before, but the system “did not remember” your choice. After resetting, MIUI will again request permission to open links, and you can choose an alternative browser.

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If after resetting the browser still does not change, try temporarily disable Mi Browser: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Browser → Disable. After that, the system automatically prompts you to select another browser when you next open the link.

Method 4: Install global firmware (for Chinese versions of MIUI)

On Chinese firmware devices (such as Xiaomi 12S or Redmi K50 Gaming), the default browser is often not available due to Xiaomi’s domestic policy, in which case the only reliable way is to reflash the phone to a global or European version of MIUI.

Advantages of Global Firmware:

• 🌍 Full support for Google services (including Chrome and Play Market).
• 🔓 Ability to change browser and other applications by default.
• 📱 Lack of Chinese services that can collect data.
• 🔄 Regular updates through OTA.

You'll need firmware.

1. Unlocked bootloader (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
2. Global firmware file for your model (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
3. Mi Flash Tool for Windows.

⚠️ Note: Phone firmware voids warranty and may result in data loss, POCO F4 GT) After firmware, you may need to re-activate your Mi Account, which takes up to 72 hours.

Table: Compatibility of methods with different versions of MIUI

If your version of MIUI is not listed in the table, check it in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. New firmware (like HyperOS, which replaces MIUI) may require other methods – keep an eye out for updates to this article.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you change your browser to Xiaomi, users face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Browser resets after rebooting: This is typical for MIUI 13-14 on some models. Solution -- use it. ADB-commands or disable optimization for the browser in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Your browser] → Battery → No restrictions.
• 🚫 There's no default app: This happens on Chinese firmware. Solution: run the global version or use it. ADB.
• 🔗 Links open in Mi Browser despite settings: Check Opening Supported Links in your browser information (e.g. Chrome). Disable this option for Mi Browser.
• 📱 Phone asks to update Mi Browser before shift: It's a marketing stunt. just press Cancel and try again.

If none of these methods worked, try installing your browser via APK (for example, by downloading a file from APKMirror).

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On devices with HyperOS (the new shell from Xiaomi), the process of changing the browser may be different. If your phone has already upgraded to HyperOS, check for Settings → Applications → Default Settings → Browser.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions