How to change the main browser to Xiaomi

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face intrusive behavior of the brand shell, which forcibly opens links in the system application Mi Browser.This can be annoying, especially if you are used to the functionality of Google Chrome, Yandex or Opera. Unfortunately, in the latest versions of MIUI and the new HyperOS, the manufacturer hid the possibility of direct choice, trying to keep the user in its ecosystem.

However, it is still possible to change a standard web surfing app, which requires a series of steps to clean up the system component data or use third-party utilities, and changing the default browser is not just a matter of convenience, but also a way to speed up the launch of links from messengers and social networks.

In this article, we'll go into detail about all the known ways to solve a problem, including the hidden settings of the developer, you'll learn how to get around the limitations of the system without getting root rights. Let's take back control of your device.

⚠️ Note: Resetting system application settings may cause icons to disappear temporarily or desktop personalization to reset.Before you start manipulating, make sure you have a backup of important data.

Why Xiaomi imposes its browser

The company's policy on preinstalled software has become more aggressive in recent years.Mi Browser is integrated deep into the system processes of the MIUI shell. When you click on a link in Viber, Telegram or WhatsApp, the system looks for an application to handle the HTTP and HTTPS web protocols.

In an ideal scenario, Android should ask the user what to open the link, but Xiaomi engineers have prioritized the system browser to become the default browser without asking, to increase advertising revenue and collect telemetry through embedded services.

Normally removing updates or disabling an app through a standard menu often fails — the system simply stops opening links or continues to use a hidden process.

Preparation for changing system settings

Before making changes to system files or application settings, you need to prepare your device, you need a stable internet connection to download an alternative browser if it is not already installed, and you should also check your shell version.

Make sure the browser you want is enabled.If you want to use Google Chrome, it must be updated to the latest version via Play Market.Old versions may not properly register themselves as link handlers.

It is important to understand that the interface settings can vary slightly on different models, for example, on the Redmi Note series menu may be called differently than on the flagship Xiaomi Mi or POCO F. However, the logic of Android remains the same for all devices.

Method 1: Clearing data through application settings

The most effective method, which doesn't require any additional software, is to force the system component to reset its priorities, so we need to make the system forget that the Mi Browser is the main one.

In the list, find the Apps section and select All Apps. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Show Systems. This is a critical step, because the component we want is hidden by default.

In the list that opens, find an app called MIUI Browser or just Browser (global icon). Go inside and click Clean, then select Clean All (or Reset Default / Clear Defaults). If the button is inactive, try first click Stop.

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If after cleaning the data, the link still opens in Mi Browser, try immediately after resetting, click on any link in the messenger. At this point, the selection window may pop up where you need to tick "Always" next to your browser.

After these steps are done, the system will lose information about which application is the main one for web links. The next time you click the URL from any application (for example, from Instagram or VK), Android should give you a standard selection window.

Method 2: Use the Better Default Browser App

If manual reset didn’t help or the cleaning button isn’t available, you can use a specialized utility from Google Play.The Better Default Browser app is created specifically to solve problems with imposing browsers on Xiaomi, Huawei and Oppo devices.

It acts as an intermediary, intercepts a request to open a link and redirects it to your chosen browser, bypassing the system limitations of MIUI. Once installed, launch the utility and follow the instructions on the screen.

You'll be asked to select the default browser from the installed list. Once selected, the application may ask to allow access to special features or run the service.

• 🌐 Universality: Works on most Android versions from 7.0 to 14.0.
• ⚡ Speed: Switching happens instantly, with no apparent delays.
• 🔒 Security: The app does not collect personal data by operating locally.

Using a third-party launcher or browser manager is a reliable crutch if the standard methods don’t work, but it’s worth remembering that this is an additional process in the device’s memory.

Comparison of browser change methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the risks and effectiveness of each method for your particular smartphone model.

As you can see from the table, for most users, a combination of data cleaning and the use of an auxiliary application is the best option. The method with ADB (Android Debug Bridge) requires a connection to a computer and knowledge of console commands, so it is recommended for advanced users.

Advanced Method: Disconnecting via ADB

For those who are not afraid of the command line, there is a radical method that allows you to completely disable the system browser at the package level, making it invisible to the system, which will require a PC, a USB cable and an installed ADB Driver.

On your phone, enable USB debugging. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version build number. Then, in the Advanced Settings menu → For developers, activate Debugging by USB.

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

This command will disable the standard browser. If the system then tries to run it, it will simply do nothing, and Android will be forced to ask the user about the choice of another application. To return everything back, use the command adb shell pm enable com.android.browser.

⚠️ Warning: Be careful when typing commands. Disabling system packages that are not designed for this can cause a device to bootloop.

Possible problems and solutions

Even after a successful change of settings, nuances can arise: for example, some built-in news widgets or applications from Xiaomi can ignore the user's choice and open the Mi Browser, in which case only full uninstall updates of the system browser help.

Sometimes, after updating the HyperOS shell, the settings may get lost, in which case the data cleaning procedure will have to be repeated, and it is also worth checking whether the browser itself should check the “Open links by default” box.

Another cause of failures could be antivirus or memory cleaners that aggressively unload the background processes of an alternative browser.Add Chrome or Firefox to battery exclusions (Settings → Battery → Energy Savings).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Changing the main browser to Xiaomi requires resetting priorities in the settings of the system application "MIUI Browser" or the use of third-party utilities switches.

Now you know how to regain your freedom of choice on a Xiaomi device, and use that knowledge to customize your smartphone to your needs, not to the marketing strategies of manufacturers.