How to make the default application on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI

Why Xiaomi is Resetting Applications by Default and How to Fix It

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones often face a situation when after updating the system or restarting the device, the default application settings are reset. Instead of your favorite Chrome browser, Mi Browser suddenly opens, and instead of Google Photos, the standard MIUI Gallery. This is not an accident, but a feature of the MIUI shell, which aggressively promotes branded services.

In this article you will find 4 working ways to fix the desired applications by default on any Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphone POCO — from simple settings in the menu to use ADB-We'll also look at why. MIUI 14/15 Can Ignore Your Choices and How to Get Around It Without Root Rights.

Warning: Some methods require optimizing the battery for selected applications to be disabled, which may have a slight impact on autonomy but ensures that services are stable.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (without additional programs)

The most obvious way is to use built-in system tools, which works on all versions of MIUI 12 to 15, but has a limitation: after major firmware updates, the settings can be reset.

To set the application by default:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps
3. In the list, find the category (for example, Browser, Gallery, Phone) and select the desired application.

Important: In MIUI 14+, some categories (such as Assistant or Camera) may be hidden. To display them, you need to activate the developer mode (7 taps by build number in Settings → About Phone).

Battery optimization for the selected application is turned off|All applications are updated to the latest version|Are there any active memory cleaners (such as the Security App)|Is the phone connected to the Internet (to synchronize settings)-->

⚠️ Note: If the list does not contain the required application (for example, VLC For video, first open any file of the appropriate type through Explorer and select the program manually.

Method 2: Using ADB for Forced Fixation

For users who have a smartphone constantly resets, there is a radical solution through Android Debug Bridge (ADB) that requires a PC connection but guarantees 100% results.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your computer
2. Activate debugging over USB in the developer settings
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell cmd appops set <package_name> Android:Default Default Where to Find <package_name> — Application packet identifier (e.g. com.android.chrome for Chrome)

To find out the packet ID, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB-commands don't update apps through Google Play - it can reset. First, undo the command (adb shell cmd appops set) <package> Android:default reset, then update.

Method 3: Automation with Tasker (for advanced)

If you frequently encounter setting resets, you can create an automatic script in Tasker that will restore the default apps after the reboot.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install Tasker and AutoInput plugin
2. Create a task with AutoInput → UI Interaction
3. Write down the sequence of transitions in the application settings menu by default
4. Add a trigger to the Device Boot event (system boot)

The advantage of this method is that it works without root and does not require a connection to a PC. MIUI The script may stop working.

Browser (Chrome, Firefox)|Gallery (Google Photo)|Messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp)|Music player|Other-->

Method 4: Disable system applications (requires caution)

The most radical method is to disable standard MIUI applications that conflict with your preferences, which can be done either through settings or with ADB.

Through settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Find a system application (such as Mi Browser)
3. Click Disable (if the button is active)

Through ADB (for applications without the disable button):

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

⚠️ Note: Disabling system applications may result in inability to obtain OTA-Updates and failures in some functions MIUI. Before the procedure, create a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

Why MIUI Ignores Your Settings and How to Prevent It

The main reason for default application reset is the MIUI optimization feature, which:

• 🔄 Resets settings after system updates
• 🔋 Suspends the work of the background processes of “non-compliant” applications
• 🛡️ Blocks auto-launch of third-party services

To prevent automatic resetting:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management
2. Find your app and select Without Limits
3. Enable Auto Start and Background Activity

A new mechanism, Privacy Protection, has been added for MIUI 15, which can block applications from accessing default settings to disable it:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Special Access
2. Click Change System Settings
3. Allow access for your application

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If after all the manipulations, the settings continue to reset, try temporarily disabling the “Mi optimization” function in the developer settings (Settings → Additional → For developers → Mi optimization).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make common mistakes when setting up apps by default:

• ❌ Ignore app updates – after an update via Google Play, you may need to reconfigure
• ❌ Do not clear cache – sometimes old data interferes with the correct operation of new settings
• ❌ Use "cleaners" - programs like Clean Master or Security App can reset settings

If after all the manipulations the application is still not fixed, check:

1. Have a job profile (can block changes)
2. Is the guest mode activated (settings are not saved)
3. Is the family control function included (limits changes in system parameters)

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On devices with MIUI Global, the problems with resetting are usually less than on Chinese versions of firmware (MIUI China).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions