How to remove the default browser on Xiaomi and MIUI

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face intrusive behavior of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system. After resetting or first turning on the gadget, the system automatically assigns its own Mi Browser browser to the main tool for opening links. This causes irritation among users who are used to Google Chrome, Firefox or other alternatives. The problem is aggravated by the fact that the system insists on returning the “native” application at every opportunity.

Fortunately, the Android architecture allows you to flexibly manage your application launch priorities. You don't have to be a programmer or root-rights to change your standard behavior. You just need to go through a few steps in the settings menu in a sequence to force your phone to open links in your chosen app. In this article, we'll go through all the nuances of the process.

It’s worth noting that the interfaces of the MIUI 12, MIUI 13, MIUI 14 and the new HyperOS shells may vary slightly in the layout of menu items. However, the logic of the operating system remains unchanged in all versions. We will look at universal methods that will suit most modern models, including the Redmi Note series and the flagship Xiaomi Mi.

Why the system imposes Mi Browser

Xiaomi is actively developing its own services, and the browser is no exception. Unlike pure Android, where Google products dominate, MIUI has its own page rendering engine preinstalled in the shell, not only for convenience, but also for monetization through advertising integrations and news feeds.

Often, users notice that even after installing Chrome or Yandex Browser, links from messengers still open in Mi Browser. This is due to the mechanism of "default applications." If you accidentally clicked "Always" on the first run or did not have time to choose another application, the system remembers this choice. MIUI algorithms can also automatically reset settings when major system updates are launched.

⚠️ Note: Complete removal of the system browser through ADB-commands are possible, but not recommended for ordinary users.This can lead to unstable work of news widgets and system links.

And Mi Browser also has deep system privileges, integrated into device search and voice assistant, so simply replacing the desktop icon doesn't solve the problem, and it's the startup priority that needs to be changed in system settings, which we'll talk about in detail below.

Change browser through the main settings

The most reliable and secure way to change the default app is to use the standard settings menu, which works on all current firmware versions, including HyperOS. You don't need third-party software. The main thing is to follow the instructions carefully, since menu items can be hidden in subcategories.

First, open the main settings menu for your smartphone. Find a section that is usually called Apps or Apps and Notifications. Depending on the version of MIUI, this item may simply be called Apps. Inside you are interested in the App Management or All Apps tab.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

• 📱 Find the Browser app in the list or through a search (often has a globe icon or Mi logo).
• ⚙️ Click on it to open the application information page.
• 🔽 At the bottom of the screen, find the option “Open by default” or “Start by default».
• ❌ Click the “Clear Default Settings” or “Reset” button».

After doing this, the system will “forget” that Mi Browser is a priority. Now, when you first open a link from any application (for example, from Telegram or WhatsApp), the system will give a pop-up with the question: “What to open?” At this point, select your favorite browser (for example, Chrome) and be sure to click the “Always” button. This will register a new choice.

Configure via the “Default Apps” menu

The newer versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS have a more convenient centralized appointment manager, which allows you to assign applications for different actions (calls, messages, browser) in one place without digging into the properties of each individual package, which makes life much easier for the user.

To get into this section, go to Settings → Apps → Application settings → Default Apps. The path may be slightly different, so the easiest way to search is by settings. Type the phrase “default” or “browser” into the search bar, and the system will suggest the desired menu item.

In the list that opens, you'll see the "Browser" line. If there's a Mi Browser, just click on it. You'll see a list of all the browsers you've installed. You'll see the option you want. The system can warn you that changing your browser might affect some features, but it's not critical for basic surfing.

If the browser option on this menu is inactive or missing, it means that there is no alternative browser installed on the system that could take on this role. In this case, first download Google Chrome, Opera or any other of the Play Market.

Cleaning cache and data to reset selection

Sometimes standard methods don't work: you change your settings, but links still open in Mi Browser, which can be due to accumulated cache errors or "stuck" system preferences, in which case you need a deeper cleaning of the settings of the browser itself.

Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the “Mi Browser” list. Click on it and select “Memory.” Here you need to click two buttons: “Clear Cache” and “Clear All” (or “Clean Data”). Clearing the data will delete the history, passwords and bookmarks saved in Mi Browser, so make sure you have backups if they are important to you.

Once you clear the data, go back to the main menu of the app settings and again find the "Default Apps" option. Make sure that the browser you want is selected there. If the choice is reset, reassign it. Reboot the device after this procedure will consolidate the result.

This method is especially effective if you recently updated your firmware and your settings are lost.It also helps if the Mi Browser app is not working properly or crashes when you try to open a link.

Comparison of popular browsers for Android

When choosing a replacement for a standard browser, it is important to consider not only personal preferences, but also technical characteristics. Different engines use battery and consume RAM in different ways, which is critical for the budget models of Redmi and Poco.

Below is a table comparing the main options of popular browsers available on Google Play, which will help you make an informed decision about which app to assign the main one.

For owners of devices with a small amount of RAM (3-4 GB), it is recommended to pay attention to Brave or DuckDuckGo. They work easier and faster on older processors. Users of flagships with a large power reserve are better suited to Chrome due to the perfect synchronization with a Google account.

Disabling intrusive recommendations and advertising

Even after changing the default browser, MIUI can continue to show recommendations from Mi Browser in widgets or in the Tools folder, part of the company's marketing strategy, and to completely eliminate the presence of the native browser, it can be disabled.

Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Find the Browser. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see the "Disable" button. When you click on it, you'll hide the app from the list and prevent the system from running its background processes. The icon will disappear from the desktop, and the system will stop offering it as an alternative.

If the "Disable" button is inactive (gray), try to delete all app updates first. To do this, click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the app page and select "Remove Updates." Once rolled back to the factory version, the "Disable" button should become available.

⚠️ Note: Disabling the system browser may cause some system links (e.g., in the Security or Services app) to stop opening if an alternative browser does not intercept them correctly.

Also, check the settings of the shell itself. In the Security app, go to the settings and find "Get recommendations." Turn off all browser and news check boxes, which will reduce information noise and increase device autonomy.

💡

Expert advice: If you use Do Not Disturb mode frequently, set up this mode automatically in your new browser when you start videos or games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

Main conclusion: For stable operation of the smartphone on the basis MIUI/HyperOS just once correctly configure the priority of applications in the menu "Default Apps" and disable intrusive recommendations in the security system.