How to disable the default app selection on Xiaomi: the full guide

Why does Xiaomi constantly ask which app to use?

Are you tired of the annoying Open with... pop-ups every time you try to open a link, file or photo on a Xiaomi smartphone?It's not a bug, but a feature of MIUI firmware that doesn't capture user choice by default for some file types.The manufacturer is motivated by the "flexibility" of the system, but in practice it annoys most owners.

The problem is compounded by the fact that even after manually selecting an app (like Chrome for links or Gallery for photos), the system offers to make a choice again after a while, the reason for this is the aggressive MIUI optimization, which resets the default settings after updates or “cleansing” the cache. Fortunately, there are several ways to permanently remove this request – from standard settings to hidden features for power users.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including solutions for cases when standard settings do not work, and you will learn how to avoid resetting applications by default after updates and why some files (for example,.apk or.zip) are still opened through the system menu.

Method 1: Fixing the application by default through MIUI settings

The most obvious and safe method is to use the built-in MIUI tools.It is suitable for most file types (links, images, video, audio) and works on all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Default Apps".
3. In the list, find the file type you want to fix the application for (for example, “Browser” or “Gallery”).
4. Tap on the current app (such as “Browser Choice”) and select from the list (such as Chrome or Firefox).
5. Confirm the choice by clicking “Always” or “Use by default”.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14, the default app may not be on the menu, in which case use Method 3 (through the specific application settings).

Selected application installed and updated to the latest version

The file type is supported by the selected application (e.g.,.flac won’t open in a standard player)

In the application settings there are no restrictions on opening external files

The smartphone is not in power saving mode (can block the background operation of applications)-->

Method 2: Reset all applications by default (if no choice is saved)

If the system ignores your choices and keeps asking which app to use, the problem may be a setting conflict, in which case a complete reset of all applications by default and then reconfiguring will help.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset Apps.
3. Confirm the action (the system will warn that this will cancel all current default settings).
4. After resetting manually assign the desired applications for each file type as described in Method 1.

This method is also useful if you recently updated your firmware and noticed that previous settings have reset, for example, after switching from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14, many users find that Chrome stops opening links automatically, even though it was previously chosen by default.

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If applications are still unfixed after reset, try temporarily disabling Adaptive Battery in the power settings, which sometimes blocks the background of applications, which prevents you from saving settings.

Method 3: Configure through the menu of a particular application

Not everyone knows, but each application in MIUI has its own default settings, which is especially useful if the standard method didn't work or the file type you want isn't on the list.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the app you want to make your primary (e.g. VLC for video) in the list.
3. Slip it and select “Open by default” (or “Default settings”).
4. Turn on the “Open Supported Links” switch and select “Always”.
5. If you have the option “Add to the default list”, activate it.

This method often helps for applications that don’t show up in the default settings menu (e.g. Telegram for tg:// links or Google Photos for image editing).

Method 4: Using ADB for Forced Fixation (for experienced)

If all of the above methods do not work, there is a radical way – forced assignment of the application by default through ADB. This requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and basic knowledge of working with the command line, but guaranteed to solve the problem.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB (You can download from the official Android Studio website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the assembly number → return to additional settings → Developer parameters → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Commands for attachment:

adb shell cmd appops set < application package > android:default_preferred_app allow


adb shell cmd role add-pkg <app package> android.app.role.BROWSER

Replace. <package> You can use the application ID (e.g. com.android.chrome for Chrome) to find out the package via the App Inspector app or command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you're not sure what you're doing, you can restart your smartphone after you've done the commands, or you may not be able to make the change.

Standard settings of MIUI

Resetting all applications by default

Configure through the menu of a specific application

ADB-Teams (for experienced teams)

I haven't tried it yet.-->

Method 5: Disable system applications that interfere with choice

Sometimes, the reason for constant requests for application selection is built-in MIUI services that intercept file processing, for example, Mi Browser or Quick Apps can block the fixation of third-party browsers.

How to fix it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find system applications that may conflict (e.g. Mi Browser, Music, Video Player).
3. Slip on the app and select “Disable” or “Delete Updates” (if the button is active).
4. Some applications (such as Quick Apps) may need to delete cache and data.

After disabling conflicting applications, repeat the default setting for the desired file type. Note: disabling system applications may affect the operation of certain functions (for example, fast applications on the home screen).

Why are the settings reset after the MIUI update?

Many Xiaomi users find that after updating the firmware all the default settings of the application are reset, this is due to the peculiarities of MIUI, which in major updates (for example, with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) performs a partial reset settings for “performance optimization”.

How to avoid resetting:

• 📥 Before updating, write down which apps you used by default (you can take a picture of the settings screen).
• ⚙️ After the update, do not click Cancel in the first app selection pop-ups – this can block the fixation.
• 🔄 If a reset has occurred, use Method 2 (complete reset of the applications by default) and set it up again.
• 🚫 Avoid using the Cleanup feature in the Security App – it often resets default settings.

The problem may also be caused by MIUI betas, which often contain bugs. If you are part of a beta program, consider switching to a stable firmware version.

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MIUI updates over OTA (over the air) are less likely to reset than manual firmware via Fastboot or Recovery. If possible, choose the former.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the ways, but Xiaomi’s smartphone still asks which app to use, perhaps the problem lies deeper:

• 🛠️ Damaged firmware: Try reinstalling MIUI via Fastboot (instructions are available on the official forum Xiaomi).
• 🔒 Policy Limitations: On some enterprise or training devices, the administrator may block the change in default settings.
• 🤖 Conflict with Magisk/root: If you have Magisk or root rights installed, some modules (such as Xposed) may interfere with system functions.
• 📦 Incompatible Application: Some applications (such as Chinese versions of software) are not registered as file processors.

If the problem occurs after installing a particular app, try to remove it and check if the settings will remain.It is also worth checking your smartphone for viruses using Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes - some malware changes the default settings to display ads.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing default apps on Xiaomi