How to permanently remove the “Remember the choice” on Xiaomi devices: phones, TVs, tablets

The “Remember Choices” feature in Xiaomi devices is a mechanism that automatically stores your preferences when opening files or performing certain actions. For example, when you first open a.pdf document in MIUI, the system asks “Open with...” and suggests ticking “Remember the Choices.” In the future, all files of this type will be opened by the selected application without further questions.

But over time, this feature can become annoying, such as if you accidentally chose the wrong app to open.apk files, or want to reset the default settings for a certain type of content. Fortunately, you can disable or reset Remember Choices in a number of ways, either through standard MIUI settings, hidden menus or third-party tools. In this article, we will break down all the current methods for Xiaomi smartphones, TVs and tablets, including models on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS.

It's important to understand that the procedure varies depending on the type of device and the firmware version. For example, on Mi TVs, the path to settings will be different from on Redmi or POCO smartphones. We'll describe each case in detail so you can quickly find a solution for your model.

1. How to remove the “Remember Choices” for files on Xiaomi smartphones

On smartphones with MIUI or HyperOS, application resets are done by default via the settings menu, which works for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and older devices (assuming current firmware).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon on the desktop).
• 🔍 Go to the "Applications" section» → «Application management».
• ⚙️ In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select "Default Apps».
• 🔄 Here you will see a list of file types (e.g. Browser, Music, Video.
• 📌 Select Reset or Clear Default Settings (depending on version) MIUI).

After that, the next time you open a file of this type, the system will again suggest you select an application and tick the “Remember the choice”.

Close all open files and applications | Make sure the application is installed | Check the MIUI version in About Phone settings | Back up important data (in case of a crash)

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Features for different versions:

• 🔹 Nana MIUI 12/13 The path may look like “Settings» → «Annexes» → «All applications» → select an application → «Open by default» → «Drop it».
• 🔹 In HyperOS (for example, on Xiaomi 14), the menu is moved to Settings» → «Annexes» → «Default settings».

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If the file type you want is not in the Default Apps list, try opening the file type manually – the system can show the application selection dialog again.

2.Reset "Remember Choices" for a specific application

If you want to remove the binding for only one application (for example, reset the settings for Google Chrome as the default browser), do the following:

Steps:

1. Open “Settings” → “Applications” → “Application Management”.
2. Find the right app (such as Chrome or Galery) and tap it.
3. Select “Open by default” (or “Default settings” in new versions).
4. Click “Reset” or “Delete default settings”.

This method is useful if you want to leave the rest of the settings intact, but change the behavior for a particular program.

3. How to remove "Remember Choices" on Mi TVs

On Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV A2, Mi TV Q2, Redmi Smart TV The logic of the function is similar, but the path to settings is different. Here, "Remember the choice" most often refers to opening media files (video, music) or choosing. HDMI-default.

Instructions for discharge:

• 📺 On the remote, press the "Settings" button (cog icon).
• 🔍 Go to "All settings» → «Annexes» → «Default settings».
• 🎵 For multimedia: select “Music” or “Video» → «Drop it».
• 🔌 For HDMI: select "Entrances» → «HDMI» → «Resetting priority».

If your Mi TV doesn’t have the default settings option, try an alternative way:

1. Open the file type you want (for example,.mkv video).
2. When the application selection dialog appears, hold the “Back” button on the remote for 3 seconds.
3. The system can show a hidden reset menu.

Smartphone (Redmi/POCO/Xiaomi)|Television (Mi) TV/Redmi TV)|Tablet (Mi Pad)|Smartwatches (Mi Band)|Other-->

4.Use ADB to reset all default settings

If standard methods don’t work (e.g. custom firmware or stripped-down versions of MIUI for the European market), you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your phone to your computer, but is guaranteed to reset all the “Remember Choices” bindings.

Step-by-step:

1. 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
2. 📱 On the phone, activate the “Developer Mode” (7 times tap on “Version”). MIUI» in "About the phone") and turn on "Debugging by USB» Additional settings».
3. 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: Adb devices (your device should appear).
4. 🚀 Run the reset command: adb shell cmd package reset-preferred-activities or for newer versions of Android: adb shell pm clear-defaults

This method resets ALL default settings, including browser, calls, SMS and media files. Once you execute the command, restart the device.

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The ADB pm clear-defaults command works on all versions of Android, but requires debugging rights. If the device is not identified, check the drivers and cable.

5. Reset via “Developer Settings” (hidden method)

There's an option in the Developer Settings menu that allows you to reset all application settings, including Remember Choices, which is useful if standard methods don't work.

How to do this:

• 🔧 Open "Settings» → «The phone» → 7 times tap on the "Version" MIUI» (If the developer mode is not activated).
• 🛠️ Return to "Settings» → «Additional settings» → «Developer settings».
• 🔄 Scroll down and find “Reset App Preferences” (or “Reset App Preferences” in English firmware).
• ✅ Confirm the reset.

This option does not delete application data, but resets all permissions, default settings, and background activity restrictions.

⚠️ Note: After resetting through Developer Settings, some applications (such as instant messengers) may request permissions again.

6. Deletion of the Settings application data (last resort)

If none of these methods worked, you can try to clear the cache and data of the Settings system application, a radical method that will return all system settings to factory settings, but will not affect user data.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open "Settings» → «Annexes» → «Application management».
• 🔍 In the search, type “Settings” (or “Settings” in English firmware).
• 🧹 Select “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data” (if available).
• 🔄 Reset the device.

After that, all settings, including Remember Choices, will be reset. However, this method can cause other settings (such as display or sound settings) to reset, so use it only as a last resort.

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Before clearing the Settings app data, take screenshots of important parameters (such as screen settings or notifications) to quickly restore them after rebooting.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Depending on your situation, one way or another will work, and below is a comparison table with the pros and cons of each method.

For most users, the first two methods are sufficient. ADB and Settings data cleanup are only recommended if the standard methods have not worked.

FAQ: Frequent questions