Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face intrusive behavior from a system that pushes hard to promote its own Mi Browser browser. However, many users prefer more functional or familiar solutions such as Chrome, Firefox or Opera. Changing the default browser is not just a matter of convenience, but a way to regain control of their digital space.
The setup process can be confusing because of the features of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, where menus are often changed, and in this article we will discuss how to force the system to open links in the application you chose, rather than corporate algorithms.
We will also discuss the important nuances associated with search engines and resets that can occur during operation, and understanding these mechanisms will allow you to customize the gadget as efficiently as possible to your needs.
Why Change the Standard Browser on Xiaomi
Xiaomi’s standard browser, despite its built-in traffic saving features, is often criticized for its abundance of advertising in the news feed and excessive resource consumption in the background. Alternative browsers offer a cleaner interface, enhanced synchronization capabilities with desktop versions, and improved privacy protection tools.
When you install a new web surfing app, the system doesn't always automatically switch to it. Links from messengers, emails or social networks can continue to open in Mi Browser. This creates inconvenience, especially if you are already logged into the profile of another browser and set up passwords and bookmarks there.
⚠️ Note: Forced installation of a third-party browser may cause some system links (such as help or login to a Mi Account) to still be opened in the system application. MIUI/HyperOS.
Choosing the right tool for the Internet is a fundamental setup of any smartphone. Properly configured browser speeds up work, saves battery life and provides a secure connection to web resources.
Preparing for the change of the browser: installation and updates
Before you start changing system settings, you need to make sure that the alternative application is properly installed and updated to the latest version. Older versions of programs may not show up correctly in the system selection list or support new HTTPS security protocols.
Go to the Google Play or GetApps app store and check for updates for your browser of choice. If the app is not already installed, download it from a trusted source. APK-Files from dubious sites can lead to infection of the device.
☑️ Preparation of the device
Once installed, the system can request permissions to access files or locations. This is normal for full-time operation, but it is worth reading the queries carefully. Some browsers require access to a clipboard for easy insertion of links.
Instructions: Selecting the default browser in settings
The main method of changing the priority application is in the general settings of the system. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for managing the applications.
Follow the following steps:
- 📱 Open the menu Settings of your Xiaomi smartphone.
- 🔍 Go to the Applications section (or All Apps).
- ⚙️ Find Application Management or immediately look for Default Apps.
- 🌐 In the list that opens, find the Browser category.
- ✅ Click on the current selection and select the desired app from the list (e.g. Chrome).
In some versions of MIUI, the path may look like Settings → Apps → Settings → Default Apps → Browser. If you use the new HyperOS shell, the menu could become more compact, but the essence of the action has not changed.
💡
If you can't find "Default Apps," search inside the settings. Just type "browser" or "default" into the search bar at the top of the settings screen.
Once selected, the system will remember your preference, and now all links that do not have specific handlers will open in the selected program, this applies to links from SMS, notes and most third-party applications.
Configure via the "Open by Default" menu
There is an alternative, more detailed way of configuring that allows you to control the behavior of each application separately, which is useful if the global setting did not work or was reset after the system update.
Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Find the browser you want to make the primary browser (like Opera) in the list. Click on it to open the application information page. Here we are interested in Opening by default (or Launch by default).
| Parameter | Description of action | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Open supported links | Allows the application to intercept links | Included. |
| Ask every time. | The system will ask how to open the link | Off. |
| Open in this annex | Forced link opening here | Activate |
Activate the Open Supported Links switch. The system can suggest selecting the type of links the application will handle. It is better to select "All Supported Links" to cover the maximum number of web addresses.
⚠️ Note: If after these actions, when opening the link, the selection window still pops up, click on the gear or the "Always" item next to the name of the desired browser. Single click "Only now" will not save the settings.
This method is particularly effective for browsers that the system tries to ignore. Forced activation through an app card gives a higher priority than the general setting in the menu.
Changing the search engine inside the browser
Often, users confuse the default browser choice with the search engine choice. Even if you opened Chrome, it can be a search from Yandex or Bing. To change this, you need to go to the settings of the application itself.
The process looks like this:
- 🚀 Launch the selected browser.
- 📋 Click on the menu (three dots or bars) and select Settings.
- 🔎 Find the Search Engine or Search section.
- 🏆 Choose your preferred engine (Google, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, etc.).
It's important to understand the difference: a browser is a program for displaying pages, and a search engine is a service that searches for information on request. Changing one does not automatically change the other.
Why is the search reset?
For users who value privacy, it is recommended to opt for search engines that do not collect search data, such as DuckDuckGo or Startpage.This adds an additional layer of protection when surfing.
Problem Solving: If the settings are not saved
Sometimes the MIUI shell displays aggressive behavior and returns the Mi Browser as its primary, ignoring user choice.This can occur after a system update or memory cleanup.
First, try clearing the cache of the system component that selects applications. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the three points on the menu at the top and select Show System Services. Find the process associated with Android System or Resolver and clear its data.
If the problem persists, check for updates to the shell itself. There were bugs in older versions of MIUI that blocked browser change, and check if Security mode is activated in the Security app, which can restrict third-party programs.
💡
The most reliable way to secure a browser is to use a combination of methods: select it in the general settings of "Default Apps" and activate "Open Supported Links" in the card of the application itself.
In extreme cases, if the system browser interferes with the work, you can try to disable it through ADB-It requires a computer connection and a certain amount of knowledge.