How to install the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: the full guide

Why can’t Redmi Note 8 Pro change its default browser?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro often face a problem: the system stubbornly ignores attempts to assign the default browser, returning to the standard Mi Browser or Google Chrome. MIUI, And it's a very aggressive proprietary app that even after you manually change your settings, Android can automatically reset your choices the next time you open a link.

The fact is that MIUI (especially versions 12-14) uses its own link processing mechanism, which conflicts with the standard Android menu. For example, when you click on a link in the messenger, the system can suggest choosing a browser, but after one use, it will return to the Mi Browser again. This is not a bug, but a conscious solution Xiaomi to keep users in the ecosystem.

Fortunately, you can get around the limitations, which requires a combination of Android and MIUI settings, and in some cases even system settings editing, and we'll cover all the working methods below, including hidden firmware features.

Method 1: Standard Android Menu (not always working)

So, to start with the most obvious method, which is through the application settings, which will work if your firmware doesn't block the changes, but on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, it often crashes.

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select the default Apps. Here, find the Browser and tap it. The system will suggest a list of installed browsers - choose the one you want (like Firefox or Chrome).

⚠️ Note: If after rebooting the device, the browser is reset to Mi Browser again, then, MIUI It ignores Android settings. Go to the following ways.

• 🔹 Pros: Quick, does not require superuser rights.
• 🔸 Cons: On MIUI 12+ Often not working due to system overdefinitions.
• 🔶 Feature: After the change, try to immediately open a link from another application (for example, Telegram) to "fix" the choice.

Method 2: Reset application preferences (radical method)

If the standard method didn’t work, try resetting all the default application settings, which will force the system to request browser selection again the next time a link is opened.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (menu) → Reset application preferences. Confirm action. Now the next time you click on any link (such as WhatsApp or VK), a browser selection window will appear. Choose the desired one and tick Always.

⚠️ Note: After reset, you will have to reconfigure all applications by default (not only the browser, but also the browser). SMS, telephone, cards, etc.).

Make sure the browser is installed |

Close all background applications |

Connect to Wi-Fi (in case of data download) |

Backup of important settings (optional)-->

Method 3: Use ADB (for advanced users)

If MIUI stubbornly ignores your attempts, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to manually prescribe your default browser through the command line, works even on blocked firmware.

First, turn on Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap this item 7 times. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate Debugging over USB.

Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer, install ADB drivers (if necessary) and execute:

adb devices


adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.providers.settings




adb shell cmd appops set com.miui.browser DEFAULT_BROWSER ignore

After that, restart the phone and repeat Method 1 – now the browser choice should be saved.

• 🛠️ Required: Computer, USB-cable, debugging rights.
• 🔧 Effect: Blocks the forced use of the Mi Browser.
• ⚠️ Risk: The wrong teams ADB They may disrupt the system.

💡

ADB is the most reliable way to circumvent MIUI limitations, but it requires caution. Always check commands before executing.

Method 4: Disable Mi Browser through MIUI settings

If you don't plan on using the built-in browser, you can turn it off completely, which will force the system to use the alternative browser by default, but on some versions of MIUI this method is blocked.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, find Mi Browser and open its page. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive). Confirm action.

Once you turn off, try to open any link, and the system will automatically prompt you to choose another browser, which does not work on all firmware, but if it works, it will eliminate the problem forever.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Disabling Mi Browser causes system utilities (such as Mi Account) to malfunction.

💡

If the Disable button is inactive, try removing all Mi Browser updates first and then try again.

Method 5: Use of third-party utilities (without root)

For users who don’t want to mess with ADB, there’s an alternative — apps like Default App Manager or SetEdit — that let you manage default settings through a graphical interface, bypassing some of the limitations of MIUI.

Download Default App Manager from Google Play, open it and provide all the permissions you need. Search the Browser and select the application you want to use. Some utilities require ADB (single-time) permissions, but do not need root.

• 📱 Pros: Easier than manual commands ADB.
• 🔒 Cons: Not all utilities work on MIUI 14.
• 🛡️ Security: Download only from the official store.

Example of utility workers:

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:

1. Custom Recovery firmware (TWRP) + Magisk. It allows you to root and manually edit the system files that are responsible for the default applications. Risky for beginners.
2. Global firmware installation: Global MIUI versions (such as MIUI Global) impose less on Mi Browser than Chinese builds.
3. Use Work Profile: Create a work profile through Island or Shelter and set up a separate browser in it by default.

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the most reliable option is the ADB + preference reset combination, and if that doesn’t work, consider switching to custom firmware (like the Pixel Experience), where there are no such restrictions.

⚠️ Warning: Installing custom firmware will void warranty and may cause the device to fail.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi