Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face intrusive behavior of the MIUI shell or its new version of HyperOS. Immediately after the first switch on the device or after updating the system, the Mi Browser becomes the main conductor on the Internet. This application can irritate with an abundance of advertising in the news feed, consumption of resources and not always a convenient interface that users of other Android smartphones are used to seeing.
Fortunately, the Android operating system that underpins Xiaomi firmware allows you to flexibly customize user preferences. Replacing a standard web browser is one of the first tasks that experienced gadget owners solve. This action does not require root rights or complex engineering menus, but knowing the exact paths in settings is necessary, since menu items can be hidden or renamed depending on the firmware version.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail the process of changing the main application for opening links. We will look at the standard methods through the system settings, and also touch on the nuances of working with shell applications that can intercept control.
Why you should replace the standard browser on Xiaomi
The standard Mi Browser is often criticized for its aggressive monetization policies. Unlike its minimalist counterparts, it tries to turn the start page into a news aggregate that consumes traffic and battery power. Privacy-conscious users also note that embedded solutions collect more telemetry than dedicated products from independent developers.
Third-party browsers like Firefox, Brave, or even standard Chrome offer more advanced tools for blocking ads and trackers, allowing you to install extensions, synchronize your history with desktop versions, and use power saving mode more efficiently. Installing an alternative app is the first step to customizing your device.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi system widgets, such as Wallpaper Carousel or built-in weather widgets, can force you to open links in the Mi Browser, ignoring the default system settings. This behavior is a feature of the firmware, not a bug.
In addition, many modern browsers are optimized to work with iron acceleration of specific Snapdragon or MediaTek processors, which provides smoother page scrolling and faster loading of heavy graphics. Replacing a standard application often leads to a noticeable increase in performance when surfing the Internet.
Preparation: downloading and installing alternatives
Before you change your system settings, you need to make sure that the new app is already installed on your device. Google Play or GetApps stores (the Xiaomi store) have a huge selection of solutions. To get started, you will need a stable connection to the Wi-Fi network or mobile Internet.
It is recommended to select applications from trusted developers to avoid the introduction of malicious code. Once the installation package is loaded, the system may request permission to install from unknown sources if you are using it. APK-files, but when downloading from the marketplaces, this step is usually missed. It is important to wait for the full installation and initial configuration of the selected browser.
☑️ Preparation for the browser change
So, take your time to go into settings right after you install it. Many browsers offer to be the primary browsers when you first start up. If you miss this pop-up, it's okay, we'll manually configure it through the system menu, and the main thing is that the application is fully integrated into the system.
Main way: Configure through the application menu
The most direct and reliable method of changing the priority application to Xiaomi is to use the management menu of a particular application. This method works on all versions of MIUI and HyperOS, regardless of the regional version of the firmware (Global, CN, EEA).
To start, open your smartphone settings and go to the Apps section. Here you will need to find the All Apps item, which displays the full list of installed software. In the list, find the browser you want to make the main one (such as Chrome or Firefox), and click on its name to enter the control menu.
In the menu that opens, look for the Default section (sometimes called “Default Launch” or “Default Open”). Inside, you’ll see a switch or “Open Supported Links” button. Activate this option. The system can alert you that this application will be used to open web links.
| Setup parameter | Wherever | Value for activation | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appendix menu | Settings → Applications → All applications | Select the desired browser | The list can be long. |
| Division of management | Inside the application card | By default / Launch | Icon of a gear or text |
| Type of reference | Submenu "Open links" | Always open/allow | Key switch. |
| Confirmation | A pop-up window | OK/Confirm | Required for entry into force |
Once you activate all the switches in this menu, the system will remember your choice. Now, when you try to open a link from the messenger or notes, Android will automatically launch the application you choose, bypassing the standard Mi Browser.
What to do if there is no “default” item?
Alternative method: through general system settings
If you thought the previous method was too deep or you didn't find the right item, you can use the global settings, which are more logical for users who are used to looking for I/O settings in one place. On Redmi Note smartphones, this section is often hidden in the submenu.
Go to Settings on your smartphone. There's often a search bar at the top of the screen — type in the word "Default" or "Default" there. The system will prompt you to go to the desired menu section. If the search doesn't produce results, look for the App section, and then Manage the Applications.
In the upper right corner of the screen, click on the icon with three dots or a gear. In the drop-down menu, select the default App. Here is a list of categories: phone, messages, camera and, of course, browser. Click on the Browser bar and select the desired application from the list.
⚠️ Note: On some versions of the firmware with aggressive memory optimization after changing the browser, the system may after a while again offer to return the default settings.
The good thing about this method is that it resets all file and link associations at once, creating a clean configuration. However, it is less flexible than setting up through a card of a particular application, since it does not allow you to fine-tune behavior for different types of files. URL-address.
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If after changing the browser, links stopped opening at all, try clearing the Settings app cache or restarting your smartphone. This will update the system association tables.
Solving problems: if the browser is not selected
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where, despite all the settings, links continue to open in Mi Browser or the system constantly asks what to open a link. This can be caused by caching old settings or conflicting versions of Android.
To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All Apps. Click three dots in the corner and select Reset App Settings. This operation is safe for your data: it won't delete photos or contacts, but will return all permissions and defaults to factory values. After that, you will have to re-allow access to the camera or microphone for all programs.
Another reason could be the presence of shell applications or “cleaners” that intercept control, check if you have third-party launchers or antiviruses with web protection function that can block the change of link opening protocols.
It’s also worth checking if the Safe Browser feature is enabled in the Mi Browser itself, which can block it from being disabled as the main one. Go to the settings of the Mi Browser itself, find the privacy section and turn off the enhanced protection, then repeat the procedure for changing the main application.
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Resetting app settings is a radical, but often the only way to make the system “forget” old priorities and adopt a new browser by default.
Features of work in HyperOS and new versions of MIUI
With the release of the HyperOS shell, Xiaomi has slightly changed the logic of working with system applications, in new versions, the integration of its own services has increased, and the system can more aggressively suggest returning to its native browser with each major security update.
HyperOS adds a new layer of protection that requires confirmation of actions when changing system components. When you try to install a new browser, you can get a screen with a countdown timer or a warning about potential risks. This is standard practice for Android 13 and 14, aimed at combating malware.
Users of the new Redmi Note models should pay attention to the “Advanced Memory” function. Sometimes browsers installed on a virtual partition of memory may not work as stable as the main one, and it is recommended to keep an active browser on the main physical memory of the device.
And the new firmware has also changed the way widgets work, so if you use a ribbon widget or a Google Discover widget, they can ignore the system choices and use their built-in web engine, which is an operating system layer limitation that doesn't have a workaround yet without third-party launchers.