How to install the default browser on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI 14/15

You've just installed Google Chrome or Firefox on your Xiaomi, but when you open links still runs a standard MIUI Browser?This is a typical situation for MIUI-based smartphones - the operating shell from Xiaomi often ignores Android's default settings. Unlike "pure" Android, where changing the browser takes a couple of taps, additional actions may be required here.

Complicating the problem, some Xiaomi models (especially those with MIUI 14 and below) have their default browser choice hidden in the depths of the settings or not in the app menu. In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways, from the standard method through Android settings to hard-nosed firmware workarounds, and the instructions are tested on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Poco F5, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and other models from 2022-2026.

Why Xiaomi does not allow you to change the browser by default?

The root of the problem lies in the policy of MIUI, Xiaomi’s branded shell, and here are the key reasons:

• 🔒 Linkage to services MIUI: The standard browser is integrated with Xiaomi’s cloud, bookmark synchronization and other ecosystem features.The company has no interest in users abandoning it.
• 📦 Android Restrictions: Starting with Android 10, Google has tightened the rules for manufacturers, but MIUI Finds loopholes to leave your browser "priority".
• 🛠️ Firmware for different regions: Global (Global) ROM) and Chinese ROM) version MIUI For example, on Xiaomi for China, changing the browser is often blocked completely.

Interesting fact: on some models (for example, the Poco X5 Pro) after upgrading to MIUI 15, the browser selection option appears in the settings, whereas on the same firmware, but on the Redmi Note 11, it may not be.

⚠️ Note: If you use a Xiaomi corporate smartphone with preinstalled MDM-profile (device management), the administrator can block the browser change by default, in this case, without the administrator rights to circumvent the restriction will not work.

Method 1: Standard Method through Android Settings

This option works on most devices with MIUI 12-15 and Android 11-14. The instructions are universal for Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Find the browser and select the desired application (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).

If the Browser item isn't on the list, your version of MIUI is hiding it. Go to the next one.

Make sure that the alternative browser is installed from Google Play

Close all open tabs in MIUI Browser

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Turn it off. VPN (It can block access to settings)-->

Method 2: Through the settings of a particular browser

Some browsers (like Google Chrome or Brave) offer to set themselves by default right from their interface.

1. Open an alternative browser (such as Chrome).
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Find the default browser section (in Firefox this can be called Make Firefox the default browser).
4. Follow the on-screen hints – the system will redirect you to Android settings where you need to confirm the selection.

If after these actions MIUI Browser still opens by default, try the following method.

💡

On some firmware, Xiaomi helps to reboot your smartphone after changing your default browser. Try turning the device off and on if the changes don't apply.

Method 3: Reset application settings (if the browser does not change)

When standard methods fail, Android settings may fail, in which case resetting application settings without deleting data will help:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm action. This will bring back all the application settings to the factory, but it won't delete your data.
4. After reset, repeat Method 1 – the option to select a browser should appear.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting your application settings will disable all permissions you gave to the programs (camera, microphone, etc.) and after the procedure, you will have to reconfigure them again.

Method 4: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If none of the previous methods worked, the advanced method remains: command via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting a smartphone to a computer, but is guaranteed to work on even the most stubborn firmware.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 📥 Google's Platform Tools utility
• 🔧 Included Debugging by USB smartphone

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.
2. Turn on USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate the USB Debugging Switch.

Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.

Platform Tools

adb devices

The serial number of your device should be displayed.

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

For other browsers, replace com.android.chrome with their package:

• Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox/.App
• Microsoft Edge: com.microsoft.emmx/.MainActivity
• Brave: com.brave.browser/.BraveActivity

This method is especially relevant for Xiaomi on Chinese firmware (China ROM), where the default browser change is often blocked at the system level.

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Microsoft Edge

Brave

MIUI Browser (Leave the Standard)

Other-->

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, Xiaomi users are faced with nuances.

• 🔄 Browser resets after update MIUI: This is a known problem. The solution is to reset the setting after the update or disable the automatic firmware update in Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Links from some applications are opened in MIUI Browser: Some programs (such as Mi Video or Mi Community) are tightly tied to a standard browser, and there's nothing you can do about it, you have to put up with or delete these apps.
• 🔒 No Default option when you open a link: Check if your phone has Parental Control or a corporate profile.