Xiaomi smartphone owners often face intrusive behavior from MIUI, which compulsively suggests using the built-in Mi Browser to open web links, even if you have already installed and actively use a more convenient or functional browser, such as Google Chrome or Yandex Browser. The problem is not only aesthetics, but also unnecessary advertising that can pop up when clicking on links from instant messengers.
Fortunately, the Android operating system on which the MIUI shell is based gives users full control over application priorities. On the Redmi Note 9 model, this process is implemented quite logically, although the settings menu sometimes hides in non-obvious sections. Changing the browser by default will allow you to open links immediately in the familiar application, bypassing unnecessary steps and system suggestions.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm for switching the standard, we will look not only at the basic method through the settings, but also at the nuances of resetting if the system “forgot” your choice, and we will also focus on the features of MIUI 12 and MIUI 13, which may differ in the location of menu items.
Why the system imposes Mi Browser and whether it is worth removing
Xiaomi is actively developing its services, and Mi Browser is one of the key elements of the manufacturer’s ecosystem, it is integrated deep into the system to ensure the operation of certain functions, such as fast search in global search or widgets on the desktop. That is why completely removing this application without obtaining root rights or use. ADB It is often not recommended or recommended to regular users.
However, third-party solutions are often driven by necessity: Many users prefer to synchronize history through a Google account, have built-in ad blockers or simply a lighter interface. Xiaomi’s standard browser is sometimes criticized for overconsumption of resources and aggressive news feed, which is difficult to turn off completely.
⚠️ Warning: Deleting the Mi Browser system component completely can cause search widgets or smart assistant functions to malfunction.
Installing an alternative browser as the primary one is software prioritization. MIUI Browser, but stops running it automatically when you click on it URL-This is the optimal balance between system stability and user comfort.
Preparation for the change of the standard annex
Before you make changes to the Redmi Note 9 system settings, make sure that the app you want is already installed and working correctly. If you just bought a phone, it may not have Google Chrome or another browser of your choice, as some regional firmware may have Google services disabled or hidden.
Download the necessary APK installation file from the official Google Play store or GetApps. After installation, do not rush to change the settings immediately. Launch a new browser at least once, accept the user agreement and, if necessary, log in to your account. This will create the necessary cache files and register the application in the system as ready to work.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Also worth checking for updates for Android itself and the MIUI shell. The interface of the settings menu can vary significantly in different versions of the software. If you have a very old version, the path to settings may be different, or the default browser selection function may not work properly due to software errors.
Main method: Configure via the application menu
The most reliable and easy way to change the priority app on the Redmi Note 9 is to use the application management menu, which works on all current versions of MIUI and does not require a deep knowledge of the system structure.
To start, open the Settings app on your smartphone, which is usually represented by a gear icon and is located on the home screen or in the Tools folder. Scroll down to the App (or All Apps) section, and it stores the full information about all the software installed.
In the list that opens, look for App Management. In some versions of firmware, it may be simply called Apps. Click on it to see the full list of programs. Now you need to find the application you want to make the primary one (like Chrome) in this list, not the system browser.
Once you find the app you want, click on the name of the app. A page will open with the program information: space, version, permissions. Find the default line (or "Default Launch"). If it says "No" or another app, click on this line.
In the menu that opens, you'll see the Open by Default switch or the Select by Default button. The system can give you a choice from a list of suitable applications if there are more than one installed. Select the browser you want from the list and confirm the action. Now all links will be opened through it.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Annex | Name of the browser program | Settings → Applications |
| Action. | Setting priority | Inside the application card |
| Section | Category of settings | By default / Launch |
| Status | Current status | Active / Selected |
💡
If the default button is inactive (gray) in the default list, first click Clear Default Settings for the current browser and then select a new one.
Alternative way through global MIUI settings
There is a second way that allows you to manage application priorities centrally without going to the card of each individual browser, which is especially convenient if you want to quickly check which applications have the right to run certain types of files or links.
Go to the main Settings menu. Scroll down to the bottom and select the App. In the menu that opens, look at the top of the screen or the "Advanced" section. Find the default App item. In some versions of MIUI, it may be inside the Application Manager submenu.
Clicking on this, you'll see a list of action categories: dialing, sending messages, navigation, and of course, the Browser. Click on "Browser." The system will give you a list of all the browsers installed. Just tick the one that should be the primary one.
⚠️ Attention: In new versions MIUI (12.5 and above) this item can be hidden or moved.If you do not find "Default Apps", use the first method through the card of the specific application described above.
The advantage of this is that it's visually visual, and you can see the whole picture right away: which browser you choose, which messenger you use to make Internet calls, etc. It avoids confusion when you have three different browsers on your system, and you don't remember which one is the main one.
Troubleshooting: Resetting default settings
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the system ignores the selected browser or constantly asks what to open a link, this can be due to version conflict or software failures in MIUI.
To reset, go back to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Click the menu button (three dots in the corner) or look for the Reset App Settings button (in some firmwares, it is in the “Advanced” section).
What happens when you reset your application settings?
After resetting the first time you click on the link, Android will ask you again which app to open the URL. In the window that appears, select the desired browser and be sure to click Always (or tick the appropriate box), which will fix the choice and prevent repeated questions.
If the problem persists, try clearing the browser's cache. Go to Settings → Apps → [Your browser] → Memory and click Clear cache. Don't confuse it with the Clear All button, as this will delete your saved passwords and browsing history.
💡
Resetting application priorities is a universal solution if the system has “forgotten” your choice or behaves incorrectly when opening links.
Comparison of popular browsers for Redmi Note 9
Choosing a primary browser is a matter of taste, but options like power consumption and system integration are important for Xiaomi owners. Google Chrome is a benchmark for synchronization, but can be a bit heavy for budget processors when opening a lot of tabs.
Yandex Browser and Opera offer built-in traffic saving and ad blocking features, which is very relevant for mobile networks, and they are often better optimized for running in the background on MIUI shells, which aggressively unload applications from memory.
- 🚀 Speed: Brave and Firefox Focus show better results in page loading speeds thanks to tracker locks.
- 🔋 Battery savings: Opera Mini and UC Browser uses data compression modes to extend battery life.
- 🛡️ Security: Samsung Internet (you can install it on Xiaomi) and Brave have powerful built-in phishing protections.
For example, if you read articles often, browsers with Incognito or nighttime reading will be more useful than standard solutions. Test different options to find the perfect balance between functionality and speed on your Redmi Note 9.