Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where, after installing a new browser or messenger, the system continues to run standard applications, because the MIUI shell already sets priorities for all types of files and actions. To change this order, you need to manually reconfigure the corresponding parameters in the device menu.
The default setting process on Redmi 9 does not require superuser rights or complex code manipulations. All the necessary tools are hidden in standard settings, which are open to anyone, and the correct configuration allows you to make your smartphone more convenient and personalized to your habits.
In this guide, we will discuss how to assign preferred applications for calling, messaging, navigation, and opening files, and how to reset your settings if the system stops responding correctly to your choices or starts imposing unnecessary services.
Principles of the MIUI Priority System
The MIUI shell installed on Redmi 9 uses a strict hierarchy to handle system queries. When you click on a link in a message or open a photo from a file manager, the Android operating system looks for an application that is registered as the default handler of this type of action. If such an application is found, it launches automatically without further questions.
However, if you install a new program, such as an alternative browser or gallery, the system does not always switch to it itself, this is done to maintain stability and prevent conflicts between applications.
Why is MIUI ignoring the new browser?
It's important to understand that settings can be applied globally across the device, or locally to a particular file type, for example, video files can be opened in one player and music files can be opened in another, and these settings are managed through a single settings center, which we'll discuss later.
Set up applications for calls and messages
One of the most common tasks is to replace the standard “caller” and application for the SMS-Many users prefer more functional counterparts from third-party developers. To make the chosen application the main one, you need to follow several consecutive steps in the settings menu.
First, go to Settings, then select the App. In the list that opens, find the Application Management option. This shows the full list of all the software you have installed. Find the application you want to make the primary one (like a new dialer) and click on it.
☑️ Checking before changing calls
Within the menu of the selected application, find the Default Start or Open by Default section. If the option is not available (gray), first click the Clean Default Settings button if it is active, and then try again. After that, the system should suggest that you select this application as the main one when making the next call or sending a message.
⚠️ Note: When changing the application for SMS Make sure that the new app is given permission to read contacts and send messages, otherwise you will not be able to receive confirmation codes from banks.
If you don't automatically select, you can take an alternative route. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. In the upper right corner, click on the menu (three dots) and select Other Settings. This often hides the default App where you can hard-wire preferences for calls and SMS.
Change of browser and link processor
Changing your web browser is an action that most users take immediately after buying Redmi 9. MIUI It can be overloaded with news feed, so installing Chrome, Firefox or Opera is a priority. HTTP and HTTPS reference.
The process begins by going to the Settings menu. Scroll down to the App and select Application Management. At the top of the screen or in the menu (three dots), find the default App section. From the category list, select the Browser.
The system will offer a list of all installed browsers. Choose the one you plan to use all the time, and then all the links from messengers, mail and other programs will open in the browser you choose, which greatly speeds up the work with web content.
Sometimes, links are opened in an application that is not a browser (for example, in a social networking app).To fix this, find the link hijacker in the list of applications, go to its settings and select Open by default → Request or Do not open. This will return control of the links to the system.
Setting up navigation and maps
For drivers and travelers, it is critical that addresses are opened in the right navigator. On Xiaomi Redmi 9, Google Maps, Yandex.Maps and 2GIS can be installed simultaneously.
The algorithm is similar to the browser settings. In the Applications menu, by default, find the Navigation or Maps category. If there is no such category explicitly, the system will ask you the first time you click on the address, at which point select the desired application and tick Always.
If you accidentally chose “Just now” or confused the app, you need to reset. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find the app that is currently opening instead of the navigator. Go to Default Start and click Reset.
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Use the voice assistant to check. After setting up, say "Show your route home" to make sure the navigator you chose is running.
Also worth checking the settings inside the maps themselves. Some navigators have a "Use as the default app" option that duplicates system settings and can create conflicts. Make sure the navigator itself doesn't have an external control ban.
Working with files and multimedia
Redmi 9 has a large screen and good multimedia stuffing, so users often install third-party video players and readers. Android system allows you to assign different applications for different types of files, which is very convenient for organizing a media library.
To change an application to open photos, videos or documents, the easiest way to do so is to do so “from the file.” Open any file of the desired type (for example, a video.mp4). If the system asks how to open the file, select the desired player and press Always. If the question does not arise and the file opened in the standard application, act through the settings menu.
The default App section may not have an explicit file format separation, in which case it helps to clear the cache of standard applications. Find the standard Explorer or Gallery, go to Memory and click Clear (not to be confused with deleting data) This will force the system to ask preferences again.
| File type | Standard annex | Recommended alternative | Where to change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo (.jpg,.png) | gallery | Google Photos / Simple Gallery | Settings → Applications |
| Video (.mp4,.mkv) | Mi video | MX Player / VLC | When you open a file |
| Documents (.pdf) | Documents | Adobe Reader / OfficeSuite | Settings → Applications |
| Audio (.mp3) | Mi Music. | PowerAmp / BlackPlayer | When you open a file |
Pay special attention to archives and specific formats. If you work with documents often, installing a full office suite and assigning it to the default files.docx and.xlsx will significantly improve productivity with your smartphone.
Resetting and Resolving Configuration Errors
Sometimes MIUI can forget your settings or start behaving incorrectly after an update, which requires a complete reset of application preferences, a secure operation that doesn't delete your personal data, photos or contacts, but returns all launch settings to factory values.
To perform the reset, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Click on the menu (three dots in the corner) and select Reset App Settings. The system will warn you that permissions and preferences will be reset. Confirm the action.
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Resetting app settings is a universal solution if you are confused about priorities or the system ignores your choices.
After resetting any file type (links, photos, videos) for the first time, Redmi 9 will again ask which application to use. This is the perfect moment to reset all priorities carefully. Remember to tick the box Always so you don't get repeated questions.
⚠️ Warning: Once you reset your app settings, you'll have to reissue permissions (camera, microphone, geolocation) for all applications.
If the problem persists even after reset, MIUI energy saving may be interfering. Go to the battery settings and make sure that the default apps you select are not background activity restriction or "freeze"; this may block them from running by the system.