Xiaomi Redmi smartphones based on MIUI firmware offer flexible settings for choosing the default applications from browser to messenger. However, many users face problems: the system automatically resets settings after updating, some applications do not appear in the selection list, and in MIUI 14/15 the logic of work has changed. This article will help you to understand how to properly configure default actions on Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and other models, avoiding typical errors.
Unlike “pure” Android, where the default app settings are concentrated in one menu, MIUI It distributes them into several sections, like browser selection and application selection. SMS adjusting to the settings → Applications and call settings - in Settings → SIM-We'll go through each scenario in detail, including hidden parameters for developers that circumvent system constraints.
Why Xiaomi is resetting its default settings?
The main reason for automatic reset is the MIUI security policy. After major updates (e.g. from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), the system checks application compatibility and resets settings for:
- 🔄 Applications that have been removed or deactivated
- 🛡️ High-resolution services (SMS, phone calls)
- 📱 Applications that conflict with system applications (e.g., alternative launchers)
The second factor is battery optimization, where if an application has been out of use for a long time, MIUI can block its background activity, which leads to a reset, including messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and email clients.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI Globally, some system applications (Mi Browser, Messages) cannot be removed completely, only disable. ADB root-right.
How to change the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi
By default, MIUI suggests using Mi Browser, but it can be replaced with Google Chrome, Firefox or another browser.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Click the browser and select the desired application from the list.
If your browser does not appear in the list:
- 📥 Make sure the app is installed and updated to the latest version.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes MIUI Does not update the list immediately.
- 🛠️ Firefox Focus or niche browsers may need to enable the option to Open supported links in the browser settings.
☑️ Preparation for the browser change
MIUI 15 has introduced the Smart Browser Selection feature, which analyzes which browser you use more often and offers it as your primary browser, to disable this feature:
- Go to Settings → Special features → Smart features.
- Turn off the switch Intelligent selection of applications.
Set up applications for SMS and calls
To change the default application for SMS and calls, use different menus:
| Type of action | Path in settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| SMS | Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Applications → SMS | It requires permission to send SMS. On MIUI 14+, Google Messages may not appear without manual activation. |
| Calls. | Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Default call | It only works for the main SIM-Double-decked cards. SIM setting is applied separately. |
| Video calls. | Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Applications → Video Calls | It is only available if you have Google Duo or Mi Video Call installed. |
For Google Messages or Textra SMS, you may need to adjust:
- Open the application and allow access to SMS.
- In the application settings, find the option to Install as the default application.
- Confirm your choice in a system dialogue.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI for Russia (version) RU) some applications SMS (for example, QKSMS) You may not be able to process service messages from the operator correctly, in which case you can use Google Messages.
Change applications to open files (PDF, photos, videos)
MIUI It automatically assigns Mi File Explorer and Gallery to open media files, but they are easy to replace. PDF:
- Install Adobe Acrobat or Foxit PDF.
- Open any one. PDF-File via Mi File Explorer.
- In the dialog box, select the desired application and mark Always.
For photos and videos, the algorithm is similar, but there are nuances:
- 🖼️ Apps like Google Photos don’t replace Gallery completely, they only duplicate functionality.
- 🎥 For the video. MX Player or VLC You need to manually assign the default player for each format (.mp4,.mkv).
- 🔧 V MIUI 15 Autoplay option in Gallery that can conflict with third-party players.
If the system ignores your choice:
- Clear the cache and data of the Mi File Explorer application in Settings → Applications.
- Reset the device.
- Repeat the choice of application for a specific file type.
💡
To reset all file opening settings, go to Settings → Apps → Reset application settings → Reset opening preferences.
Default Actions for Assistants (Google Assistant vs XiaoAI)
Xiaomi Redmi uses XiaoAI by default, but it can be replaced by Google Assistant.
- Install Google App from Play Market.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Applications → Voice Assistant.
- Select Google from the list.
If the option is inactive:
- 🔊 Make sure that in the settings → Voice Entering enabled by Google Voice Search.
- 📱 Some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro) require you to disable XiaoAI in Settings. → Special facilities → Smart functions.
- 🔄 Reboot the device after changing assistant.
For complete removal of XiaoAI (requires ADB):
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.voiceassist⚠️ Note: After removal of XiaoAI through ADB Some features (such as voice control in Mi Home) may not work properly.
Resetting all default actions
If after experimenting with settings the system began to work unstable, you can reset all preferences:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on three points → Reset application settings.
- Select Reset of Opening Preferences.
It's an action:
- ✅ Reset all applications by default (browser, SMS, phone calls, etc.).
- ❌ Will not delete application data or accounts.
- 🔄 Will not affect system settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
For a complete reset (including application settings), use:
- Settings → About the phone → Reset settings → Reset all settings.
- Select Reset Application Settings (without deleting media files).
What to do if the reset does not help?
Hidden settings for experienced users
For advanced users who want to flexibly manage their default actions, the developer options and ADB-team.
Activate the Developer Mode:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Slip on the MIUI version 7 times until the notification appears.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
Enable the option Do not reset by default (not available on all versions of MIUI). To force the default application to be assigned via ADB:
adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.app.role.SMS DEFAULT_SMS_PACKAGE
adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.app.role.BROWSER DEFAULT_BROWSER_PACKAGEWhere DEFAULT_SMS_PACKAGE and DEFAULT_BROWSER_PACKAGE — Packet IDs (e.g. com.google.android.apps.messaging for Google Messages).
To determine the packet ID, use:
adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"Where keyword is part of the application name (e.g., chrome).
💡
Using ADB requires USB debugging enabled and drivers installed, and incorrect commands can disrupt the system.