How to install Google Chrome default on Xiaomi: full instructions for MIUI 14/15

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones often come with a pre-installed Mi Browser browser, which automatically becomes the default link-opening app. However, many users prefer Google Chrome for its speed, sync with a Google account and advanced features. Switching the default browser to Xiaomi is not always obvious – the system can hide settings or block changes due to security policies.

In this article, you will find current ways to make Chrome the primary browser on Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models) with the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14. We will look at the standard method through settings, bypassing system restrictions, and solutions for cases where the browser selection button is inactive.

Why can’t you just choose Chrome on Xiaomi?

The problem of changing the default browser to Xiaomi is related to the features of the MIUI shell:

• 🔒 Security policy: MIUI Blocks changing some system applications by default, including the browser, to prevent malware installation.
• 📦 Pre-installed apps: Mi Browser is integrated into the system and takes precedence over third-party browsers.
• 🌐 Regional restrictions: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Google services are not available by default, which makes it difficult to install Chrome.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI: After major updates, browser settings can be reset, and Mi Browser again becomes the main one.

In addition, on some models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13), the default browser selection option may be hidden in deep settings or not at all in the menu.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

If your Xiaomi device runs on Global ROM with Google services, try the classic method:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Scroll to the Browser section and tap it.
4. In the list of available browsers, select Google Chrome.

If there is no default App or Chrome does not appear in the list:

• 📌 Make sure the browser is installed (download it from Google Play).
• 🔄 Restart your device – sometimes it helps to show hidden options.
• 🛠️ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version: in new builds Xiaomi expands the options of customization.

Install Google Chrome from the official store|Check for updates MIUI|Reboot your smartphone|Open Chrome at least once before setting up-->

Important: On some devices (e.g. POCO F5), the browser selection option may be called Opening Web Links and be in the Settings menu → Apps → Chrome → Open by default.

Method 2: Bypassing MIUI restrictions through developer settings

If the standard method doesn’t work, activate the developer mode and use hidden options:

1. Go to Settings → About phone and 7 times tap on the item MIUI version until the notification appears You became a developer!.
2. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
3. Find the USB Installation option (or USB Debugging) and turn it on.
4. Scroll down to Special Features and activate Disable MIUI Optimization (if any).

After that:

• 🔧 Try changing your browser by default again through Settings → Annexes.
• 📱 If the option is still blocked, install it. ADB The command is: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main
• 🔄 Restart the device - changes will apply after the reboot.

⚠️ Attention: Disabling optimization MIUI This method can lead to increased battery consumption and unstable performance of certain functions. Use this method only if other methods have not helped.

Method 3: Use of third-party utilities (for power users)

If the system settings don't allow you to change your browser, you can use specialized applications, one of which is Default App Manager (available on Google Play), which allows you to manually assign applications by default, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Install and open Default App Manager.
2. Give the application ADB rights (follow the instructions in the interface).
3. In the category list, select Browser.
4. Slip on Google Chrome and confirm your choice.

Alternative utilities:

• 🛠️ App Cloner – creates a copy of Chrome, which can be assigned by the default browser.
• 🔧 SetEdit – edits Android system settings (requires root).
• 📌 Tasker – Automating Link Opening in Chrome through Tasks.

⚠️ Note: Apps like SetEdit or Tasker may conflict with MIUI, You can also use the interface to back up your data through your Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 4: Solution for Chinese firmware (China ROM)

On devices with China ROM (such as Xiaomi 14 Pro for the Chinese market), Google services are not by default, and Chrome cannot be installed through Google Play.

1. Download. APK-Google Chrome file from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror).
2. Install Google Installer (available on the MIUI forum) to deploy Google services.
3. After installing Chrome, try changing your default browser through Settings → Apps.

If the option is still unavailable:

• 🔧 Use it. ADB for compulsory appointment: adb shell pm grant com.android.chrome android.permission.DEFAULT
• 📱 Install an alternative firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) where restrictions are MIUI removed.
• 🌍 Switch to global firmware via Mi Flash Tool (risk of loss of warranty!).

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Before installation APK-file ROM Turn off signature verification in security settings (Settings) → Passwords and security → Installation from unknown sources).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, Xiaomi users are faced with typical errors:

On devices with MIUI 15 and Android 14 (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), you may need additional permission to change your browser. To do this, after selecting Chrome in the settings, open the terminal and do:

pm grant com.android.chrome android.permission.QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES

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If none of the methods worked, check if your device has MIUI installed in the enterprise version (for example, through Android Enterprise), in which case the default browser change can be blocked by the device administrator.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions