Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI or the new HyperOS, offer users a wide range of tools for surfing the Internet. However, after buying a new device or resetting the settings, the system often suggests using third-party browsers preinstalled by the manufacturer or partner programs. Many device owners prefer to return to the native solution – Mi Browser, which is optimized to work with the ecosystem of the brand, consumes less resources and has built-in adlocking functionality.
The process of changing the application by default seems trivial, but in current firmware versions, the company’s engineers have hidden this option quite deep in the security and privacy menu, to protect inexperienced users from randomly changing critical system settings. In this article, we’ll detail how to circumvent these limitations and fix Mi Browser as the main tool for opening links.
You'll learn not only about the standard algorithm, but also about the nuances that you can encounter when using different versions of Android. We'll look at the methods of forced installation, work with access rights and cleanup of other browsers if the system stubbornly does not allow you to choose the right application.
The Benefits of Using a Native Browser on Xiaomi
The Mi Browser is not only a habit but also a technically useful tool, and unlike heavy-duty apps, the native app is tightly integrated with Android system processes and the MIUI shell, which makes it easier to switch between tabs and handle links opened from other apps like Telegram or WhatsApp.
The key advantage is the built-in traffic saving mechanism and ad blocker that works at the system level. When the Mi Browser is installed by default, it can intercept background requests to ad servers before they are displayed on the screen, which positively affects the battery life of the device.
⚠️ Attention: Using third-party browsers with aggressive advertising can lead to quick battery drain and overheating of the processor, as they often run hidden miners or heavy scripts.
Another important aspect is data synchronization, which means that if you use a Mi Account, your browsing history, bookmarks and passwords will be automatically available on tablets and TVs of the same brand without the need to install additional plugins, creating a single ecosystem where the transition from device to device occurs unnoticed by the user.
Preparing the system before bedtime application by default
Before you start changing your system settings, make sure that the Mi Browser app is installed and updated to the latest version. In some regions or firmware versions, it may be removed by the user or not in the basic configuration. APK-file in the system folder or download the current version from the GetApps store.
Also, clear the cache of the current browser, which is assigned to the main one. Accumulated temporary files can cause conflicts when trying to reassign priorities. To do this, go to the application settings, find the current browser (for example, Chrome) and select Clear Data. This action will not delete your bookmarks, but reset the default settings.
☑️ Preparation for the browser change
It is important to ensure a stable connection to the Internet at the time of setting up, as the system may require confirmation of access rights or download additional security components. If you are using a corporate network with severe restrictions, it is better to switch to mobile traffic or home Wi-Fi.
The basic method of installation through security settings
The most reliable way to change the default browser on Xiaomi devices is to use the special features menu and privacy protection. The path to these settings may vary slightly depending on the Android version and shell, but the logic remains the same. First, open the main settings menu of your smartphone.
Next, follow the Privacy Protection path → Special Permissions → Default Apps. In some versions of MIUI, this item may be simply called “Default Apps” and be located under “Applications.” Find the “Browser” category in the list and click on it.
The system will offer a list of available browsers. If the Mi Browser is installed correctly, it will be in the list. Select it. If the system issues a warning about a change in standard behavior, confirm the action. Now all links from the messengers will open in the selected application.
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The path to settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI, but the keyword to search in settings is “Default Apps.”
In rare cases, when the desired browser does not appear in the list, you need to take an additional step to reset application preferences. To do this, in the Default Apps menu, click on the three dots in the upper right corner (if available) or return to the general menu of application settings.
Alternative way through application management
If the standard path through the security menu did not lead to the desired result, you can use direct control of installed programs. This method is especially effective when the system "remembers" the old choice and ignores the new settings. → All applications.
In the list, find the Mi Browser and navigate to its properties. At the bottom of the screen or in the "Additional" menu (often hidden under the "More" button), there should be an option "Open by default." Click on it and select "Use by default." This forcibly registers the application as a priority for processing web links.
If the button is inactive, try to clear the Mi Browser data first. Go to Memory → Clear Data → Clear Everything. After that, repeat the assignment procedure. Don't be afraid to lose data, bookmarks are usually synced with your account or stored in the cloud.
⚠️ Note: When cleaning your browser data, make sure you remember your account password or export important passwords as the local database will be completely deleted.
Sometimes it helps to temporarily disable other browsers. Go to the settings of each competing application (Chrome, Yandex, etc.) and click the "Disable" button. After that, the system automatically assigns Mi Browser to the only available option, and the choice becomes compulsory.
Compatibility table for MIUI and HyperOS versions
Different versions of firmware have their own peculiarities in the organization of the settings menu. Below is a table that will help you navigate the names of menu items for different versions of the operating system installed on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices.
| Shell version | The path to settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 / 13 | Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points → Default Apps | Classic menu, often hidden in the submenu |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Privacy Protection → Special Permits → Default Apps | Increased emphasis on privacy |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings → Applications → Applications by default | Simplified structure, quick access |
| HyperOS (Global) | Settings → Additional settings → Default applications | It may differ depending on the region. |
Note that in global firmware versions (Global ROM), menus may be translated incorrectly or have a different structure from the Chinese versions (CN ROM).
What to do if the menu is hidden?
Addressing problems and conflicts
One of the common problems is that links from messengers continue to open in the old browser despite changes made, because a particular application (like WhatsApp) has its own “open in” settings and remembers the user’s last choice, in which case you need to reset the settings of the messenger itself.
Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → WhatsApp (or other messenger) → Default → Reset. After that, the first time you click on the link, the system will again ask you which application to use to open. Select Mi Browser and click “Always”.
Another problem is that Mi Browser is not on the list of available apps, which could mean that the application is removed or frozen. Check the list of all applications, including system ones. If the browser is deleted, it needs to be reinstalled. Use only official sources or the GetApps store to avoid malicious code.
⚠️ Note: Installation of browsers from unknown sources (APK-forum files can lead to identity theft, as browsers have access to all browsing history and passwords entered.
If after all the manipulations the system continues to behave unstable, try to restart the device in safe mode, this will eliminate the influence of third-party launchers or optimizers that can intercept the management of links. To enter safe mode, press the turn off button and keep the "Stop" item on the screen for a long time.
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If you change browsers frequently, install the default browser switch app, which lets you change your settings with one click without digging deep into the Android menu.
Set up performance and privacy after installation
Once the Mi Browser is in charge, it is recommended that you customize it to your needs for maximum efficiency. Go to the settings of the browser itself (three bars in the bottom menu → Settings), turn on the Night Screen mode for comfortable reading and activate Ad Blocking in the privacy section.
Also worth checking your file download settings. Make sure the file saving path is on the memory card (if any) or in a convenient folder so as not to overflow the system partition. In HyperOS, file management has become more stringent, so it is important to set the right settings right away.
To improve security, disable your browser’s geolocation and microphone access for all sites except trusted sites. This can be done in Settings → Privacy → Permits. Restricting background activity will also help save battery power.
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Regularly cleaning the cache and history in the Mi Browser settings prolongs the life of the battery and speeds up the device.
Remember to update your browser periodically. Unlike system components that update with firmware, browsers receive security updates more often. Watch out for notifications in the app store to always have the latest version with patched vulnerabilities.