Owning a smartphone from Xiaomi gives users access to the powerful shell MIUI, which is famous for its functionality and flexibility of settings. However, it is the abundance of options that sometimes confuse owners, especially when it comes to system priorities, such as choosing the main application for the Internet. The standard browser is often imposed by the system, but many users prefer more familiar or functional analogues, such as Chrome, Opera or Yandex.Browser.
The right setup is critical, because it depends on which program will open when you click on a link from a messenger or email client. If the system asks you every time you choose an application or opens the wrong browser you want to see as the main one, then the settings were lost or not set correctly when you first start the device. In this article, we will analyze the algorithm of actions to fix your choice once and for all.
The process of installing a priority application on Redmi and Poco devices may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system and the modification of the MIUI or HyperOS interface. We will consider universal methods that cover most current smartphone models, ensuring stable Internet surfing without unnecessary system questions.
Why Change the Standard Browser on Xiaomi
The standard browser preinstalled on Xiaomi is often called the Mi Browser. It has its advantages, such as built-in traffic savings and integration with the manufacturer’s ecosystem, but not all users are satisfied with its functionality or interface. Many prefer synchronization with a Google account, the presence of extensions or specific security settings that are available only in third-party solutions.
The key advantage of changing your browser is personalizing the experience, and you get access to the features that matter to you, whether it’s incognito mode with an ad blocker, built-in page translator, or cross-platform history synchronization with your computer. Third-party browsers often update faster and get new security features earlier than system counterparts.
Another important aspect is performance and resource consumption. Some alternative browsers are optimized better for the background and consume less RAM, which is critical for models with a small amount of RAM. By installing a lightweight and fast browser by default, you can noticeably speed up link opening from other applications.
- 🚀 Higher speed of page rendering and script loading.
- 🛡️ Improved protection against phishing and malicious sites thanks to regular databases.
- 🎨 Flexible configuration of the interface, themes and location of controls.
⚠️ Note: When installing a new browser, the system may suggest disabling notifications from the old one or removing its shortcut from the desktop. Be careful when reading pop-ups so that important data or settings are not accidentally deleted.
Preparing the device for setting priorities
Before you start changing system settings, make sure that the desired app is already installed on your device.If you plan to use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or any other, make sure it is downloaded from the official Google Play Market store or a reliable APK source. Without the installed application, the system will not be able to assign it to the main one.
It’s also worth checking for updates for Android itself and the MIUI shell. In older versions of firmware, the settings menu may look different, and some bugs may prevent you from saving your choice correctly. Go to the settings and check the updates section to ensure your smartphone’s software is up to date.
It is important to have a stable Internet connection at the time of setting up, since some browsers require authorization to the account or download initial configurations when they first start, without which the initial setup process may freeze, and the system will not be able to correctly register the application as ready to go.
☑️ Checking before setting up
It is not superfluous to close all applications running in the background to avoid conflicts when switching system services, this is especially true for devices with a small amount of free memory, where the simultaneous operation of heavy processes can cause short-term interface delays.
Step-by-step instruction through system settings
The main method of changing the default browser on Xiaomi lies in the depth of system settings, which is the most reliable way, since it allows you to force the application to be assigned even if the system tries to impose its choice.
In the settings menu, find a section that is usually called Apps or Applications and Notifications. Depending on the version of MIUI, this item may be on the main settings screen or hidden inside the submenu Additional. Find the Application Management section that displays a complete list of all installed software.
The interface may vary slightly further. In newer versions of Android (10 and above) and MIUI 12/13/14, you need to find the default App item. It is often located in the top right corner of the screen (three dots or a gear) or at the bottom of the list of application categories. Click on this item to see a list of action types for which you can select the app.
| Item | Description of action | Where to find in MIUI |
|---|---|---|
| Annexes | General list of installed software | The main settings menu |
| Application management | Detailed settings of each software | Inside the "Annexes" section |
| Default applications | Setting priorities for action | Menu (three dots) or bottom of list |
| browser | Selection of the main reviewer | Inside "Default Apps" |
In the list that opens, look for the Browser bar, and if you click on it, you'll see a pop-up or a transition to a new screen, where you'll be offered a choice of all the browsers you've installed. Choose the browser you want, like Chrome or Opera, and then the system stops asking how to open the link and automatically launches the selected application.
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Changing the settings in the Default Apps menu is global and applies to all system actions requiring the opening of web links.
Setting up through the "Default Selection" menu in the application
There is an alternative, faster way that works if you don’t already have a hard lock on a standard browser: You can set priority directly through the settings of the browser you want to make the primary. Open the installed browser and go to its settings (usually three dots in the corner).
In the app settings, find the Default App or Default App section. On modern Android versions, there will be a button that automatically takes you to the corresponding system settings menu described in the previous section, or prompts you to confirm the selection immediately.
If you open a link from another application (e.g. Telegram or Viber) and you have an Open with Help window, don't rush to just choose your browser. Pay attention to the Always tick or Remember the choice. If you set it, the system will remember your action for this type of link.
- 📱 Open the settings of a particular browser (for example, Yandex).
- 🔍 Find the item "Make the browser by default".
- ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up system window.
However, this method may not work if the system already has a strict priority for another application, in which case the selection window may not appear, and the link will immediately open in the old browser, then you must first reset the settings of the old application, as discussed below.
⚠️ Note: If you have selected the Always option for the wrong app, you will not be able to reset this choice by simply reopening the link.
How to Reset Browser Default Settings
Sometimes you have a situation where the system gets stuck and you don't let you pick a new browser, or you accidentally installed the wrong application on the main one, and then you have to reset the default settings, and it doesn't delete your data, history or passwords, but it just returns the application selection state to the factory one, when the system asks you again what to open the link.
To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find the browser that is currently the main browser (for example, Mi Browser). Go inside its settings card. At the bottom of the screen or in the menu (three dots) find the default or default button.
Click Reset default or Remove default settings. After that, the system will "forget" your choice. Now, when you try to open any link, the smartphone will again offer you a list of available browsers to choose from, at which point select the desired one and be sure to click "Always".
What to do if the reset button is inactive?
This procedure is especially useful after updating the MIUI firmware, when system priorities may be confused or conflict with user preferences.
Solving and eliminating errors
Xiaomi users often face aggressive system policies that can return a standard browser after a reboot or update. If you notice that the settings reset by themselves, check whether you have enabled the function "Accelerate" or "Memory Cleanup" for the browsers you want to use.
Another problem is that the browser is not in the selection list, which can happen if the app is installed for another user (in guest mode) or corrupted. Try to delete and reinstall the problem browser. Also make sure that the default settings of the App display all applications, not just system ones.
In some cases, especially on older versions of Android, it may be necessary to clear the cache of the Android System service. Do this with caution: Settings → Apps → Show everything → Android System → Memory → Clear cache. Don’t confuse it with Clear Data, which can lead to resetting network settings.
- 🔄 Restart the device after changing settings to apply the changes.
- 🗑️ Remove updates to the standard browser if it interferes with the work.
- 🔒 Check access rights: browser must have network permissions and notifications.
If none of the methods worked, the problem may be a specific bug in the MIUI version, so it’s worth searching the forums for your specific model and firmware version, as it sometimes requires a patch or wait for an update from the manufacturer.
Safety and optimization recommendations
When choosing the default browser, keep data security in mind. Standard browsers from Xiaomi or Huawei can collect more telemetry about your preferences than independent counterparts. Using Firefox or Brave can provide better privacy thanks to built-in lock trackers and a strict privacy policy.
Also pay attention to battery consumption. Some heavy browsers with many background tabs can significantly drain the battery. In the MIUI settings, you can limit background activity for the browser you choose if you do not use push notifications from sites, which will help to extend the life of the smartphone.
Update your browser regularly. Developers are constantly closing security vulnerabilities and improving engine speed. An outdated version of your browser is a security hole in your device through which attackers can access personal data.
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Use the “Light” or “Traffic Saving” mode in your browser settings if you are often in the area of poor network coverage – this will speed up the loading of pages on Xiaomi.
Customizing your smartphone is a process that takes time, but the result is worth it. A properly selected and configured browser makes your Android Internet experience comfortable, fast and secure. Don't be afraid to experiment with settings to find the perfect balance between functionality and performance.