Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI or the new HyperOS, offer users a wide range of pre-installed software. However, many device owners prefer third-party solutions for surfing the Internet, such as Google Chrome, Opera or Yandex.Browser, because of their functionality and familiar interface. By default, the system often offers to use its own browser Mi Browser, which can cause inconvenience when clicking on links from messengers or other applications.
The process of changing the main web navigation application does not require root rights or deep technical knowledge, but it may not be obvious due to the structure of the settings menu in the firmware of the Chinese manufacturer. The correct configuration of this parameter ensures that you automatically open links in the application that you consider the most convenient and secure. In this material, we will discuss all the stages of configuration, as well as consider possible problems and ways to solve them.
Changing the default settings affects the entire Android operating system in conjunction with the manufacturer’s shell, which means that all hyperlinks opened from Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp or email clients will be launched through the tool you choose. Ignoring this setting can lead to confusion when links open in an unexpected window, requiring each different application selection.
Why Change the Standard Browser on Xiaomi
The basic tool for the Internet is often a question of choice for users immediately after buying a new device. The standard Mi Browser, which is pre-installed in the system, has its advantages, such as deep integration with the ecosystem and the presence of a built-in ad blocker. However, many users face intrusive news feeds, excessive resource consumption or just a habit of the interface of other companies.
Installing an alternative app as the primary one allows you to synchronize your visit history and passwords between your phone and your computer if you use a single ecosystem, such as Google or Yandex. This makes it much easier to continue reading an article or filling out a form on a large screen without having to re-search the desired page. In addition, third-party solutions often offer more advanced tools for developers and webmasters.
Another important aspect is security and privacy: some users prefer browsers with enhanced tracking protection or built-in VPN. By prioritizing such an application, you ensure that any click through an external link will pass through a secure channel, this is especially true when using public Wi-Fi networks or clicking on links from suspicious sources.
⚠️ Note: When changing your browser, make sure you only download the app from official sources such as Google Play Store or GetApps to avoid installing malware.
Also worth noting is the impact on device performance: Heavy browsers with many background processes can drain the battery faster. If you choose a lightweight and optimized browser, this can positively affect the autonomy of your Xiaomi. At the same time, abandoning the system browser in favor of a third-party can sometimes lead to a slight increase in the time of first starting a link while the system “switches” the context.
Preparation for installation and configuration
Before you start changing system settings, you need to make sure that the desired application is already installed on your device. If you just bought a phone or reset to the factory settings, there may be no alternative browser in memory. Download the distribution of the application you need through the Play Market store or the official developer website.
After installation, take the time to change the system settings immediately. It is recommended to launch the new application, accept the user agreement and, if necessary, log in to your account, this will allow the program to create the necessary profiles and cache, which will ensure correct operation on the first external call, and it is also worth checking for updates for the application itself in the store.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
An important step is to clear the old browser cache if you've been using Mi Browser before. This is not necessary, but it helps to avoid conflicts when redirecting links. Go to your phone's settings, find the app section and select the standard browser to clear its data if necessary. However, most often the system handles the change of priorities correctly without manual cleaning.
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Tip: Before you change your settings globally, try opening several links from different apps (messengers, notes) to understand the current system behavior and remember how it works “by default.”
Instructions: how to assign a default browser in MIUI
The interface of the MIUI shell may vary slightly depending on the version (12, 13, 14) and regional firmware (Global, Russia, China). However, the logic of the search for settings remains the same. You will need to open the main menu of smartphone settings, usually through the gear icon on the desktop or in the notification curtain.
In the menu that opens, find a section called “Applications” that can be hidden inside the “Advanced” subsection or called “Application Management” in some versions of the firmware, and that’s where all the parameters related to the installed software and how the system behaves with it are concentrated. The navigation needs to be accurate, because there are many similar items in Xiaomi.
Inside the Apps section, you need to find Settings (often located at the top right of the screen or at the bottom of the list). After clicking, you will see a list of categories. You are interested in the Default Apps item. By clicking on it, you will be taken to the menu where you can select your preferred programs for various activities such as calls, messages and web surfing.
Path to setup: Settings → Applications → Settings (cog) → Default AppsIn the list that opens, find the Browser category. Click on the current value (most likely the Mi Browser or Browser will be listed there). The system will offer a list of all installed browsers. Choose the one you want from the list. After choosing the name, a green tick will appear next to the name, confirming that this browser is now the main one.
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Key point: In newer versions of HyperOS, the path can be shortened to “Settings” → “Applications” → “Application Management” → menus (three dots) → “Default Apps.”
Setup in the new shell HyperOS
With the introduction of HyperOS, which replaces MIUI, Xiaomi has slightly restructured the menu to make it more logical, but also unusual for long-time users. Application assignments have remained the same, but the location of items has shifted, and the emphasis is on personalization and ease of access.
To change your browser in HyperOS, go to Settings and select Apps. You don't have to look for hidden settings menus. Right in the list or in the top menu (depending on the specific version of the build), there will be "Default Apps" option. In some cases, the system will prompt you to choose your browser when you first try to open the link if it finds several suitable candidates.
The new system also works smarter with context menus. If you click on a link in some apps for a long time, you may see a pop-up menu "Open with help", where you can select a browser for one-time use or set it as permanent.
| Action. | MIUI 12-14 | HyperOS |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance to settings | The gear in the curtain. | The gear in the curtain. |
| Section | Applications → Settings | Annexes |
| Item of choice | Default applications | Default applications |
| Choosing a browser | Browser category | Browser category |
It is worth noting that HyperOS is more aggressive in promoting its own services, so when you first launch an alternative browser, the system may offer several times to return to the standard solution or highlighting the benefits of the built-in browser.
Solving problems: if the browser is not selected
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where after all the actions, links still open in the old browser or the system constantly asks what to open a link, this can be caused by caching of the previous selection or conflicting versions of applications, in which case you need to reset the default settings for a particular application or for the entire system.
The first way is to reset the settings of the particular browser that has been logged in. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Find a problematic browser (like Chrome or Mi Browser) on the list. Inside the app menu, find the Default Launch button (or Open by Default) and click Reset. This will remove the binding of the action to that application.
The second way is more radical, but more effective is to clear the preferences of all applications. In the Apps section, find three dots in the corner (menu) and select Reset App Settings. This action will return all system choices (calls, SMS, browsers) to the "ask every time" state, after which the system will again prompt you to select a browser and remember the choice when you first open the link.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting app settings won’t delete your personal data, photos, or contacts, but will return all default permissions and choices to factory values.
If the problem persists, check if the browser itself ticks “Do not open links from other apps,” an option that is available in some versions of Chrome and Firefox. Go to the browser’s settings, look for the “Privacy” or “System” section, and make sure that it is authorized to process external links.
What to do if the browser list is empty?
Features of working with Chinese versions of firmware
Owners of smartphones imported from China or re-flashed to the Chinese version (China ROM) can face additional difficulties, such firmware often lacks Google services by default, and the built-in browser can be heavily integrated into the system, not allowing it to be easily replaced without installing additional components.
To fully work alternative browsers on China ROM, you must first install the Google Services framework. Without this, many synchronization functions and even the simple opening of some sites may not work correctly, installation is usually done through the built-in Services and Feedback app or through third-party installers like Google Installer.
Also, in Chinese firmware, aggressive memory cleaning is common, which can kill the process of a third-party browser, which can open links slowly or not at all. To avoid this, you need to fix the browser in memory. Open the list of running applications (swipe from the bottom up and hold), find the browser window, click on the lock or select “Secure” This will prevent the system from closing its background process.
Another feature is the presence of two app stores: GetApps and Google Play. Sometimes the system may try to open links through the internal webview of the GetApps store. Carefully monitor the pop-ups when you first start a link so as not to fix the error. If this happens, use the instructions for resetting from the previous section.
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The main conclusion for owners CN-Without the installed and configured Google Framework full-fledged operation of Western browsers (Chrome, Edge) is impossible, so start setting up your phone with the installation of Google services.
Security and privacy when changing browser
When you choose a new browser, you trust it with your data: visit history, passwords, cookies and possibly payment information. Xiaomi’s standard browser has its own privacy policies, which may differ from those of Google or Opera. When installing a third-party application, carefully consider what permissions it requests.
Many modern browsers offer Incognito mode or enhanced tracking protection. When setting up your browser by default, it is recommended to immediately go to its settings and activate ad blockers and trackers, this will not only increase security, but also speed up the loading of pages, which is especially important for mobile networks.
Remember to update your browser regularly. Vulnerabilities in web page rendering engines are used by hackers to attack malicious sites. Automatic updates through the Play Market are usually enabled by default, but it's worth checking for new versions manually periodically, especially if you're using browsers from obscure developers.