How to install the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways and solutions to problems

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones usually have the Mi Browser or Google Chrome browser installed by default, but many users prefer alternatives like Firefox, Opera or Yandex Browser. The problem is that even after installing a new browser, the system continues to open links in the standard application, due to the features of the MIUI shell, which blocks the automatic browser change by default.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to change the default browser to Redmi (including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 and others), as well as the typical errors and their solutions. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 based on Android 10-14. If you are faced with a situation where the settings are gray or not saved, here you will find the answer.

Why Xiaomi Redmi can’t just change the default browser?

Unlike pure Android, the MIUI shell limits user control over system applications, and here are the key reasons why standard methods don’t work:

• 🔒 Protection MIUI: The system blocks the change of standard applications for "stability of work".
• 📱 Duplicate browsers: Mi Browser, Chrome and Android System WebView can be installed on the device, which creates a conflict.
• 🔄 Automatic reset: After update MIUI browser settings by default can be reset.
• 🛠️ Manufacturer restrictions: Xiaomi deliberately complicates the process to promote its own services.

For example, when you try to change your browser through Settings → Applications → By default, users often see gray inactive items or a message “No browsers available”, although alternative applications are installed. This is not a bug, but a feature of MIUI.

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

This method works on most Redmi devices, but may require additional action if settings are blocked.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If the browser is inactive or absent:

• 🔹 Make sure that the alternative browser is installed and updated.
• 🔹 Restart the device – sometimes this unlocks the settings.
• 🔹 Check if there are any updates installed. MIUI (In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the browser does not change)

If the standard method doesn't work, resetting all apps will help, and it won't delete your data, but it will return factory settings to open links, notifications, etc.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.
4. After restarting, repeat Method 1 – now the browser must change.

⚠️ Note: After resetting, you will need to reconfigure the permissions for applications (access to the camera, microphone, etc.

This method helps in 80% of cases when MIUI forgets available browsers. If the problem persists, move on to the next method.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

For advanced users who are ready to connect their smartphone to a PC, the method works even if the MIUI settings are blocked.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 📥 Established ADB Tools
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB smartphone

Steps:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI Version 7 times. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate Debugging over USB.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trusted device.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your Redmi.
5. Find out the name of the package of the desired browser (for example, for Chrome – com.android.chrome).
6. Follow the default browser change command: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not change the settings of other applications without understanding the consequences.

If the browser has not changed after completing the command, try to reset the application settings (Method 2) and restart the device.

Method 4: Remove or disable Mi Browser

Sometimes Mi Browser conflicts with other browsers, and it can be disabled or deleted (on some firmware).

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser on the list and tap it.
3. Click Disable (if the button is active).

How to delete (root rights required):

• 🔧 Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup.
• 📂 Find the file. /system/priv-app/MiBrowser/MiBrowser.apk.
• 🗑️ Remove or rename it (e.g. in MiBrowser.bak).

💡

Before removing Mi Browser, back up your system through Settings → Additional → Backup. This will help restore the system when crashes.

Solving common problems

Even after a successful browser change, Redmi users are faced with common errors.

Problem 1: Links open in the previous browser

Reason: App cache or Android System WebView conflict.

• 🧹 Clear the browser cache: Settings → Annexes → [Your browser] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Update Android System WebView to Google Play.
• 🔗 Check the settings for opening links in messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) – there may be your default browser.

Problem 2: Settings are reset after the MIUI update

Decision:

• 📥 After the update, re-execute Method 1 or Method 3 (ADB).
• 🔒 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update.

Problem 3: The new browser does not appear in the list

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📌 The browser does not support link processing (check the description in Google Play).
• 🔄 Reinstall the browser.
• 🛠️ Use it. ADB (Method 3).

How to check if the browser has changed successfully?

To ensure that the settings are applied correctly:

1. Open any app with links (such as Telegram or Twitter).
2. Slip on any link – it should open in the browser of your choice.
3. Check through Settings → Applications → By default → Browser – there should be a new browser.
4. Restart the device and repeat the check (sometimes the settings are applied only after the reboot).

If links still open in Mi Browser or Chrome, despite settings, go back to Method 3 (ADB) or check for conflicts with Android System WebView.

💡

On some MIUI firmware, changing the browser through ADB is the only reliable way, and standard settings are often reset after updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi