How to enable Google Chrome default on Xiaomi: a complete guide to MIUI

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones default on their own Mi Browser browser, which isn’t always good for users. Many prefer Google Chrome for its speed, sync with Google account and advanced features. However, installing the app is not enough, the system continues to open links in the standard browser. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to make Chrome the main browser on Xiaomi, including hidden MIUI settings and bypassing possible restrictions.

The problem is complicated by the fact that in the latest versions of MIUI 14-15, the manufacturer actively promotes its services, hiding the options for changing the default browser. We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13T and POCO X5 Pro models - the instruction is universal for most devices of the brand.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the browser change by default?

The company’s motivation for this is “user experience optimization” and integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem.

• 💰 Traffic monetization: Mi Browser shows ads and affiliate links that generate revenue for the company.
• 📊 Data collection: The standard browser transmits information about visited sites to Xiaomi analytical systems (even with disabled personalization).
• 🔒 Ecosystem Control: The Company seeks to retain users in its services (cloud, payments, app store).
• 🛡️ Security (official version): Mi Browser has built-in protection against phishing and malicious sites, which Xiaomi positions as an advantage.

In MIUI versions up to 12.5, the default browser change was available in 2 clicks. Now the path is complicated, and on some firmware the option is not on the menu at all. This is not a coincidence, as Xiaomi tries to keep users from switching to third-party solutions. However, you can circumvent the restrictions by legal means without resorting to rooting or modifying the system.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Stable (European/Russian firmware) some methods may not work due to regional constraints. MIUI EU ROM use ADB-teams (discussed below).

Method 1: Standard configuration via application menu (MIUI 12-15)

This is the simplest method that works on most devices, but its effectiveness depends on the firmware version and region:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser section and select Google Chrome from the list.
4. Confirm the choice – the system will prompt you to open a link in Chrome for verification.

If the default App item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleaning (broom icon).
2. At the bottom of the screen, click Storage Settings → Other settings → Default Apps.

On some devices, such as the POCO M5, the option is even more hidden.

• 🔍 Use the search by settings (laptop of the screen) and enter the request "by default".
• 📱 Check out the Special Opportunities section → Additional settings.

Open any link from the message | Check link opening from Google Search |Reboot device and repeat check | Make sure Chrome doesn't reset after MIUI-->

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI default browser settings may be reset. To avoid this, disable automatic updates of system applications in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update of applications.

Method 2: Reset browser settings via ADB (for power users)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires a PC connection, but it works on all versions of MIUI.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap the version number → Return to the Extra → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on your phone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the default browser reset command: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main
5. Reset the device.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell pm clear com.android.browser


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser

These commands will first clear the data of the standard browser, then disable it for the current user, and then the system will automatically prompt you to select Chrome when you first open the link.

Method 3: Using third-party applications to change silences

If manual settings don't work, you can use specialized utilities that automate the process and bypass the limitations of MIUI:

The most reliable option is Default App Manager.

1. Open the application and provide access to the settings (you will need permission to use special features).
2. Select the Browser category (Browser).
3. Slip on Google Chrome and confirm your choice.
4. Reset the device.

On some MIUI 14+ firmware, the application may request an ADB connection to apply the changes. Follow the on-screen instructions, which are secure and do not require root rights.

Standard settings MIUI|ADB-team|Third-party annexes|I've tried nothing.|Another way.-->

Method 4: Bypassing restrictions through developer settings

MIUI has hidden options that allow you to manually assign applications by default.

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 taps by MIUI version number in Settings → About Phone).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the option Don't keep activities and turn it off, which will prevent the browser from resetting after the applications are closed.
4. Go back to the basic settings and try changing the default browser again (Method 1).

If this method doesn’t work, try another option:

1. In the developer settings, find the Background Process Limit.
2. Set a value without limits or a standard limit.
3. Restart the device and repeat the browser change.

These manipulations cause MIUI to re-evaluate application priorities, and 60 percent of the time, the browser change option appears in the standard menu.

💡

If you change your browser, you still open links in Mi Browser, clear the cache and data of the standard browser in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Storage. This will reset its priorities.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even after successful setup, users face problems.

• 🔄 Settings reset after rebooting: This is a feature MIUI. Solution – Turn off Chrome Optimization in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Chrome → Battery → No restrictions.
• 🚫 Browser option is not in the default menu: Install MIUI EU ROM (European firmware) or use it ADB-method (Method 2).
• 🔗 Links from some apps ignore settings: Apps like Facebook or Instagram have their own browsers. Solution - in the settings of these apps, disable the option "Open links in the internal browser".
• 🔒 The system requires unlocking the bootloader: This only applies to unofficial firmware. For standard devices, this request is a sign of a virus.

Especially often problems arise with POCO-device MIUI for POCO. In this case:

1. Install an official global firmware for your model.
2. Use Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools to reset your browser settings.
3. Reverse to an earlier version of MIUI (e.g. 14 to 13) where the restrictions are less stringent.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China ROM (Chinese firmware) the default browser change can be blocked at the system level. ROM or EU ROM loader-free.

Alternative solutions for persistent cases

If none of these methods worked, consider radical but effective options:

• 📦 Remove the Mi Browser through ADB: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser After that, the system will be forced to use Chrome.
• 🔄 Using Tasker to Force Link Opening in Chrome: Install Tasker. Build a Task with Open Action URL in Browser and specify Chrome. Set the trigger to intercept intents with links.
• 🛠️ Rooting and editing system files: Get root access through Magisk. edit the file /system/etc/default_permissions/default-permissions.xml, Delete the lines from com.android.browser.

Warning

For users who don’t want to take risks, there is a compromise solution:

• 🌐 Use Chrome as a wrapper: Install the "Open in Chrome" extension for the Mi Browser. It will redirect all links to Chrome.
• 📱 Set up gestures: B MIUI You can set Chrome to launch double-touch on the lock screen (Settings) → Lock screen → Gestures).