How to put any browser by default on Xiaomi: a detailed guide with pictures and tips

Choosing the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that many users face after installing alternative applications like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge. Despite the fact that the MIUI shell offers its own Mi Browser browser, its functionality and privacy policies are not always satisfied with device owners. In this article, we will understand how to change the default browser on any Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO device running Android 11-14 with a MIUI 12-14 shell.

To make matters worse, the manufacturer sometimes hides settings or restricts user choices, for example, after a system update, menus may change and standard instructions will stop working, and we've taken into account all the nuances from basic steps for beginners to solutions for cases where the browser does not appear in the list of available applications or the system ignores changes, and you'll learn how to avoid common errors and what to do if links still open in the Mi Browser after changing the browser.

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi?

Unlike pure Android, MIUI is actively promoting branded services, including Mi Browser, which leads to several problems:

• 🔄 Automatic Settings Recovery: After updating the system or resetting the settings, the browser can default to a standard.
• 📱 Limited Application List: Some browsers (such as Firefox Focus or DuckDuckGo) don’t appear in the Select Menu.
• 🔗 Link Redirection: Even after a browser change, links from messages or apps can open in Mi Browser.
• 🛠️ Hidden settings: in new versions MIUI The path to the browser selection menu may be different from standard Android.

In addition, Xiaomi sometimes blocks the default browser change for certain types of links (e.g., http:// and https:// separately), which is due to security policies, but creates inconvenience for users who prefer alternative solutions.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you change your browser by default, follow a few mandatory steps:

1. Install an alternative browser from Google Play (e.g. Chrome, Firefox or Edge).Without this step, there will be no alternatives in the list of available apps.
2. Update MIUI to the latest version: older builds may not have the right options. Check the relevance of the software in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
3. Clear the cache of the current browser: this will help to avoid conflicts during the change. → Annexes → Application management → Mi Browser → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
4. Check the application rights: Some browsers (such as Firefox) require additional permissions to work with links.

If you plan to use a browser that is not downloaded from Google Play (for example, APK-Firefox Nightly file, pre-allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Annexes → Special rights → Installation of unknown applications.

Step-by-step: how to change the default browser to Xiaomi

How to change the browser depends on the version of MIUI and the device model, and below is a universal algorithm that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with Android 11-14:

Method 1: Through application settings (standard method)

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Applications by default (or by default in older versions).
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list that appears, select the browser you want (e.g. Chrome or Firefox).
6. Confirm the choice by clicking Ready or OK.

If your browser is not on the list, make sure it is installed and opened at least once. Some apps (like DuckDuckGo) require additional customization - read about this in the next section.

Method 2: By Opening a Link (Alternative Method)

If the standard path doesn’t work, try this method:

1. Open any app that has an active link (such as Telegram, WhatsApp, or Gmail).
2. Tap on a link (e.g. https://example.com).
3. In the window that appears, select Always (or Open with... → Always).
4. Specify the desired browser from the list.

This works even if the browser does not appear in the default settings, but it only changes the anchor for a specific type of link (e.g., only for https://).

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If you change your browser, you still open links in Mi Browser, try clearing your default app settings in Settings → Apps → Resetting your application settings. This will return all references to factory values, and then you can re-select your browser.

Method 3: For MIUI 14 and later (with separation by link type)

In the latest versions of MIUI, browser settings can be divided into several categories:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Opening Links.
2. Select the type of links (such as HTTP, HTTPS or Web pages).
3. Tap on your current browser (usually Mi Browser) and select an alternative.
4. Repeat the steps for all types of links if you want a full replacement.

This method is the most reliable for new devices, but it takes longer, as you have to configure each type separately.

What if the browser is not listed?

Sometimes the browser you have installed doesn't appear in the default selection menu.

Browsers like DuckDuckGo or Brave may need to manually enable link processing in their settings. For example, in Firefox, you need to go to Settings → General → Make Firefox the default browser.

Problem Solving with ADB (for experienced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for advanced users and requires a computer.

Here's how to do it:

1. Install ADB on your computer (download Platform Tools from Google).
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then go back to Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB.
3. Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
4. Open the command prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder and do:

adb shell pm clear-defaults com.android.browser


adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/org.chromium.chrome.browser.ChromeTabbedActivity

Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package (e.g. org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox) and find out through the App Inspector app or Google Play (at the app address after id=).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands may disrupt the system. Before executing, back up your data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

How to fix the changes and avoid automatic resetting?

A common problem on Xiaomi is the return of Mi Browser as the default browser after an update or reboot.

• 🔄 Turn off Automatic Optimization: Go to Settings → Battery and performance → Optimization → Auto-optimize and deactivate it for your browser.
• 📵 Prohibit clearing the cache: in the browser settings (Settings) → Annexes → [Your browser] → Storage) turn off automatic cleaning.
• 🔒 Fix the browser in memory: in developer mode (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers, enable Do Not Kill Apps or Background Blocking.
• 🔄 Check your settings regularly: after major updates MIUI drops off some parameters.

If the problem persists, try using Tasker or MacroDroid to automatically restore the default browser after a reboot.These apps let you create rules that will apply the right settings every time you turn on the device.

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To permanently lock the alternative browser, disable auto-optimization for it in the battery settings and prevent the cache from being cleared.

Alternative solutions: circumventing MIUI restrictions

If none of these methods worked, consider alternatives:

• 🌐 Use Wrappers for links: Apps like Better Open With allow you to redirect links to the right browser, even if the system blocks a direct change.
• 📱 Install custom firmware: firmware based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience have no restrictions MIUI allow you to freely choose the browser.
• 🔗 Set up a redirect via Tasker: Create a task that will open all links in your browser, ignoring system settings.
• 🛠️ Reverse to the old version MIUI: If the problem occurs after the update, you can return the previous build via Fastboot (but it is risky!).

For most users, the best solution is a combination of standard settings and ADB-If you're not ready for radical measures like custom firmware, try Better Open With, which doesn't require root rights and works on any device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi