How to change the default browser on Xiaomi phone: full instructions with nuances

Choosing the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces after installing an alternative web browser. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process is nuanced due to the features of the MIUI shell and the limitations of Android. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to change a standard browser, including hidden settings, solving typical errors and comparing popular alternatives.

The manufacturer defaults on Mi Browser, a branded browser with integrated Xiaomi services. However, many users prefer Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera because of its faster speed, sync with other devices or enhanced privacy features. It is important to understand that the setup process depends on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the version of Android (11, 12, 13 or 14), as the interface and location of options may differ.

If you’ve tried to change your default browser before, but the system ignored your choice or returned the Mi Browser after a reboot, this guide will help you understand the reasons and offer working solutions. We’ll also look at how to get around the limitations of MIUI for some models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO F4), where standard methods may not work.

Why it is important to choose the default browser on Xiaomi

At first glance, choosing a browser seems like a trifle, but in practice it affects:

• 🔗 Link Opening Speed – When you click on a link in messengers or mail, it will open in the selected browser without additional confirmations.
• 🔒 Privacy – Mi Browser collects data to personalize ads, while Firefox Focus or Brave block trackers by default.
• ☁️ Sync – If you’re using Chrome on PC, syncing bookmarks and stories will make it easier to work with.
• 📱 Optimizing resources – some browsers (for example, Opera Mini) save traffic and battery power by compressing data.

What's more, MIUI 14 has a Smart Browser Choice feature that automatically opens links to Mi Browser even if you've installed a different browser by default, which is designed to promote branded services, but can annoy users who prefer alternatives, and we'll show you how to turn it off later.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (especially in China), the Mi Browser cannot be removed or disabled completely, it is integrated into the system.

How to change the default browser in MIUI

There are three main methods of changing the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones:

1. Through application settings is the standard method that works on most devices.
2. Through link settings, an alternative method for Android 12+ is available.
3. Through ADB-commands for advanced users if the first two methods fail.

Let’s start with the simplest and most common version.

Method 1: Application settings (MIUI 12/13/14)

This method is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 11, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 Lite and others.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on Browser.
4. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not listed, make sure it is installed and opened at least once. Some browsers (such as Kiwi Browser) require additional permission confirmation when you first start.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play| Open it at least once | Check permissions in the app settings |Reboot your phone if the browser doesn't appear in the list-->

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14, after selecting the browser, a notification may appear: "Some features may not be available." This means that Mi Browser is still used for system processes (for example, to open links in notifications). → Memory. → Autostart and disable Autostart for Mi Browser.

Method 2: Through Link Settings (Android 12/13/14)

Newer versions of Android have a separate section for managing link opening, which is especially useful if the first method didn’t work:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the current browser by default (usually Mi Browser).
3. Tap on Opening Links by Default (or Link Settings).
4. Click Clear the default settings.
5. Go back to the app list and select the browser you want (like Chrome).
6. Open any link (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp) – a window will appear with a suggestion to choose the default browser.

This method often helps if MIUI ignores changes to the first method, but on some firmware (especially Chinese) the option to clear default settings may be blocked.

Mi Browser (standard)|Google Chrome|Mozilla Firefox|Opera or Opera Mini|Brave|Other-->

Method 3: Through ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If the standard methods don't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your phone to your PC and turning on the developer mode.

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB (e.g., through Google’s Platform Tools) and execute the command:

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


adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package (e.g. org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox). After completing the commands, restart your phone.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to turn to other methods or contact Xiaomi in support.

Comparison of browsers for Xiaomi: which to choose

Before changing the default browser, it is worth comparing the main alternatives. Below is a table with the key characteristics of popular browsers:

For most Xiaomi users, Google Chrome (if syncing with other devices is important) or Firefox (if privacy is the priority) are the best choice. Opera Mini or Kiwi Browser are recommended on phones with low RAM (3-4 GB) – they consume fewer resources.

If you use a VPN frequently or visit blocked sites, look for Brave or Tor Browser — they have built-in features to circumvent restrictions. However, note that Tor Browser can run slower due to layered encryption.

💡

If you have chosen Firefox, install the uBlock Origin add-on to block ads. In Chrome, the AdGuard extension performs a similar function, but it requires a separate installation.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after changing the default browser, Xiaomi users may face a number of problems, including the most common and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Links still open in Mi Browser

This is because of the Smart Browser Choice feature in MIUI 14, to disable it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Choose Mi Browser.
3. Turn off the Smart Browser Choice option or Open Supported Links.
4. Clear the Mi Browser cache and data (in the same menu).

If you don’t have an option, try resetting your application settings: Settings → System → Resetting → Reset application settings.

Problem 2: New browser does not appear in the list

Causes and solutions:

• 📥 Browser not installed – check its availability in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 Not Updated – Update your browser via Google Play.
• 🚫 Limitations MIUI — Some firmware blocks third-party browsers. Solution: install the browser manually through APK-file (for example, from the APKMirror website).
• 🔧 System Error – Reboot your phone or reset your app settings.

Problem 3: After the MIUI update, the settings were reset

MIUI updates sometimes reset the default settings to avoid this:

1. Before updating, back up the settings in Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. After the update, reassign the browser by default.
3. Turn off the Mi Browser auto-update on Google Play to avoid conflicts.

💡

If none of the methods worked, try installing a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).Some launchers allow you to flexibly customize link opening, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

Features for different Xiaomi models

The process of changing the browser may vary depending on the model and regional firmware. Let's consider the nuances for popular lines:

Redmi Note 10/11/12 series series

These models often have an issue where Mi Browser automatically opens links from WhatsApp or Facebook, despite the default settings.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → WhatsApp (or another application).
2. Select Opening Links by default.
3. Turn off Mi Browser for this app.

POCO F3/F4/F5

On POCO devices with MIUI for POCO, the process is simplified:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Apps.
2. Select a browser and confirm the choice.

However, POCO with global firmware may not have the Smart Browser Choice option, which makes it easier to set up.

Xiaomi 12/13/14 series (flagships)

The flagships with MIUI 14 and Android 13/14 have strict restrictions, and if the standard methods don't work, they're:

1. Install Chrome or Firefox as the default browser via ADB (method 3).
2. Turn off Mi Browser in Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management → Applications selection (set background limit).

On these models, a method using Tasker or MacroDroid is also effective for forcing links to be opened in the selected browser.

How to Get Mi Browser Back

If you decide to go back to the standard browser, do the following:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Apps.
2. Choose Mi Browser.
3. If the option is not available, clear the default settings for the current browser (as in Method 2).

If Mi Browser has been disabled or removed (some firmware may do this), restore it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Press three points. → Show all applications.
3. Find the Mi Browser and turn it on.

⚠️ Note: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Mi Browser can't be completely removed - it's integrated into the system. ADB Root rights can lead to unstable operation of the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions