How to choose the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: a complete guide with the nuances of MIUI

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro based on MIUI While offering users flexible settings, choosing the default browser often raises questions. Unlike pure Android, Xiaomi’s shell has its own features: The standard Mi Browser browser is integrated into the system, and alternative options (for example, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox) require additional manipulations to work correctly. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to change the default browser, from basic settings to hidden functions. MIUI, and solve typical problems when the system "does not see" installed browsers or resets the selection after the update.

It is important to consider that on the Redmi 8 Pro (2019 model), the process may differ from new Xiaomi devices due to the MIUI version and manufacturer restrictions. For example, in some regional firmware, the default browser selection option is hidden or blocked. We tested all methods on current versions of MIUI 12-14 and prepared universal solutions that work even if there is no direct item on the menu.

Why can’t Redmi 8 Pro just choose the default browser?

The problem lies in the MIUI architecture: by default, the system links all web links to the Mi Browser, which cannot be completely deleted (only disabled).

• 📱 Xiaomi Policy: Preinstalled applications (including browser) are considered system and protected from complete removal.
• 🔗 Reference processing: MIUI Uses its own link manager (com.android.browser) that ignores Android default settings.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: In firmware for China or India, the option of selecting a browser can be disabled at the firmware level.

In addition, after the updates MIUI And it's not uncommon for default settings to be reset, like if you've previously chosen Chrome, but after the update, the links reopen in Mi Browser, it's not a bug, it's a feature of the shell. You can solve the problem in a number of ways, from manually configuring to using it. ADB-The teams (we will tell you about them in the relevant section).

Method 1: Standard settings through the "Default Applications" menu

The most obvious method is to use Android's built-in settings, but on the Redmi 8 Pro, this path doesn't always work out of the box.

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 your browser is not listed:

• 🔄 Reinstall it: Sometimes after you update the app MIUI It doesn't recognize it as a browser.
• 📥 Download. APK from the official website (not from Google Play), as some versions from the store can be "cut off" for the purpose of the website. MIUI.
• 🔧 Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → [Your browser] → Memory. → Clear the cache.

Install an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)|Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About Phone)|Clear the current browser cache |Reboot the device before setting up-->

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 8 Pro firmware may not have the App's default point. In this case, proceed to Method 2.

Method 2: Use "link opening settings" (hidden MIUI function)

MIUI hides a separate menu for managing link processing, which works even if the standard method doesn't work:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select any browser installed (such as Chrome).
3. Tap on Open by Default (or Link Opening Settings in newer versions of MIUI).
4. Activate the Open Supported Links switch.
5. Return to the previous menu and click Clear Default Settings.

Then, when you open a link next time you open a link (like Telegram or WhatsApp), the system will suggest you choose a browser. Choose the browser you want and mark Always. This method bypasses the limitations of MIUI, since it uses the standard Android mechanism.

Method 3: Forced change via ADB (for power users)

If MIUI ignores all settings, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and enabling the developer mode.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB You can disrupt the system. Follow the instructions carefully and do not change other parameters.

Steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Redmi 8 Pro

File transfer

ADB Tools

Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed)

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

(clears the Mi Browser settings)

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

(Replaces com.android.chrome with your browser package if you are not using Chrome)

Once you have completed the commands, restart your smartphone. Now the links must open in your browser. If there is a No such file or directory error, make sure that the ADB drivers are installed correctly, and repeat the steps.

💡

To find out the batch name of your browser, install the App Inspector app from Google Play. ADB-team.

Method 4: Using third-party applications (without root)

If manual methods don't work, you can use utilities that force you to change the default settings. The best options for the Redmi 8 Pro are:

To use Default App Manager:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give permission to access the settings (the system window will appear).
3. Select the Browser category.
4. Specify the browser you want and save the changes.

💡

If MIUI stubbornly ignores your browser choices, the combination of ADB (Method 3) and Mi Browser (Method 5) is 90% successful, and custom firmware will help in the extreme, but it requires unlocking the bootloader.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing your browser to Redmi 8 Pro