Xiaomi Redmi 8 runs on the MIUI shell, which defaults to Mi Browser to open web links. However, many users prefer alternative solutions — Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera — because of advanced features, synchronization with other devices or lack of advertising. In this article, we will discuss how to change the default browser, what nuances exist in MIUI 10/11/12, and what to do if the system does not save the selected settings.
The configuration process may vary depending on the firmware version and the updates installed. For example, in MIUI 12.5, the algorithm has changed from earlier versions - now requires confirmation in two menus. It is also important to consider that some system applications (such as GetApps or Mi Video) can ignore the global browser settings and open links in Mi Browser forcibly.
Why you should change your default browser to Redmi 8
The built-in Mi Browser has several drawbacks that can prompt the user to look for alternatives:
- 📢 Banners at the bottom of the screen that can’t be turned off without root rights.
- 🔒 Limited sync with other devices (for example, no integration with a Google account).
- 🚀 Less speed compared to Chrome or Firefox on weak devices.
- 🛠️ Lack of extensions that are available in desktop versions of browsers.
Alternative browsers offer:
- 🔄 Cross-platform synchronization (bookmarks, history, passwords).
- 🛡️ Improved data protection (e.g. in Firefox Focus).
- 🎨 Dark theme and customization of the interface.
- 📱 Optimization for mobile devices (for example, read mode in Opera).
According to StatCounter (2026), Google Chrome has more than 60% of the mobile browser market due to the stability and ecosystem of Google. However, for Redmi 8 with its 4 GB of RAM and Snapdragon 439 processor, a lightweight browser like Opera Mini or Brave may be preferable.
Preparation: Verification of MIUI and installation of an alternative browser
Before changing the browser by default, make sure that:
- The smartphone has an alternative browser (for example, Chrome or Firefox).
- The MIUI version supports changing the browser (in some regional firmwares this option is blocked).
- System settings are not reset to factory settings (this can reset browser selection).
To find out the MIUI version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. For Redmi 8, current versions are from MIUI 10 to MIUI 12.5. If you have global firmware (for example, MIUI Global 12.0.3), there should be no problems with setting up the browser. In Chinese firmware (MIUI China), additional configuration may be required.
If the alternative browser is not installed, download it from Google Play Market:
- 🌐 Google Chrome
- 🦊 Mozilla Firefox
- 🎭 Opera
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Before installing a new browser, clear the Mi Browser cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Clear the cache. This will prevent conflicts when opening links.
Step-by-step: how to change the browser by default
The algorithm depends on the version of MIUI, and the following is a universal method that works on most of the firmware for Redmi 8:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Slip on Browser.
- In the list of available browsers, select the desired one (for example, Chrome).
- Confirm the choice by clicking Set by default.
If the desired browser is not in the list, follow the following steps:
- 🔄 Restart the browser you want to make the main one.
- 📥 Update your browser to the latest version in the Play Market.
- 🔧 Clear the application settings in Settings → Annexes → Reset application settings (this won’t delete data, but resets default settings).
Install an alternative browser from the Play Market
Check the MIUI version in the phone settings
Clear the Mi Browser cache
Reboot your smartphone before setting up-->
MIUI 12.5 may require additional confirmation: after selecting the browser, the system will ask you to open the link for the test. Click Open supported links and select the desired browser in the window that appears.
What if the browser is not listed?
Solving problems: the browser is not saved or reset
Sometimes MIUI will reset the browser by default after rebooting or updating, due to the peculiarities of the shell.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The browser is reset after rebooting | Conflict with the system application Security (Security) | Turn off optimization in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization for your selected browser |
| Links open in Mi Browser despite settings | Some system applications (GetApps, Mi Video) ignore global settings | Use it. ADB-command (see next section) or disable these applications |
| No way to select a browser in the settings | Restriction of regional firmware (e.g. MIUI China) | Install global firmware or use ADB |
If the problem persists, try forcefully setting the browser by default via ADB.
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times on MIUI Version, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package).
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If you are not familiar with ADB, it is best not to use this method – the wrong commands can disrupt the system.
Browser comparison for Redmi 8: which one to choose
The choice of browser depends on your priorities: speed, security, synchronization or traffic saving.
| browser | Advantages | Deficiencies | Recommendation for Redmi 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Sync with Google account, expansion, high speed | High RAM consumption (can brake by 3 GB of RAM) | ⭐ The Best Choice for Google Ecosystem Users |
| Mozilla Firefox | Privacy, cross-platform, add-on support | Slower Chrome on weaker devices | ⭐ Suitable for privacy. |
| Opera | Built-in VPN, turbo mode, ad blocker | Sometimes it sends unnecessary news to the main | ⭐ Optimal for saving traffic |
| Brave | Block trackers, rewards for viewing ads | Less known, fewer extensions | ⭐ For advanced users |
On Redmi 8 with 3/4 GB of RAM, it is best to avoid Chrome if you open a lot of tabs - it can take up to 500-700 MB of RAM, which will lead to slowdowns, in which case Opera Mini or Firefox Lite is preferable.
BrowserBench can be used to test browser speeds. On Redmi 8 with a Snapdragon 439 processor, the performance difference between browsers can be as high as 20–30%.
Features of working with Xiaomi system applications
Even after changing the default browser, some Xiaomi system apps may ignore your choice.
- 📦 GetApps (Xiaomi app store) – always opens links in Mi Browser.
- 🎬 Mi Video – Redirects to web pages via built-in browser.
- 📧 Email and Messages – can open links in the system browser.
Solutions for these cases:
- Turn off auto-update in GetApps (in the app settings).
- Use alternative applications: 📦 Replace GetApps with Google Play or APKMirror. 🎬 For the video, use YouTube or VLC.
Set up link redirection
Open Link With
Play Market
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If you often encounter forced link openings in Mi Browser, install Firefox Focus – it blocks such redirects at the system level.
For full control over the opening of links can be used ADB-commands to disable the built-in browser:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browserHowever, this can lead to unstable operation of some MIUI functions.
Security: How to avoid data leaks when changing your browser
When switching to a new browser, it is important to ensure the protection of personal data.
⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Browser, disable sync with Mi Account in your browser settings. Xiaomi collects data about visited sites to personalize ads.
Security settings for alternative browsers:
- 🔐 In Chrome: Go to Settings → Sync and Google Services and Disable Unnecessary Options.
- 🛡️ In Firefox: Activate Enhanced Tracking Protection in Privacy Settings.
- 🌍 In Opera: Enable the built-in VPN and-blocker.
To check data leaks, use the services:
- 🔍 Cover Your Tracks (from Cover Your Tracks) EFF).
- 🛡️ DeviceInfo (checking the digital footprint).
If you connect to public Wi-Fi frequently, consider browsers with built-in protection, such as Brave or Firefox Focus. they automatically block trackers and encrypt traffic.