How to choose the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi 9 models, often come with a pre-installed suite of apps that may not suit all users. In particular, the MIUI shell by default suggests using the Mi Browser’s own browser to open links. However, many device owners prefer more familiar or functional alternatives, such as Google Chrome, Yandex Browser or Opera. Understanding how to change system priorities is a basic skill for comfortable use of the gadget.

The process of changing the main application for navigation on the Internet to Redmi 9 does not require obtaining superuser rights or complex technical manipulations. All the necessary tools are already built into the Android operating system with the MIUI add-on. Competent setting allows you to get rid of intrusive suggestions to open a link in a particular application and speeds up the work with web content. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of setting, possible problems and their solutions.

It's important to understand that the default browser means that any link you click on in a messenger, social network, or note will automatically open in your chosen app. If that setting is downed or not selected at all, the system will ask you for your opinion every time, which can be annoying when you use your smartphone actively. Let's look at how to make this process seamless and convenient.

Why Change Your Standard Browser to Redmi 9

Xiaomi’s in-house browser is often criticized for overloading ads in the news feed and push notifications that can distract users. While the Mi Browser is not bad, many users find Chrome or Firefox interfaces more intuitive and faster. In addition, third-party browsers often offer better synchronization with desktop versions, which is critical for the job.

Data synchronization is key. If you use a Windows or macOS computer, using the native ecosystem browser (e.g. Edge or Safari) or cross-platform solution (Chrome) will allow you to instantly access history, bookmarks and passwords. On Redmi 9, this is implemented through logging into a Google or Yandex account, making the transition between devices invisible.

Another important aspect is security: Third-party developers often implement advanced phishing and malicious script protection systems faster than system components are updated, and many alternative browsers have built-in ad blockers that work at the DNS or script level, making surfing cleaner and faster.

It’s also worth noting the impact on autonomy: Some optimized browsers consume less CPU resources in the background, which for a budget-friendly but robust Redmi 9 can be a crucial factor in extending battery life. Choosing the right tool isn’t just a matter of taste, it’s a way to optimize the device.

Preparing the device before changing settings

Before you start changing system settings, you need to make sure that the alternative app is already installed on your Redmi 9. If you just bought a phone, you may not have the browser you need in your memory and you will have to download it from the Google Play Market store or GetApps.

It is also recommended to check for updates for already installed browsers. the old version of the application may not appear correctly in the list of system priorities or work with errors after the main one is assigned. Updating to the latest version ensures compatibility with the current version of the shell MIUI.

It's also worth remembering in advance which browser you're most comfortable with, and if you're in doubt, you can install two or three options and test them in the work. However, to set up the default browser, only one candidate can be active in the system at a particular time. Having multiple browsers does not create conflicts, the system will simply ask or use the selected priority.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use browsers with a traffic saving feature (Turbo mode), make sure you trust the provider of this service, as traffic may pass through their servers.

Step-by-step instruction: selection through system settings

The most reliable and correct way to change the priority app is to use the Android Settings System Menu. On the MIUI shell that's installed on Redmi 9, the path may vary slightly depending on the version, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for managing the applications.

To start, open the Settings app on the home screen or in the notification curtain. In the list that opens, look for the App item (sometimes called "All Apps"). Inside this section, we're interested in the Application Management subsection, and that's where all the data about the installed software is stored.

At the top of the App Management screen, you'll see three dots or a menu button. Click on them, select Other Settings (or simply "Advanced" depending on localization). In the list that opens, look for the default App bar. This section is responsible for which programs open calls, messages and web pages.

Inside the menu, you'll find the Browser item. When you click on it, you'll see a list of all the browsers installed on Redmi 9. Just select the one you want, like Chrome. The system can warn you to change your current app -- confirm the action. Now all links will be opened through the selected service.

Alternative method through the application menu

There's a faster, but less obvious way to change priority that's often overlooked, which is to clear the default settings on your current browser, so if you want to change Mi Browser to another, you can reset the choice for the old one, and the system will suggest you pick the new one the first time you click on the link.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find the default browser in the list (most likely Mi Browser). Click on it to open the application information page. You need to find the default or default button here.

On the page that opens, click Clear Default Settings (or Reset) and then “forget” that you need to use this app to open links. Now that you first open any link from WhatsApp or Telegram, Redmi 9 will pop up with a pop-up asking “What to open?”

This window will have a list of browsers available. Choose the option you want. Critically, check the "Always" box or switch before you click on the browser icon. If you click "Just now," the question will be asked every time you click, which is very inconvenient.

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The fastest way to change is to clear the default settings on the old browser, and the system will suggest choosing a new one the next time you click on the link.

Setup inside the browser itself

Some modern browsers have the audacity (in a good way) to become mainstream. When you first run Chrome, Yandex or Brave on Redmi 9, the app can output the start screen asking you to configure it as your primary viewing tool, a convenient way that doesn't require digging into the system menus.

If you don't automatically request it, go to the browser settings, which are usually hidden behind three dots in the corner of the screen, find the Main or System section, where you often find the default Use switch, and when you click on it, the system will take you to the corresponding MIUI menu described above, but immediately point to the desired application.

V MIUI There is also a Security feature that can control the launch of applications. In rare cases, an antivirus or an optimizer can block the change of settings if the application is labeled “unsafe” (although this is not possible for popular browsers). Check the status of the application in the Security section → Permits to ensure there are no restrictions.

⚠️ Warning: If the old Mi Browser icon disappeared from the desktop after installing the new browser, don't panic. It didn't go anywhere, just could have disappeared in the Tools folder or been removed from shortcuts. You can't delete the system browser completely without root rights.

Possible problems and solutions

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the settings are not saved or reset after the Redmi 9 restart. This can be caused by aggressive operation of the MIUI energy saving system. The system can "kill" the background processes of the browser, believing them to be inactive, which confuses its priorities. To avoid this, you need to configure autostart.

Go to the Security app (green zipper icon) → Permissions → Autorun. Find your new browser in the list and turn on the switch for it. This will allow the application to start in the background and correctly intercept links. Also, in the battery settings for a particular application, select No Limits mode.

Another common problem is that there is no choice in the menu, which happens if the browser is installed incorrectly or is a stripped-down version (Lite), which does not declare to the system its ability to process web links (Intent filters), in which case only a complete reinstallation of the application from the official Play Market store will help.

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If none of these methods worked, try temporarily removing Settings or Security updates through the App Management menu, but only do so if you are confident in your actions.

Also worth mentioning is the conflict with launcher apps, which is that if you're using a third-party shell instead of a standard MIUI Launcher, the paths to settings may be different, so use a global search for your phone's settings by typing the phrase "default apps," which is the universal key to solving the problem on any version of Android.

Comparison of popular browsers for Redmi 9

The choice of browser is a personal matter, but for owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 with its Helio G80 processor and IPS screen, there are nuances. Heavy browsers with many animations can slow down, while lighter versions will provide smooth scrolling. Let's consider the main options.

Google Chrome is the benchmark for compatibility. It syncs perfectly with a Google account, which is a smartphone requirement. However, it is known for its high RAM consumption. On the 4GB of RAM that is in the base version of Redmi 9, when you open 10+ tabs, pages can start to reload.

Yandex Browser is a great choice for CIS users, with built-in turbo mode that compresses traffic and speeds up page loading on mobile networks, and is deeply integrated with Yandex services, which is convenient if you use Yandex.Maps or Music.

Opera Mini / Opera GX is a classic for devices with limited resources. The Mini version saves traffic and battery as much as possible, perfect for 3G/4G. The GX version is focused on gamers and has a stylish design, but can be heavy for old hardware. Firefox will please privacy and extensions fans, but requires careful customization for speed.