How to install the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still a popular device among users, despite the release of new models. One of the common challenges faced by owners is changing the default browser. MIUI, the firmware from Xiaomi, is known for its features in application management, and it is not always obvious how to reassign a standard application to open links.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide to take into account all the nuances of MIUI 12/13/14, as well as solving typical problems: why the browser is not saved as a main one, how to circumvent the system limitations and what to do if the settings are reset after the update, we will look at both standard methods through settings and alternative ways for experienced users.

We’ll focus on the hidden MIUI settings that allow you to manually prioritize applications, a feature that’s often overlooked even in official guides, and we’ll also look at which browsers work best on the Redmi Note 7 in terms of performance and compatibility with the 2019 hardware.

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7?

MIUI has historically differed from pure Android in its default approach to managing apps. Unlike Pixel or Samsung, where it takes 2 clicks to change the browser, Xiaomi can be multifaceted:

• 🔄 Dual assignment system: MIUI Separates settings for "open links" and "open links" HTML-"Files" that are often confusing;
• 🛡️ Protection MIUI: Firmware blocks some system applications from changing without additional confirmations;
• 📦 App cache: After changing the browser, old settings can be saved in the cache, which leads to conflicts;
• 🔄 Auto Updates: After Updating MIUI default settings may be reset.

In addition, on the Redmi Note 7 with a Snapdragon 660 processor and 3/4 GB of RAM, some browsers (such as Vivaldi or Brave) may not work stable, which is important to consider when choosing an alternative to the standard MIUI Browser.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Global ROM (International firmware, the algorithm for changing the browser may differ from the Chinese or European version MIUI. Check the firmware version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Method 1: Standard change via MIUI settings

This is the simplest method that works on most versions of MIUI (11 to 14).

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop);
2. Go to the Applications section → Application management;
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Applications by default;
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list of available applications, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser does not appear in the list, make sure that:

• 📥 The app is installed from an official source (Google Play or Mi App Store);
• 🔄 You gave all the necessary permissions on the first launch;
• 🔧 The browser supports the processing of intent:VIEW (most modern browsers can do this).

Install the browser from the official store

Run it at least once.

Give all the permissions requested

Restart the phone after installation-->

Some versions of MIUI may require additional confirmation via Settings → Memory → Autorun, where you need to enable autorun for the selected browser.

Method 2: Manual assignment through "Open with help"

If the standard method doesn’t work, try an alternative method:

1. Find any web link (for example, in a message or note);
2. Click on the link and hold it until the context menu appears.
3. Choose to open with the help of...;
4. In the list of applications, tap on the desired browser and tick Always;
5. Confirm the choice in the window that appears.

This method often helps when the browser is not displayed in the main settings menu.

⚠️ Attention: Some versions MIUI This choice may be ignored for system links (e.g. push notifications or weather widgets). ADB-teams (described below).

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

MIUI Browser (standard)

Opera

Other-->

Method 3: Using ADB for forced change (for experienced)

If none of the above methods work, you can use ADB-It requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot Tools;
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original);
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times according to version, then return to additional → For developers).

After connecting the phone, perform in the command line:

adb shell pm clear-defaults com.android.browser


adb shell pm set-defaults com.android.chrome

Replace com.android.chrome with your browser’s packet ID (e.g. org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox). You can find out the exact package through the App Inspector app from Google Play.

Problem Solving: The browser is not saved as the main browser

If after all the manipulations the browser is still not installed by default, check the following points:

• 🔄 Cash. MIUI Launcher: Clear the standard launcher cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher;
• 📱 Power Saving Mode: Disable Browser Battery Optimization in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery;
• 🔧 Developer Settings: Enable Don't Limit Background Processes for Your Browser;
• 🔄 Resetting application settings: In Settings → Annexes → Reset application settings (remove all default settings!).

If the problem persists, try installing the browser as a system application through Magisk (requires root rights).

1. Download the App Systemizer module for Magisk.
2. Select your browser in the list of applications;
3. Reboot the phone.

💡

Before resetting your application settings, back up your important data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save your bookmarks and passwords in your browser.

Best browsers for Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 in 2026

Choosing a browser for Redmi Note 7 Two key factors are involved: Snapdragon optimization 660 and compatibility with MIUI. We tested it. 10 popular browsers and chose the top-3:

1. Firefox Focus (org.mozilla.focus) is the lightest option with built-in tracker locking. Perfect for devices with 3GB of RAM. Minus: no sync with desktop.
2. Opera Mini (com.opera.mini.native) — uses cloud optimization, which reduces the load on the processor. Suitable for slow Internet.
3. Chrome (Beta) (com.chrome.beta) is more optimized than the stable version, but may be less stable.

Avoid Brave and Vivaldi - they require too much resources for this device, and do not recommend UC Browser due to privacy concerns and frequent crashes on MIUI.

💡

For maximum performance, turn off background synchronization and autoload images in your browser settings, which will reduce RAM consumption by 20-30%.

What to do after the MIUI update?

MIUI updates are known for resetting default settings to avoid problems:

1. Before updating, record the current settings through Settings → Applications → Default Apps (take a screenshot);
2. After the update, do not click "Cancel" in the Restore window settings - wait for the process to be completed;
3. If the browser is reset, repeat the procedure for its assignment (see Method 1 or 2).

On versions of MIUI 14+, you have a Data Transfer feature that saves your application settings when you update. Activate it in Settings → About Phone → System Update → Update.

⚠️ Note: If you are updating with MIUI 12 to MIUI 14, you may need to reset your Wipe completely through recovery, in which case all default settings will reset and you will have to reset them.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Redmi Note 7