Changing the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that most users face after buying a device. The manufacturer installs its own Mi Browser browser as the main one, but many prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Firefox or Samsung Internet. The problem is that the MIUI interface is not always intuitive: the necessary settings may be hidden in unexpected menus or completely absent in some versions of the firmware.
In this article, we will discuss current ways to change the default browser for MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including workarounds for cases where the standard method does not work. Particular attention will be paid to the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13 models, where the algorithm may differ. Also consider typical errors (for example, the absence of the Open by default button) and how to fix them without resetting.
Why can’t you just choose your default browser on Xiaomi?
Unlike pure Android, where it takes 2 clicks to change the browser, MIUI imposes limitations.
- 🔹 Xiaomi: the company promotes its own browser with integrated services (for example, Mi Cloud and Mi Account).
- 🔹 Version MIUI: firmware MIUI 12.5 The option to change the browser is often absent at all.
- 🔹 Regional settings: on devices for China (China) ROM) Customization opportunities are limited.
- 🔹 System applications: some features (e.g., link opening from Mi Home) are forced to use Mi Browser.
It is important to understand that even after changing the default browser, Mi Browser can automatically open certain types of links (for example, from system notifications or Xiaomi applications). To get rid of this behavior completely, you will need to disable the auto-update Mi Browser or use it. ADB-Teams (we will talk about it below).
Method 1: Standard browser change through settings (MIUI 13/14)
This method works on most modern Xiaomi devices with MIUI 13 and later. Instructions are relevant for models Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5, Xiaomi 12/13/14:
- Install an alternative browser from Google Play (such as Chrome or Firefox).
- Open any app that has a link (such as Telegram or WhatsApp).
- Click on the link, you'll see a browser selection window, tick "Always" and select the browser you want.
- If the window does not appear, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Browser.
On some devices, the default browser may be called "Default Apps" or "Open Links." If you don't find this section, try searching by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner).
Install an alternative browser from Google Play|
Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About phone)|
Open any link to call the selection window |
Check the "Browser by default" option in the settings-->
Method 2: Manual assignment through application settings
If the first method didn’t work, try assigning the browser manually:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the browser you want (such as Chrome) and tap it.
- Select "Open by default" (or "Default settings").
- Click on “Clear Default Settings” (if the button is active), then go back and select “Open Supported Links”.
After that, the next time a link is opened, the system will prompt you to choose a browser again, a method that is especially useful if the Mi Browser was accidentally installed as the default app for all types of links.
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If the Open Supported Links button is inactive, try removing the Mi Browser updates first (in the app settings).
Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change
On devices with MIUI 12 and older firmware, the standard methods may not work, and Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a computer debugging tool, will help. Importantly, this requires you to turn on Developer Mode and connect your smartphone to your PC.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate “Debugging by USB”.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser Then: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser
- Restart the device. Now, when you open the links, you'll be asked to select a browser.
⚠️ Note: Disable Mi Browser via ADB This can cause system notifications and some Xiaomi applications (such as Mi Home or Mi Fit) to crash.
| Xiaomi model | Supported version of MIUI | Does it work? ADB-method? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | MIUI 12.5–14 | Yes. | Re-activation may be required after the update |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | MIUI 13 for POCO | Yes. | POCO F4 may have system notification bugs |
| Xiaomi 11/12/13 | MIUI 13–14 | Partially. | Xiaomi 13 Ultra requires unlocking the bootloader |
| Mi 10/10T | MIUI 12 | Yes. | After changing the browser, the weather widget may disappear |
What to do if the browser does not change by default?
If none of these methods worked, check the following points:
- 🔸 Updates MIUI: on some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The option only appears after updating to MIUI 13.
- 🔸 Regional firmware: on China ROM Browser change is often blocked. Solution is to reflash to Global. ROM.
- 🔸 System Limitations: Some Xiaomi apps (such as Mi Video) always open links in the Mi Browser.
- 🔸 App cache: clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Browser for resetting settings.
If the problem persists, try using crawler apps like Better Open With (available on Google Play), which allows you to manually assign apps to open specific types of links, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.
How do I check the MIUI version?
Alternative browsers for Xiaomi: which one to choose?
If you decide to give up Mi Browser, consider the following options:
| browser | Pluses | Cons | Compatibility with MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Sync with Google account, extensions | High RAM consumption | Complete. |
| Firefox | Privacy, Add-on Support | Slower Chrome on weaker devices | Complete. |
| Samsung Internet | Lightweight, built-in ad blocker | No synchronization with Xiaomi account | Complete. |
| Brave | Tracker locking, built-in Tor | It is rarely updated on Google Play for MIUI | Partial (possible bugs) |
For devices with 4 GB of RAM or less (for example, Redmi 9C or POCO M3), we recommend Samsung Internet or Firefox Lite - they consume less resources. On flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F5 Pro), you can use Chrome or Brave without restrictions.
How do I get Mi Browser back?
If you decide to go back to the standard browser after experimenting, do the following:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser.
- Click "Open by default" and select "Open supported links".
- If the Mi Browser was disabled via ADB, follow the command: adb shell pm enable com.android.browser
After that, Mi Browser will become the default browser again. If you have disabled its updates, we recommend that you return them to Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Three-point → Enable Auto Update.
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Disabling the Mi Browser via ADB does not remove it from the device, but only hides it from the default application list.To completely remove the browser, root access will be required.