How to make Yandex.Browser the default browser on the Xiaomi phone: all ways

Have you installed Yandex.Browser on your Xiaomi, but when you open links, you still run the standard MIUI Browser or Google Chrome? The problem is that the system defaults to a pre-selected application for processing web links. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to make Yandex the main browser on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi smartphones – from simple settings in the menu to bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

The instructions are suitable for devices on MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14, but taking into account the features of the firmware: some menu items may differ depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13T, POCO X5, etc.). If you encounter an error "Can not install the default browser due to manufacturer restrictions", the article has a solution for this case.

Why does Yandex.Browser not become the default browser on Xiaomi?

The problem lies in the policy of MIUI, Xiaomi’s proprietary shell, which imposes its own services on users, including MIUI Browser, which cannot be replaced simply through the standard Android menu.

• 🔒 Limitations MIUI: On some firmware, the “Default Browser” item is hidden or blocked.
• 📱 Android version: Android 10 and newer, the algorithm for selecting applications has changed – additional configuration is required.
• 🔄 Conflict with other browsers: If Chrome, Opera or Samsung Internet are installed, the system may ignore your choice.
• 🛠️ Cache failures: Damaged application data prevents correct browser change.

Before you go to the settings, make sure that:

1. Yandex.Browser is installed (download the latest version from the official website).
2. The app is updated to the current version (check in Google Play).
3. There is enough memory on the phone (minimum 500 MB of free space).

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (e.g., Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G from China, some settings may not be available without unlocking the bootloader. MIUI.

Method 1: Standard settings through the Android menu

This is the easiest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later.

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 Yandex.Browser (if not, see Method 3).

If you still open links in MIUI Browser after these steps, follow these additional steps:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🧹 Clear the Yandex.Browser cache in Settings → Annexes → Yandex.Browser → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📥 Remove updates for MIUI Browser (if it is a system).

Installed Yandex.Browser of the latest version

Cleared cache of the standard browser

The phone is restarted after installation

Verified version. MIUI (Settings → The phone)-->

On some models (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12 Lite), the default browser may not be available. In this case, move to Method 2.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if Yandex is not displayed in the list)

If Yandex.Browser does not appear in the default browser selection menu, the problem may be a failure of system settings.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots at the top → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action (this won’t delete your data, but will reset the default settings for all apps).
4. After resetting, repeat Method 1.

This method also helps if:

• 🔗 Links open in Google Chrome despite Yandex’s choice.
• 📱 After updating MIUI browser settings have been lost.
• 🚫 The browser list only appears MIUI Browser.

⚠️ Note: Resetting the application settings will also reset the permissions for all programs (camera, microphone, etc.) After the procedure, check the permissions for key applications in Settings. → Confidentiality → Permits.

Method 3: Manual assignment through Yandex.Browser settings

If the standard methods did not work, try to initialize the browser change directly from Yandex.Browser:

1. Open Yandex.Browser.
2. Put it on the icon. ⋮ (three dots) at the bottom of the screen → Settings.
3. Go to the Main → Browser section by default.
4. Click Set by Default – the system will redirect you to the Android menu, where you need to confirm the selection.

If the Default button is inactive or absent:

• 📌 Make sure you have the latest version of your browser (update to Google Play).
• 🔧 Check if permissions for Yandex.Browser are disabled in Settings → Annexes → Yandex.Browser → Permits.
• 📱 On some firmware (MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10 Pro) requires reinstalling the browser.

Method 4: Using ADB to force a browser change (for advanced ones)

If all previous methods fail, then forced assignment via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a method that requires connecting the phone to a computer, but is guaranteed to work even on locked firmware.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable (original to avoid connection issues).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) in the ADB folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your device.
4. Execute the command to change the browser by default: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.browser/com.yandex.browser.BrowserActivity (If it doesn’t work, try the alternative command: adb shell am start. -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS)
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to consult Method 5 or use the help of a specialist.

Method 5: Alternative method through "Open supported links"

If Yandex.Browser is installed but not displayed in the default browser list, try to enable manual link processing:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex.Browser.
2. Choose Open by default (or Open Supported Links).
3. Activate all switches: 🌐 References HTTP 🔒 References HTTPS 📄 Web pages

Add a link

After that, try to open any link (for example, from Telegram or WhatsApp). The system should suggest selecting an application - specify Yandex.Browser and tick "Always".

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If after all the manipulations links still open in MIUI Browser, try temporarily disabling the standard browser: go to Settings → Applications → MIUI Browser → Disable. After that, Yandex will become the default browser automatically.

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even after successful customization, Xiaomi users face typical problems.

1.Yandex.Browser resets after MIUI update

This is because system updates reset the default settings.

• 🔄 After the update, repeat Method 1.
• 📵 Turn off automatic updates MIUI Browser in Google Play.

2. Links from some apps open in Chrome

Some programs (such as VK or Instagram) ignore the system settings and use their browser.

• 🔧 In the settings of the problem application, find the item “Open links in an external browser” and activate it.
• 📥 Install Intent Intercept – a utility for link redirection.

3. Error "Can't install the default browser"

This message appears on Xiaomi with Chinese firmware or on corporate policy devices.

• 🌍 Install a global version MIUI (for example, MIUI Global Stable).
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.

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If none of these methods worked, check if your phone has a working firmware (e.g., from a carrier) that requires flashing to a standard MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Yandex.Browser on Xiaomi