How to install the default browser on Xiaomi: instructions for MIUI 12, 13 and 14

Why can’t you just change your default browser on Xiaomi?

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face an unexpected problem: even after installing Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera, the system persistently opens links in the standard MIUI Browser browser.

The reason is because of the policy of MIUI, Xiaomi's proprietary shell, which is that unlike pure Android, where the default browser is selected through application settings, the process is complicated. The system aggressively promotes its browser by blocking a direct change in the Settings → Apps menu. Moreover, after MIUI updates, the settings can be reset and you will have to repeat the procedure.

But the good news is that you can get around this limitation in a number of ways, from standard settings to hidden MIUI features, and you know where to look.

Method 1: Standard change through application settings (MIUI 12-14)

This method works on most modern Xiaomi devices, but with reservations. In the latest versions of MIUI 14, the path has changed a little, so here are the current instructions:

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 the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

⚠️ Note: If your browser is not listed, it does not support default link processing. Try reinstalling it or upgrading to the latest version.

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or POCO X5), the default App item may be hidden.

1. Go back to Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI Browser list and tap it.
3. Select Open by default → Clear the settings.
4. Now, when you first open a link, the system will suggest choosing a browser.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the browser does not appear in the list)

Sometimes even after you install Chrome or Firefox, they don't appear in the default browser selection menu, because MIUI caches your application settings.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action (this won’t delete application data, only reset the default settings).
4. Reboot the phone.

After the reboot:

• 🔹 Open any browser (such as Chrome).
• 🔹 Click on any link (e.g., type google.com in the address bar).
• 🔹 The system should suggest choosing the default browser.

⚠️ Note: Resetting your application settings will also reset the permissions for all programs (e.g., camera access or geolocation.

Method 3: Use ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If the standard methods don’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your phone to your computer, but is guaranteed to work on any Xiaomi device.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging over USB.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the default browser reset command: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser
5. Now install the default browser in the standard way (see Method 1).

Important: After using ADB, some MIUI features (e.g., optimizing the battery for the browser) may not work properly. Check the power saving settings for the browser you select manually.

Method 4: Disable MIUI Browser through settings (radical method)

If you don’t use Xiaomi’s standard browser, you can disable it completely, which will force the system to automatically redirect all links to an alternative browser.

How to turn off MIUI Browser:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find MIUI Browser in the list and tap it.
3. Click Disable (the button can be hidden under the three-point menu).
4. Confirm the action.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling the system browser may cause some features to fail MIUI, for example:

• 🔴 No links will be opened in system notifications.
• 🔴 The built-in search in Settings may stop working.
• 🔴 Some applications (such as Mi Community) may be bugged.

If you have problems after disconnecting, return the browser back:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Turn on the display of disabled applications (filter in the top menu).
3. Find MIUI Browser and click Enable.

Compatibility table with MIUI versions

Not all methods work on all firmware versions, and here are the current data as of 2026:

If your version of MIUI is newer than 14, check the relevance of the methods in official sources. Xiaomi regularly updates its default application policy.

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Before changing your browser, check if it supports sync with your accounts (Google, Firefox, etc.) for example, Chrome will automatically upload bookmarks and history if you are logged in to a Google account.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, users face unexpected challenges, and we'll look at some of the most common ones.

Problem 1: Links are still opened in MIUI Browser

Reason: Some apps (like Facebook or Instagram) have their own settings for opening links.

Decision:

• 🔧 Open a problem app (like Facebook).
• 🔧 Go to his settings. → Browser settings or Open links to....
• 🔧 Choose an External Browser or Always Ask.

Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the settings reset

Reason: MIUI updates often reset application settings by default.

Decision:

• 🔄 Repeat the procedure for changing the browser (see Method 1).
• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Update the system (if you do not want to repeat the setting after each update).

Problem 3: The default browser resets after the reboot

Reason: MIUI Optimization can reset settings.

Decision:

• 🛠️ Open the Settings. → Battery and productivity → Optimization MIUI.
• 🛠️ Turn off optimization for your browser (find it in the list and uncheck the box).

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If none of these methods worked, check to see if your phone has regional firmware installed (for example, in China), which often blocks many of the default settings in MIUI builds.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions