Xiaomi smartphones based on the shell MIUI The default browser is Mi Browser, which is not always convenient for users: some prefer Google Chrome for syncing with the account, others choose Firefox because of privacy, and still others install Brave to block ads. In this article, we will analyze how to completely remove Mi Browser from the list of silences and assign another browser to the main one - taking into account all the nuances. MIUI 12-14.
It’s important to understand that the default browser change process for Xiaomi is different from standard Android because of the shell features. In some cases, the system can automatically reset settings after an update or reboot. We’ll look at not only the basic steps, but also ways to fix the changes, and also bypass common errors, such as when the browser does not appear in the list of available applications.
Why Mi Browser is not happy with users
Xiaomi’s branded browser has been criticized for several key points:
- 🔍 Data collection: Mi Browser transfers information about visited sites to Xiaomi servers (even in incognito mode), as confirmed by independent research.
- 📦 Built-in Advertising: In some regions, the browser displays banners and promotional materials that cannot be disabled through settings.
- ⚡ Performance: Compared to Chrome or Firefox, Mi Browser is slower to handle complex web pages (like Google Docs or Figma).
- 🔄 Limited Sync: No integration with Google Account, which is inconvenient for users of other Android devices.
In addition, Mi Browser does not support extensions (unlike Firefox or Kiwi Browser), which is critical for web developers or those who actively use AdBlock, Dark Reader and other plugins. Even after installing an alternative browser, the system can open links from messages or mail in Mi Browser - this is due to the default settings of applications in the system. MIUI.
Preparation: which browser to choose instead of Mi Browser
Before replacing, decide on an alternative. Here is a comparison of popular options for Xiaomi:
| browser | Pluses | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Sync with Google account, high speed, PWA support | High RAM consumption, data collection | Users of the Google ecosystem, those who work with web applications |
| Mozilla Firefox | Privacy, extension support, open source | Slower Chrome on weaker devices | People who value privacy and customization |
| Brave | Built-in ad blocker, ad review rewards, fast | Not all sites work correctly with tracker blocking | Users who want to get rid of advertising without extensions |
| Kiwi Browser | Chrome extensions support, lightweight, open source | Fewer features than in Chrome | Those who need extensions but don’t like Chrome |
For most Xiaomi users, Google Chrome is the best choice – it is pre-installed on many models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) and is well integrated with Google services. If privacy is the priority, look for Firefox Focus (a simplified version with automatic history deletion) or DuckDuckGo Browser.
⚠️ Note: Some browsers (such as Samsung Internet or Opera) may conflict with the Internet. MIUI and incorrectly open links from system applications. Before installing, check reviews for your Xiaomi model.
Step-by-step: how to change the browser by default
The process of replacing a browser consists of three steps: installing an alternative browser, assigning it to the default application and checking the correctness of the operation.
1. Installation of an alternative browser
If you haven’t installed another browser yet, do so via Google Play:
- Open the Play Store and find the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).
- Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
- Launch the browser and perform the initial setting (login to the account, import bookmarks, etc.).
For Xiaomi models without Google services (for example, for Chinese firmware), the browser can be downloaded in.apk format from the official developer's website. Make sure that the security settings allow installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special rights → Installation of unknown applications).
2. Default browser designation
Now let’s move on to the key step – changing the application by default:
- Open the settings of your Xiaomi.
- Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Slip on Browser.
- In the list that appears, select the browser you want (e.g. Chrome).
If your browser doesn't appear in the list, it means it doesn't support web link processing.
- 🔄 Restart the browser and repeat the steps.
- 📥 Update your browser to the latest version.
- 🔧 Clear cache and application data Settings (Settings) → Annexes → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
An alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) is installed.
Browser is assigned by default in settings MIUI
Links from messages / mail open in the new browser
Checked work after restarting the device-->
3. Verification and troubleshooting of problems
After changing the browser, test its work:
- 📩 Open the link from SMS or messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp).
- 🔍 Find something through Google Search (widget or app).
- 📧 Follow the link from the letter to Gmail or Mi Mail.
If links still open in Mi Browser, follow these steps:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Mi Browser on the list and tap it.
- Choose Open by default → Clear the silences.
- Repeat the steps to assign the default browser (see above).
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Especially Chinese) the option to clear silences may not be available, in which case only a complete reset of application settings (Settings) will help. → System system → Resetting settings → Reset application settings).
Features for different versions of MIUI
The process of replacing the browser may vary depending on the version of the shell. MIUI 12, 13 and 14:
| MIUI version | The Way to Setting Up Silence | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 | Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ → Default applications | There may be bugs opening links from Mi Mail.Solution: clearing the Mi Mail cache. |
| MIUI 13 | Settings → Annexes → Default applications (direct access) | Support for Android 12 is added, but some browsers (like Edge) may not appear in the list. |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Annexes → Silence | More stable work with alternative browsers, but manual confirmation is required when you first open a link. |
Nana MIUI 14 (based on Android 13) has a permission feature to open links. If after changing the browser links still open in Mi Browser, check:
- Open Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autostart.
- Make sure your browser is included in the autorun list.
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Open links and select the desired browser.
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After the update MIUI browser reset to standard, try to disable automatic update Mi Browser through the Play Store (click on three dots in the application card) → Turn off auto-update).
How to remove Mi Browser completely (for power users)
If you want to not just replace, but completely remove the Mi Browser, this can only be done with the help of the user. ADB (Android Debug Bridge, or root access. Normally, you can't uninstall a system application.
To remove via ADB, follow the following steps:
- Enable Developer Mode on your Xiaomi: Go to Settings → About the phone, tap 7 times on the version MIUI. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.
ADB Tools
Platform Tools
ADB
adb devicesMake sure your device is listed.
Mi Browser
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browserFor MIUI 13/14 Alternative package may be required:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowserOnce you complete the command, Mi Browser will disappear from the application menu, and all links will automatically open in an alternative browser.
- 🔧 Some system features (such as Mi Account or Software Update) may require Mi Browser to open web pages.
- 🔄 After resetting the settings or updating the firmware, the browser may appear again.
- ⚠️ Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When you replace the default browser, Xiaomi users face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
1.The browser is not displayed in the list of silences
If you have installed a browser but it does not appear in Settings → Default applications, the reasons may be as follows:
- 📥 The browser is not updated to the latest version (check in the Play Store).
- 🔧 The browser does not support link processing (for example, Firefox Focus cannot be the default browser).
- 🛠️ Damaged system settings (will help reset application settings).
Decision:
- Clear cache and application data Settings (Settings) → Annexes → Settings → Warehouse → Clear cache/data).
- Reset the device.
- Try another browser (e.g. Chrome instead of Firefox).
2. Links from some apps open in Mi Browser
Some system applications MIUI (For example, Mi Mail, Mi Community or Themes ignore default settings and forcefully open links in Mi Browser.
Bypasses:
- 📥 Use alternative apps (e.g. Gmail instead of Mi Mail).
- 🔗 Copy the link and paste it manually into your browser’s address bar.
- 🛠️ Remove updates for problem application (Settings) → Annexes → [Annex] → ⋮ → Remove updates).
3.After the MIUI update, the settings reset
Xiaomi often resets its default settings after major firmware updates.
- Before updating, write down your browser name by default.
- After the update, repeat the steps to assign the browser (see section above).
- If the browser is not saved, try to disable the automatic update Mi Browser.
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On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13 browser default settings are more stable, but it is still recommended to check them after each update.
Alternative Ways: Using Launchers and Automatic Rules
If standard methods don’t work, you can go a detour — use alternative launchers or applications to manage silences.
1.Silence-enabled launchers
Some launchers (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) allow you to flexibly configure link opening:
- Install Nova Launcher from the Play Store.
- Designate it as the default launcher.
- Go to the Nova settings → Annexes and widgets → Default applications.
- Select the browser you want to open web links.
This solution works even if MIUI ignores system settings.
Applications for the management of silences
There are utilities that allow you to flexibly configure link opening:
- Default App Manager (requires) ADB or root: allows you to assign a default browser to specific types of links (e.g. http, https).
- Open Link With: Adds the browser selection dialog every time you open a link.
- Tasker: For power users, you can create a rule that will redirect all links to the browser you choose.
Example of settings in Tasker:
- Create a new profile → Event → Opening of the link.
- Add the task Open the application and select your browser.
- In the Data field, specify the variable %ef(1) (this is the link address).
⚠️ Note: Applications like Default App Manager require rights ADB or root, which may interfere with the guarantee and stability of the work MIUI. Use them only if other methods do not help.