Xiaomi smartphones based on the shell MIUI They offer flexible settings, but many users face a problem: the system automatically assigns standard apps to open links, photos or messages. For example, Mi Browser always runs instead of Chrome, and photos are opened in a standard Gallery instead of Google Photos. This article will help you understand how to change the default programs on Xiaomi for different types of files and actions – from the browser to the user. SMS-messenger.
Unlike “pure” Android, where the settings of standard applications are collected in one menu, MIUI It spreads them across multiple sections, and it makes it more difficult, especially for beginners, and we'll go through all the ways, from basic settings to hidden settings for power users, including the use of the newest ones. ADB-You will also learn why some applications do not appear in the default selection list and how to fix it.
Why Xiaomi automatically assigns standard apps
The MIUI shell (especially in versions 12-14) actively promotes Xiaomi branded services: Mi Browser, Gallery, Music and others.
- 📱 Monetization: Standard apps show ads and collect data for targeted offers.
- 🔄 Integration with the ecosystem: for example, Mi Browser syncs with Xiaomi account for quick access to bookmarks.
- 🛡️ Security: Some system applications (e.g., Security) block changing default settings to "protect the user".
It's important to understand that MIUI limits the choices beyond its own applications, for example, if you installed VLC for video, the system can ignore it and open the videos in a standard player. It's not a bug, it's a shell feature. But you can get around the limitations, and that's what I'm going to talk about.
How to Change the Default Browser to Xiaomi
The browser is the most popular app users are looking to replace. Xiaomi assigns Mi Browser by default, but it can be changed to Chrome, Firefox or another.
Instructions for MIUI 12-14:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Slip on Browser.
- In the list, select the desired application (for example, Google Chrome).
If your browser does not appear in the list:
- 🔍 Make sure it is installed and updated to the latest version.
- 📥 Reinstall the app - sometimes cache resetting helps.
- 🔧 Some browsers (such as Kiwi Browser) require permission to install from unknown sources.
☑️ Preparing for the default browser change
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro after update MIUI browser settings are reset. To avoid this, disable automatic updates of system applications in Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI.
Set up applications by default for files (photos, videos, music)
For media files, MIUI uses standard applications: Photo Gallery, Music for Audio and Video for Clips, to modify them:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Apps.
- Select the desired file type: 📷 Gallery - for photographs; 🎵 Music player; 🎬 video player.
Google Photo
VLC
If the desired application is not in the list, try:
- 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes MIUI Does not update the list immediately after installing new software.
- 📂 Manually open the file through the File Manager, select "Open with help" and tick "Always".
- 🔧 Google Photos may need permission to access storage (check Settings). → Annexes → Permits).
| File type | Standard MIUI application | Popular alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Photos (.jpg,.png) | gallery | Google Photos, Simple Gallery, QuickPic |
| Video (.mp4,.mkv) | Video | VLC, MX Player, Kodi |
| Audio (.mp3,.flac) | Music. | Spotify, Poweramp, Musicolet |
| Documents (.pdf,.docx) | WPS Office | Google Docs, Adobe Acrobat, Foxit PDF |
💡
If files still open in a standard player after changing the default application, clear the cache and data of the Media Storage application in Settings → Applications. This will reset file associations.
Change of change SMS-messenger and call apps
By default, Xiaomi uses SMS Messages and Phone for calls, and can be replaced by:
- For SMS: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Apps → Messages. Select an alternative (e.g. Google Messages or Textra).
- For calls: Similar path: Settings → Applications → Default apps → Phone. Note: some apps (like Truecaller) require additional permissions to work with contacts.
Challenges and solutions:
- 📵 Settings are not saved: check if permissions for the new application are disabled in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
- 🔕 Notifications are not coming SMS: Enable auto-start for messenger in Settings → Battery and productivity → Autostart control.
- 📞 It is impossible to change the application for calls: on some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) This is a locked function. ADB (below).
How to Change the Application for Calls via ADB
Resetting all default settings to factory
If you have experimented with settings and want to return everything to its original state, reset:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset app settings.
- Confirm the action.
What happens after the reset:
- 🔄 All file associations will return to standard applications MIUI.
- 📱 Application permissions (camera, microphone, location) will be reset.
- 🔕 Notifications for some applications may be disabled.
⚠️ Note: Reset does not affect user data (photos, messages, contacts), but some applications (for example, messengers) may require reauthorization. If important settings are missing after reset, check backups in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
Hidden settings: ADB and configuration editing
For experienced users who lacked standard methods, there are advanced ways to:
1.Amendment through ADB
With ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can force the default application to be assigned even if it doesn't appear in the list.
adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.app.role.BROWSER com.android.chromeWhere com.android.chrome is the batch name of the application (you can find out through the App Inspector in Android Studio or the Package Name Viewer application).
2. Editing default_app.xml
In some versions MIUI settings of standard applications are stored in a file /data/system/users/0/default_app.xml. To change it:
- Get root access (for example, through Magisk).
- Open the file in a text editor (such as Root Explorer).
- Find the strings with the right apps and replace their batch names.
- Save the file and restart the device.
💡
Using ADB or editing system files can cause the phone to run unstable. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When you change standard applications, users face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The application does not appear in the selection list | No support for file associations | Install an alternative (e.g. Files by Google instead of MIUI File Manager) |
| Settings are reset after the MIUI update | Systemic sheath restriction | Turn off automatic update in Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI |
| You can't change the call app. | Blocking on some models | Use ADB (instruction above) or third-party launchers (such as Nova Launcher) |
| Files open in a standard player despite settings | Cash Media Storage Not Updated | Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Media Storage |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 📋 Version MIUI: There may be bugs on beta versions of the shell. Set firmware stable through Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI → Three points. → Select a Service Package.
- 🔒 Administrator rights: Some applications (such as Truecaller) require Device Administrator status to operate by default.
- 🛠️ Application compatibility: check the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers, whether your model supports changing standard applications.