Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI or the new HyperOS, offer users a wide range of system applications. However, often there is a situation when the pre-installed software does not suit, and you want to use alternatives from third-party developers, for example, replace the standard browser with Chrome or Firefox, and the call with a more functional counterpart.
The process of changing priority programs on Redmi and Poco devices has its own nuances, different from pure Android. The system can aggressively return the user to native applications if you do not configure correctly. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to manage these parameters so that your smartphone works exactly as you want.
Understanding how the default application mechanism works will help avoid many inconveniences in everyday use of the gadget. You will learn not only to choose new programs, but also to reset erroneous settings that may have arisen after updating the system or installing new software.
Why Change Standard Apps to Xiaomi
Many users leave factory settings without thinking about alters, but standard solutions from Xiaomi are not always the best. They often have limited functionality or contain excessive advertising, which is annoying with daily use. Changing default programs allows you to personalize your device to your habits and improve productivity.
In addition, third-party developers often implement innovative features faster than they appear in stock applications. For example, browsers with built-in ad blockers or file managers with support for cloud storage can significantly improve the experience of interacting with the operating system.
- 🚀 Increased speed of the interface by using more optimized analogues.
- 🛡️ Increased data security and confidentiality when using proven software.
- 🎨 Deep Customization of the Appearance and Behavior of System Windows.
It is important to note that some features of the MIUI shell may not work properly without native components, so before a global replacement, make sure that the chosen tools are compatible with your firmware version.
Where to find the default application settings
Finding the right menu in Xiaomi can be confusing for a beginner, as the path to it depends on the version of the operating system. In most cases, management is through the general settings of the device, rather than inside the applications themselves. This centralized storage allows you to control the behavior of the smartphone in various scenarios.
To get to the right section, you need to open the main settings menu and scroll down to Apps, which is where the key controls for your Redmi or Poco software are hidden.
The interface may vary slightly depending on the regional version of the firmware (Global, China, EEA), but the logic remains the same: If you are using Android 12 or later, the system can offer a simplified selection menu that appears when you first start the corresponding file type.
💡
Use search in settings: Type the phrase “default” into the search bar at the top of the settings screen to instantly navigate to the desired menu without long wandering through sections.
Step-by-step instructions for changing programs
The process of changing priority software is simple enough if you know the exact sequence of actions. First you need to go to the Settings menu → Applications → Default Applications. In some versions of MIUI, this item may be simply called “App Management”.
Once you log in, you'll see a list of categories like Browser, Phone, SMS, Camera, and more. Click on the category of interest, and the system will suggest a list of programs installed on the device that can perform this function.
☑️ Algorithm of changing the application
From now on, all links, calls or files of the appropriate type will be opened through the tool you choose. If the desired program is not on the list, make sure that it is installed and has the necessary permissions.
⚠️ Warning: When choosing system applications such as Phone or Contacts, make sure the new program is fully functional, or you may lose the ability to make calls.
Setup to open files and links
Special attention should be paid to the configuration of file formats and Internet links. Often, videos are opened in a gallery instead of a video player, and documents are run in the wrong editor. These parameters are also managed in the application section, but require more detailed configuration.
To change the behavior of links, find a specific browser or messenger in the list of installed applications. Go to Settings → Apps → All applications, select the desired application (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp) and find the option “Open by default”.
Here you can see a list of supported web addresses, and HyperOS allows you to flexibly configure which links should be opened in the app and which should be opened in the browser, which helps to avoid random switching between windows.
| Type of content | Standard action | Possible replacement | Where to change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web links (http/https) | Mi Browser. | Chrome, Firefox | Default applications |
| Video files (mp4, mkv) | Mi video | VLC, MX Player | Opening files |
| Audio files (mp3, flac) | Mi Music. | PowerAmp, Spotify | Default applications |
| PDF documents | Mi Documents. | Adobe Acrobat | Opening files |
If the system stopped asking how to open the file and automatically runs the wrong program, you need to reset the association settings, which will return the selection pop-up when the file is next run.
Resetting default settings
Sometimes it is necessary to return everything to factory parameters, especially if the new application is unstable or causes conflicts.Resetting allows (clear) current priorities and make the system again request action from the user.
To reset, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Find the app you want to reset (for example, the same browser that opened instead of another). At the bottom of the screen or in the three-dot menu, find the “Delete by default” or “Reset by default” button.
What happens when you dump?
There is also the option of completely resetting all preferences at once, and for this, the default App menu often has a “Reset All” button in the upper right corner or in the optional menu, which will affect all categories at once.
⚠️ Note: Setting resets do not delete application data or cache, it only cancels their priority status for certain actions.
Solving Frequent Problems and Errors
Xiaomi users may find themselves in a situation where the system ignores choices and continues to run the native app, often due to aggressive battery optimization or background processes in MIUI.
To fix this, go to the settings of the particular application you want to make the primary. Find the Battery or Energy Saving section and select No Limits mode. This will prevent the system from killing the application process, which is necessary for it to function properly as the primary one.
Another common problem is that there is no option on the menu, which can happen if a third-party application does not claim support for certain types of files in its manifesto, in which case it is worth checking for updates for the application itself on Google Play.
- 🔄 Check for updates for the shell MIUI/HyperOS under the heading “On the telephone».
- 🔒 Make sure the app is given all the necessary permissions in the security menu.
- 🗑️ Try to remove updates to a problem system application (if the system allows it).
If nothing helps, a deeper intervention through the developer menu or a reset of all phone settings may be required, but these are extreme measures.
💡
Aggressive energy savings in Xiaomi often block third-party apps by default, so the “No Limits” mode is a must for stable operation.