Xiaomi’s current smartphones come with a pre-installed Mi Browser browser, which many users find overloaded with ads and news feeds. The desire to replace it with a cleaner and faster counterpart, such as Chrome or Yandex, arises from device owners immediately after the first turn on. However, MIUI or the new HyperOS system have their own features that do not allow you to do this by simply dragging icons. Owners need to go through several levels of settings to fully delegate rights to the new application.
The process of changing a standard web surfing application affects not only the opening of links from messengers, but also the operation of widgets, voice assistant and system notifications. Deep integration of native software forces the system to resist changes, so it is important to follow all the steps consistently. In this guide, we will analyze a detailed algorithm of actions that will help you permanently get rid of intrusive service and customize the gadget for yourself.
Why you should abandon the standard browser
A standard application installed by a manufacturer often contains features that are useful only to a narrow circle of users, but annoy most. First of all, we are talking about aggressive monetization: news feeds, push notifications about discounts and pop-ups can significantly reduce the speed of the interface, replacing such software with a third-party counterpart allows you to return the device to its former sharpness and responsiveness.
In addition, third-party developers often offer more advanced privacy protection tools, including built-in solutions that collect telemetry and browsing history for targeted advertising, while specialized browsers like Brave or DuckDuckGo block engine-level trackers, especially when using Wi-Fi networks or working with sensitive data.
⚠️ Note: Completely removing the system browser without installing an alternative can lead to errors when opening links from other applications (e.g. Telegram or Viber).Always first install and configure the replacement.
Another important aspect is synchronization of the ecosystem: If you use a Windows or macOS computer, using browsers from Google, Yandex or Opera will provide instant access to your bookmarks and passwords on all devices. Xiaomi’s native browser often does not have full desktop versions or extensions, which limits functionality.
Preparation for the installation of alternatives
Before you start changing your system settings, you need to download and install the desired application. Most users choose proven solutions from the official Google Play store, which guarantees security and no modified code. The installation process is standard and does not require special skills, but you should pay attention to the permissions requested.
After installation, take your time to launch the application. First, make sure that it is properly logged in and not blocked by the antivirus MIUI. Sometimes the security system may mark unknown installers as potentially dangerous, requiring additional confirmation of user actions.
☑️ Preparation for the browser change
It’s also important to check if your device is part of a corporate network or if it has restricted profiles that can block the change of standard applications.
Setting up the browser by default in MIUI and HyperOS
The interfaces of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have similar menu logic, but item names may vary slightly depending on the version of Android. To start opening links in a new application, you need to change the corresponding parameter in the Applications section. This is a key step, without which all other actions will be useless.
Go to the settings menu and find the Apps section, and you're interested in the Application Management section, which stores a list of all the software installed. The top right corner of the screen is a three-dot menu that will open the drop-down list when you click on it. Select the default App (or Standard Apps).
In the list that opens, find the Browser category. The default category will be Mi Browser or Chrome (if it has already been activated), click on this item and the system will offer a list of all installed web browsers. Choose the one you downloaded earlier, such as Opera or Firefox.
| Parameter | Description of action | Wherever |
|---|---|---|
| Application management | List of all installed software | Settings → Applications |
| Default applications | Menu of selection of priority programs | Menu (3 points) in management |
| browser | Category for selecting a web engine | List of standard applications |
| Resetting preferences | Return to factory selection settings | Menu (3 points) → Reset |
Once you have chosen a new option, the system can think for a few seconds about the changes, and now, when you click on any link in messengers or documents, the app you choose will automatically start up, and if that doesn't happen, you may have cache of old settings left in the system.
💡
If after choosing a new browser, links still open in the old one, try clearing the Settings app cache in the Memory section and restarting the phone.
Managing permissions and access to links
Sometimes, even after a change in priority, the system persists in opening links in the old browser, because the old application may still have active rights to process certain types of links (Deep Links), and to fix this, you need to forcefully reset these settings for the old browser.
Go back to Application Management and find an old browser (e.g. Mi Browser) in the list. Go inside its card and find Open by default (or Start by default). Here you will see the Reset by default button. Click it to cancel all previous!soul system choices.
Now, the next time you click on a link, Android will ask you again what to open this content. In the window that appears, select a new browser and be sure to tick Always (or Default) so you don't repeat the procedure every time.
⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse resetting app settings with completely removing it.Reset only takes away the priority of link opening, but doesn't delete history and bookmarks.
Also, check the permissions for the new browser. Go to its settings in the application menu and make sure it is allowed to "Access Data" and "Master on top of other applications" (if required for widgets).
Cleaning the cache and removing the old browser
After successfully configuring the new tool, many users wonder if it is possible to uninstall the old one. With Xiaomi system applications, this cannot be done with standard tools, but they can be “freezed” or disabled, which is effectively equivalent to deleting for the user.
In the Mi Browser app card (or any other system) the Remove button will be inactive, but the Disable button is available. When you click on it, the application will disappear from the menu, stop updating and consume RAM in the background, its data will be hidden, but you can reverse it if you want.
If you want to clear the old browser before you turn it off, use the data cleanup function. In the Memory section inside the app card, click Clear and select Clear Everything. This will delete the cache, cookies and saved passwords.
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Memory → Clean everythingFor advanced users, it is possible to completely remove system applications via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) from your computer, which requires USB connection and commands, but allows you to get rid of it once and for all, but use it with caution so as not to disrupt the integrity of the system.
Commands to remove via ADB
Addressing common problems
Even if all instructions are followed, there can be situations when the new browser is not working correctly or links are opened in the wrong place, often the problem lies in the conflict of Android versions and shell, or in errors of the installed application itself.
If a new browser crashes when you start, try removing updates or reinstalling it by clearing the Google Play store cache beforehand. Sometimes it helps to turn off battery optimization for a particular application, as Xiaomi’s aggressive energy saver can “kill” the browser process immediately after launch.
- 📱 Links open in an empty window: Check if you have Incognito mode installed by default or an ad blocker that breaks the layout of pages.
- 🔋 Fast battery drain: New browsers can actively use geolocation. GPS In the permission settings, if it is not needed.
- 📶 Wi-Fi problems: If pages don’t load only in a new browser, try resetting your network settings or changing your browser DNS at 8.8.8.8.
⚠️ Note: When using the "Energy Saving" modes, the system may prevent the background loading of pages in the new browser.
In rare cases, resetting all application preferences helps, which will return all settings for opening files and links to factory ones, but will not delete your personal data, photos or contacts.
💡
The most effective way to deal with link opening errors is to completely reset the default settings for the old browser before activating the new one.