How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphones use the Mi Browser browser, an application with integrated services, advertising and limited privacy settings, by default. Many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Brave for their speed, synchronization with other devices or advanced blocking tracking features. However, changing the default browser on devices with a MIUI shell often raises questions: where to look for the right settings, why some links still open in the Mi Browser, and how to completely remove it from the system.

In this article you will find the current ways to change the default browser on Redmi Note 9, taking into account the features of the browser. MIUI 12-14, including bypassing typical constraints, and we'll not only break down the standard method through Android settings, but also alternative solutions for cases where the system ignores your choices. Separately, we will dwell on the problems with opening links from messengers, mail and other applications - their behavior often depends on versions. MIUI and installed updates.

Why Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is difficult to change the default browser

MIUI shell is known for its aggressive promotion of branded services, and the browser is no exception. Even after explicitly specifying another default application, some links may open in Mi Browser because of:

• 🔗 Hard integration with system applications (e.g. Weather, Themes or Security always use Mi Browser for web links).
• 📱 Restrictions MIUI Android level: shell intercepts intent filters (the mechanism of Android for processing links) and redirects them to your browser.
• 🔄 System updates that reset default settings (especially after major updates) MIUI).
• 🚫 Lack of option in some versions MIUI (For example, in regional firmware for China).

In addition, Mi Browser cannot be completely deleted without root rights – it can only be disabled or hidden, which creates additional difficulties: even a disabled browser can be activated when certain types of links are opened (for example, from notifications or widgets).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Market (Version) MIUI Global) Browser change is usually correct (MIUI China) or EEA (Europe) may be further restricted due to local laws on pre-installed software.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

This is the basic method that works on most Redmi Note 9 devices with MIUI 12 and later. The instruction is relevant for Google Chrome, Firefox, Brave and other browsers installed from Google Play:

1. Install an alternative browser from the Google Play Market (e.g. Google Chrome).
2. Open any application that contains a web link (such as Gmail, Telegram or WhatsApp).
3. Tap the link and you will see a browser selection window. Always click (or Only once if you want to test first).
4. Select the browser you want from the list (e.g. Chrome).
5. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → The default browser and make sure your browser is selected.

If the default browser is not in the settings, try an alternative path:

1. Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find the Mi Browser list and tap it.
3. Select Open by default → Clear the default settings.
4. Repeat the steps with opening the link and selecting the browser.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version)

Open any link in the messenger or mail

Select a new browser and confirm the "Always" action"-->

Method 2: Manually assigning a browser to specific applications

Some apps (like Telegram or VK) ignore the default global browser settings and use their link-opening mechanism to force the browser to:

1. Open the settings of the desired application (for example, in Telegram: ⚙️ Settings → Data and memory → browser).
2. Select an External browser and select your preferred application.
3. For Gmail: Settings → General settings → Open web links → select a browser.

If you don’t have an option, try the following workaround:

• 📌 Install the Better Open With app – it lets you manually assign apps to open links.
• 🔧 In Better Open With settings, add your browser to the list of allowed processing options. HTTP/HTTPS-reference.

⚠️ Note: Facebook and Instagram apps use the built-in WebView to open links and do not allow you to change the browser. The only way out is to copy the link and paste it manually into the desired browser.

Google Chrome

Mi Browser (standard)

Mozilla Firefox

Brave

Other-->

Method 3: Disable Mi Browser (without root rights)

If Mi Browser keeps opening links against your settings, it can be disabled.This will not remove the application completely, but will make it unavailable to the system:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser on the list and tap it.
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After disabling the Mi Browser, the system will be forced to use an alternative browser.

• ⚠️ Some system notifications (e.g. updates) MIUI) You may stop opening web pages.
• ⚠️ Functions like Quick Search (swipe down on the home screen) will stop working.

To return Mi Browser, re-find it in the list of apps and click Enable.

💡

If the "Disable" button is inactive, try first to clear the cache and browser data in its settings. Sometimes this will unlock the "Disable" option.

Method 4: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

For advanced users willing to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to force the default browser through the command line.This will help if MIUI ignores manual settings.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the assembly number → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging (a request will appear on the phone screen).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Find out the name of your browser package (e.g. for Chrome it is com.android.chrome). For this, type: adb shell pm list packages | grep 'browser'
4. Assign the default browser: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package.
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

This method will work even on firmware, where MIUI blocks manual browser change, but after updating the system, the settings may reset.

Table: Browser comparison for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

If you haven’t already chosen the Mi Browser alternative, compare the popular options by key parameters:

For the Redmi Note 9 with 4-6 GB of RAM, Brave or Kiwi Browser are the best choice – they consume less resources than Chrome and offer better privacy protection. If syncing with other devices is important to you, look at Firefox.

Problem Solving: Links still open in Mi Browser

If after all the manipulations, some links still open in Mi Browser, check out the following points:

• 🔍 Updates MIUI: After major updates (for example, with the MIUI 12 on MIUI 13) browser settings may reset. Repeat the default browser assignment procedure.
• 📦 System Application Cache: Clear the Cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → System applications → Settings and Launcher.
• 🔗 Specific types of links: Some URL (for example, miui:// or xiaomi://) Always open in Mi Browser – these are system links and their behavior cannot be changed.
• 🛠️ Application Conflict: Remove or disable other browsers that may intercept links (e.g, UC Browser or Opera Mini).

If the problem persists, try the following trick:

1. Install the Better Open With app.
2. In its settings, find HTTP and HTTPS in the list of link types.
3. Designate your browser as a handler for these types.
4. Turn off the option to Show Selection Dialogue so that links open automatically.

💡

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the problem of forced link opening in Mi Browser is partially solved - now the system respects the user's choice for most applications, except for system ones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9