How to change the default applications to Xiaomi: browser, calls, SMS and others

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI or HyperOS often install their own default apps — Mi Browser for the Internet, Messages for SMS or Contacts for calls. But what if you prefer Google Chrome, Telegram for messages or Truecaller for call identification? In this article, we will discuss all the ways to change standard applications, including hidden settings and bypass system restrictions.

The process differs depending on the firmware version: MIUI 12-14 has one algorithm, and HyperOS (starting with Xiaomi 14 and Redmi Note 13) has another. It is also important to consider that some system applications (such as Security or Themes) cannot be replaced without unlocking the bootloader and superuser rights.

Why Xiaomi restricts the change of applications by default

The manufacturer argues this with performance optimization and integration with the MIUI ecosystem, for example, the standard Mi Browser browser is closely linked to Xiaomi Cloud services, bookmark synchronization and Quick Ball.

• 🔒 Ad-linking: Embedded apps (especially Mi Browser and Music) show ads even in paid versions MIUI.
• 📱 Suboptimal UX: The interface of system applications may seem overloaded compared to alternatives like Google Messages or VLC.
• 🔄 Google Services Conflicts: Mi Contacts doesn’t sync with Google Contacts as quickly as the original app.

Fortunately, most of the limitations are circumventable, except for system services like Settings or Security, which cannot be replaced without deep firmware modification.

How to Change the Default Browser to Xiaomi

Replacing the Mi Browser with Google Chrome, Firefox or Edge is the most common task. In MIUI 14 and later, the algorithm is simplified, but there are nuances:

1. Install an alternative browser from Google Play (e.g. Chrome).
2. Open any web link (e.g. in a message or email) and a pop-up will appear with a selection of the app.
3. Select the browser you want and select “Always” (or “Use by default”).

If the window doesn't appear:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Default Apps".
3. Click Browser and select an alternative application from the list.

Install an alternative browser from the official store

Check for MIUI/HyperOS Updates

Disable battery optimization for the new browser (Settings → Battery → Optimization)

Reboot your phone after a change-->

Problem with HyperOS: In newer versions (such as the Xiaomi 14 Pro), the "Default Apps" option may not be on the menu.

⚠️ Note: If after changing the browser links still open in Mi Browser, clear the cache and data of the Settings application (Settings) → Annexes → All applications → Settings → Warehouse → Clear cache/data.This will reset all default settings, but solve the problem 90% of the time.

Replacement of the application for SMS and MMS

The standard Messages app in MIUI does not support RCS (like Google Messages) and often duplicates notifications to change it:

• 📱 Install an alternative: Google Messages, Textra or QKSMS.
• 🔧 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Default applications → SMS.
• 📩 Select a new app from the list. If you don't have one, restart your phone and try again.

For Google Messages, additionally:

1. Open the application and allow access to the SMS in the first pop-up window.
2. Go to Google Messages (Three Dots → Settings → Additional → SMS by default) and click “Set by Default”.

Change of application for calls and contacts

Replacing the standard Contacts and Phone app is more difficult due to deep integration with MIUI, but you can use Google Phone or Truecaller for calls:

1. Download an alternative app (like Google Phone).
2. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points → Default Apps → Phone.
3. Select a new application. If there is no item, use the method below.

Alternatively, for MIUI 13 and later:

1. Open any app with phone numbers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram).
2. Slip on the contact number and hold – a menu will appear with the choice of the application for the call.
3. Select the desired application and mark "Always".

💡

If contacts are lost after changing the call app, import them to the new app via a VCF file. To do this, export contacts to Mi Contacts (Settings → Import / Export → Export to the device), then import them to Google Contacts or Truecaller.

Limitations:

• 🚫 Google Phone does not support recording of conversations on MIUI (because of Google's policy).
• 🔇 Truecaller can conflict with the system number detector, causing double notifications.
• 📞 Call apps can’t completely replace Mi Contacts – contacts will still be synchronized through system software.

Replace other apps by default (gallery, music, camera)

Not all standard apps can be replaced through settings, but for most there are workarounds:

Special case: Google Camera (GCam)

Many Xiaomi users install Google Camera for better photo processing.

• 📸 Replace the Mi Camera by default is impossible - GCam always starts manually.
• ⚙️ Configuration files are needed for proper operation (XML) For example, for the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ Xiaomi 13 Ultra requires different settings.
• 🔋 GCam can drain battery faster due to lack of optimization for Qualcomm or MediaTek processors in Xiaomi.

💡

The only way to make GCam the default app is to remove the Mi Camera through the ADB (However, this will result in the loss of features like Document Mode, Movie Frame and scanning. QR-codes from the notification panel.

Resetting all applications by default to factory

If something went wrong after experimenting with settings (for example, links stopped opening or SMS did not come), you can reset all applications by default:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select App Reset (or Reset Default Settings).
3. Confirm the action. The phone will reboot, and all settings will be reset to the factory.

Alternative method (via ADB, for power users):

adb shell cmd appops set <package_name> DEFAULT reset_all

Where <package_name> — Packet ID (e.g. com.android.chrome for Chrome) To reset everything at once, use:

adb shell cmd appops reset-all

⚠️ Attention: Discharge through ADB Also remove all permissions for applications (camera, microphone, etc.) After the procedure, check the privacy settings in Settings. → Confidentiality → Application authorizations.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after setting the applications correctly, there may be problems by default.

• 🔗 Links open in old browser: Clear the Settings app cache (as described above) or install Better Open With from Google Play to force you to choose.
• 📞 Calls are dropped through 1-2 Seconds: Turn off Battery Optimization for your phone app and check if Security App is blocking it (c Settings) → Battery → Optimization → All applications).
• 📧 SMS Do not come to the new app: Make sure it has permission to "Send and view" SMS" (Settings → Annexes → Permits → SMS).
• 🎵 Music is played in Mi Music instead of the player you select: Remove the Mi Music cache and turn off autoplay in the battery settings.

HyperOS problem: In newer versions (starting with Xiaomi 14), some default settings are reset after the system update.

1. Before updating, back up your settings via Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. After updating manually check the default settings in Settings → Applications → Default Apps.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions