Xiaomi Redmi smartphones based on the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS often install their own apps by default: Mi browser instead of Chrome, Gallery instead of Google Photos, Messages instead of WhatsApp or Telegram. This is not always convenient - especially if you are used to alternative programs. Fortunately, the system allows you to flexibly configure standard applications, but not all users know where to look for these settings.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the default applications to Redmi Note 10/11/12/13, Redmi 9/10/12C and other models - from basic MIUI settings to hidden HyperOS features. Particular attention will be paid to the typical problems: why some applications do not appear in the selection list, how to return standard values and what to do if the settings are lost after the update.
Important: the procedure may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. If you have MIUI 14 or HyperOS based on Android 13/14, some menu items may be moved, we will specify alternative paths.
Why Xiaomi is changing the default apps and whether it is possible to disable
MIUI (and its successor HyperOS) is actively promoting Xiaomi’s branded services: browser, gallery, music and even launcher, part of the brand ecosystem, but not all users are willing to put up with imposed programs, the main reasons for automatic change of standard applications:
🔹 Pre-installed services: When you first start up, Xiaomi assigns its apps to the core for key actions (link opening, photo viewing, calls).
🔹 Updates to the firmware. After major updates (e.g. with MIUI 12 on MIUI 13) settings may be reset.
🔹 Battery optimization: Some apps (e.g. Chrome) are blocked in the background, which leads to automatic switching to a standard browser.
Can you turn it off completely? No, but you can manually set priority programs and block resets, and that's what you'll find in the next sections.
How to change the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi
The standard Mi browser is uncomfortable to many due to advertising, slow operation or lack of sync with a Google Account.To assign Chrome, Firefox or another browser to the main one:
1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser section and select the desired application from the list.
🔹 If your browser is not listed:
- 📱 Install it from Google Play and open it at least once.
- 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the list doesn’t get updated right away.
- 🛠️ For HyperOS: Check the Settings section → Additionally. → Special facilities → Default applications.
⚠️
Attention! If the links still open in Mi Browser after changing your browser, check the battery optimization settings for your browser. Go to Settings → Battery → Application Selection and disable restrictions.
☑️ Preparation for the browser change
Setup of the application to open links (HTTP/HTTPS)
Sometimes even after changing the default browser, links from messengers or mail open in the Mi Browser. This is due to a separate setting for processing web links.
1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points → Default Apps → Link Processing.
2. Find out. HTTP-references HTTPS-links (can be combined into one item).
3. Select the desired browser from the list.
🔹 For HyperOS, the path may be different:
Settings → Additional → Applications → Silence → Link processing⚠️
Attention! Some apps (like Instagram or TikTok) ignore system settings and open links in the built-in browser. This is a restriction of the programs themselves, not Xiaomi.
Change the application for SMS and calls
By default, Xiaomi Redmi uses branded Messages and Phone for SMS and calls. If you prefer Google Messages, Truecaller or WhatsApp for calls:
📱 For SMS:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points → Default Apps.
- Select SMS and specify the desired application.
📞 For calls:
- Same way: Settings → Applications → Default Apps.
- Select Phone and assign Truecaller or another app.
🔹 Important nuances:
- 🔐 Truecaller requires additional permissions to detect spam – provide them in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits.
- 📶 If after changing the application for calls lost sound, check the settings Do not disturb in Settings → Sound.
- 🔄 On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 12) after upgrading to HyperOS may require re-configuration.
💡
If you use Google Messages as a SMS-Default application, enable Chat function in it (RCS) It's going to improve the quality of the media file.
How to Change Gallery, Music and Other Media Apps
The Mi Gallery and Music brand doesn't always suit users -- especially if you're using Google Photos or Spotify. The change procedure is similar to other categories, but there are nuances:
🖼️ For the gallery:
1. Open any image through the file manager.
2. In the window that appears, select Google Photos or another gallery and mark Always.
3. Alternatively: Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Gallery.
🎵 For music:
1. Go to Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Music.
2. Select Spotify, YouTube Music or another player.
🔹 Challenges and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Gallery doesn't open the photo | No storage permits | Go to Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Storage and enable access for the application |
| Music is played through a speaker, not Bluetooth. | Conflict with sound settings | Restart Bluetooth and check device priority in Settings → Connections → Bluetooth |
| The application is reset after rebooting | Optimizing the battery | Disable optimization for the application in Settings → Battery → Application Selection |
Resetting all applications by default to factory settings
If you’ve been experimenting with settings and want to get everything back to the original state, do the following:
1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action – all applications will return to factory by default (Mi Browser, Mi Gallery, etc.).
⚠️
This reset does not affect user data (photos, messages, contacts), but may affect the user's data: 🔕 Notification settings for applications. 🔒 Permissions (e.g. access to camera or microphone). 🔄 Background processes (applications may stop updating automatically).
🔹 Alternative method (for HyperOS):
Use the command via ADB if the standard reset does not work:
adb shell cmd appops set com.miui.home DEFAULT resetThis command will reset the launcher settings, which will indirectly affect the default apps.
What to do if the reset does not work?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you change your default apps, Xiaomi Redmi users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
🚫 Error: “No applications available"
Reason: The alternative application is not installed or supports the desired function (for example, some browsers are not able to handle intent to open links).
Solution: Install a compatible app (e.g. Chrome instead of Firefox Focus, which does not support link processing).
🔄 Error: Settings are lost after the update
Reason: Major updates MIUI or HyperOS reset some custom settings.
Solution: After the update, reassign the default applications manually.
🔒 Error: You can’t change the call app
Reason: Some models (Redmi 9A, Redmi 10A) have their function blocked due to firmware limitations.
Solution: Use ADB-force-shift:
adb shell cmd role add-package com.truecaller.android android.app.role.DIALER(Replace com.truecaller.android with your app package).
📱 Error: App does not appear in the selection list
Reason: The application is not declared in the manifest as a handler of this type of action (for example, not all file managers can be a gallery).
Solution: Use an alternative application with the desired functionality.
💡
If you frequently encounter resets, disable automatic updates to system applications in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update MIUI.