How to Change Default Apps to Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, provide users with ample opportunities for personalization. One of the key aspects of the device’s comfort is the ability to choose preferred programs for standard tasks. When you open a link, it should run in your favorite browser, not in the system browser, and when dialing, you should call a convenient messenger or an improved call. Understanding how to manage these parameters allows you to turn a standard gadget into a unique tool that is fully tailored to your habits.

However, Android and its add-ons from the Chinese manufacturer sometimes hide these settings deep enough or reset them after updates. Many users face a situation where after installing a new launcher or browser, the system continues to insist on returning to factory solutions. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithms of actions that will help you to fix the desired applications as the main ones, you will learn to bypass the restrictions and adjust the logic of the operating system in the way that is convenient for you.

Principles of application selection system

Android is based on the intents mechanism, which allows apps to interact with each other. When you click on a link in the messenger, the system sends a request to open. URL-If there are multiple programs in the device memory that can process this request, Android needs to know which one to run automatically, and that's what the Default App category is for. In Xiaomi’s shell, this process is often accompanied by additional security checks, which can make users feel intrusive.

The MIUI and HyperOS system logic tend to prioritize the company's own designs. For example, even if you installed a third-party browser, the first time you run a link, the system can show a pop-up recommending the use of the built-in Mi Browser browser. This is not by accident, but to keep the user in the manufacturer's ecosystem. To change this behavior forever, it is not enough to just select "Always" once in the pop-up window. You also need to check the global settings in the device menu, where you have strict rules for certain types of files and actions.

It is important to understand the difference between “open by default” and “file association.” The first refers to actions (open a link, call, send SMS), and the second refers to file types (open JPG, MP3, DOC). In modern versions of Android, these concepts are often combined in a single interface, but in Xiaomi settings they can be in different subsections of the menu.

Where to find the default application settings

Finding the right menu in Xiaomi can be a quest, because the location of items depends on the version of Android and the specific modification of the shell. In most current models, the path to settings is standardized, but the names of items may differ depending on the regional firmware (Global, EU, China). The main path usually lies through the general system settings. You need to go to the Settings section, then select the App item and then find the App Settings tab. This is where the searched section hides.

In some versions of HyperOS, the logic was simplified, and the item was taken to the main settings menu or to the "Additional" section. If you can't find the right item on the standard path, use the built-in search by settings. Just type in the search bar the word "default" or "default", and the system will prompt you to go to the desired screen, this is the fastest way that works even if the manufacturer has significantly changed the menu structure.

It is worth noting that access to some system settings may be restricted. If you are using a guest mode or a restricted profile, the default app change may be unavailable or hidden, in which case you need to switch to the main account of the owner of the device, and it is also important that the alternative application you want to assign the primary has already been installed and at least once launched so that the system registers its capabilities.

Change browser, launcher and call

The three most important interface elements that users are looking to replace first are the browser, desktop (launcher) and call app. Replacing the browser allows you to get rid of embedded advertising and synchronize your history with your computer via Chrome or Firefox. Changing the launcher, for example, to Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, radically changes the appearance and functionality of the desktop. And replacing the call with Google Phone returns a convenient number determinant base that often works better with contacts than the standard one.

To change these apps, go to Settings → Apps → Default Apps. Here you will see a list of categories. Select Browner, Desktop or Phone. The list that opens will ask you to choose one of the installed apps. Once selected, the system can alert you that a new application will have access to contacts or call history. This is the standard Android security procedure, confirming that you are aware of the transfer of data to the new service.

Special attention should be paid to changing the launcher. Once the new desktop is installed and assigned to the main one, the old MIUI interface may try to recover during the reboot. To avoid this, make sure that in the security settings or in the application "Security" (green icon with lightning) in the "Allows" section, the new launcher is given all the necessary rights, including auto-start, this will prevent forced closure of the system and return to the standard view.

Managing the Association of Files and Actions

In addition to basic system functions, the user often needs to configure which programs open specific file types, PDF-files can be opened in a heavy office suite, although you prefer a light viewer, or video files run in a standard player with limited codec support, instead of a powerful one. VLC or MX Player.Manage these associations is through resetting the default settings for a particular application.

If you want to change a program to open a certain type of file, first look for the one that opens automatically in the application list, go to its properties (click on the application name in the installed list) and find the Open by default or Run by default button. Click on it and select "Clear Default Settings" or "Delete Settings." Then, the next time you run a file of this type, the system will ask you again what to open it, and you can select a new program and lock that choice.

This method is also effective if you accidentally clicked "Always" for an inappropriate application and now can't open a link or file otherwise. Resetting the options returns the choice, allowing you to reassign priority. In HyperOS, this process has become more transparent: the system itself offers to choose a new application if the current default was removed or its settings were reset by the user.

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If you delete an app that was assigned as the primary for an action, Android will automatically reset that choice and ask you again the next time you run the action.

Table of conformity of actions and applications

To help us understand what actions to reassign, we have created a table of major categories: names may vary slightly from firmware to firmware, but the essence remains the same. The alternative depends on which applications are installed on your device.

As you can see from the table, the scope of settings is quite wide. However, not all applications can replace system ones. For example, you can't designate a file manager as a call application because the data types are incompatible. The system filters the available options, showing only those applications that claim to support the appropriate type of intention filter. If the desired application is not on the list, it may not be authorized to process this type of action or installed incorrectly.

Solving problems and resetting settings

Often, users are faced with a situation where the settings are not saved or the system constantly resets the selection to factory values. MIUI» If you change your launcher or browser after a while, you can turn off the optimization in the developer menu. MIUI in the section "About the phone", and then in the advanced settings, find the item Enable optimization MIUI and turn it off.

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Aggressive energy saving is the main reason why third-party launchers and applications may stop working by default after a reboot or downtime.

There can also be a version conflict problem: If you upgrade an app that is the main one but haven’t updated the system components (like Google Play Services), there can be association errors. In extreme cases, a complete reset of application preferences helps. In the Settings menu → Apps → All apps click on the menu (three dots) and select Reset App Settings. This action will return all default choices to the original state, and the first time each file type is launched, the system will ask you again.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting your app settings will remove all your file opening preferences, you'll have to re-choose which browser to open links and which player to play music, only if other methods have not worked.

Another common problem is the inability to install a third-party launcher on new HyperOS models. The system can block the change of the desktop for security purposes. In this case, you need to find the Advanced Settings in the launcher settings and turn on the option “Ignore battery optimization” and “Return.” Without these permissions, the system will “kill” the launcher process, returning you to the standard lock screen or desktop.

⚠️ Note: When installing launchers from unknown sources (not from the Play Market), Xiaomi’s security system may block their installation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)