How to change the default browser to Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 12-15

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their deep customization of Android, but sometimes this customization is uncomfortable, one of which is the forced use of the Mi Browser browser as the default app, even if you prefer Chrome, Firefox or Edge. Unlike pure Android, where it takes 2 clicks to change the browser, on Xiaomi, this process can be hidden behind several layers of settings – or blocked altogether by the system.

Compounding the problem, the Mi Browser may not always meet users’ expectations: it can slow down, display intrusive ads, or conflict with bookmark synchronization. Fortunately, there are several ways to get around these limitations, from standard methods to advanced tricks with ADB. In this article, we will discuss all the current solutions for MIUI 12-15, including bypassing locks on new models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.).

It is important to understand that the browser change algorithm depends not only on the version of MIUI, but also on regional firmware. For example, on the European and global versions (EEA), the restrictions are milder than on the Chinese ones (China ROM), we took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work on 90% of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the browser change by default?

At first glance, limiting browser choice seems counterintuitive, but Xiaomi has a few reasons for this:

1. Monetization through advertising. Mi Browser is integrated with Xiaomi services that show targeted ads (such as in search results or on the homepage).

2. Data collection: Unlike Google Chrome, which sends data to Google, Mi Browser transfers user preferences to Xiaomi servers, which helps the company improve advertising targeting in other applications (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music).

3.Security (official version): In some regions (e.g. China), government regulators require smartphone manufacturers to use "certified" browsers. Mi Browser passes this certification, whereas Chrome can be blocked.

Integration with MIUI. Mi Browser is closely linked to other features such as Reading Mode, translator and download manager, and some of these features may not work properly when using a third-party browser.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with China ROM (Chinese firmware, the default browser change can be completely blocked without the possibility of bypassing, in which case the only way out is to reflash the phone to the global version. MIUI.

Method 1: Standard browser change through settings (MIUI 12–14)

On most Xiaomi devices with global or European firmware (EEA), the browser can be changed by default via the settings menu.This method works on MIUI 12-14 and does not require root or ADB permissions.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on Browser.
4. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not on the list, make sure it is installed and updated to the latest version. Sometimes Xiaomi hides some apps from this menu - in this case, try the method. №2.

On some models (Redmi Note 11, POCO F4), the default App item may not be available.

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip on the default Apps at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select the browser and specify the desired application.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI before the new version of the browser default settings may reset. To avoid this, before updating, record the browser selection through ADB (method №4).

Method 2: Change browser through application settings (alternative method)

If the standard path didn’t work, try changing the default browser directly in the settings of the target application (e.g. Chrome or Firefox).This method works on MIUI 13-15 and requires no additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open an alternative browser (such as Chrome).
2. Go to its settings (three points → Settings).
3. Tap on the App by default or Make the browser by default (the name may differ).
4. The system will redirect you to the MIUI settings menu - confirm the choice.

If the default browser button is inactive or absent, it means that Xiaomi has blocked it through policies. MIUI. In this case, it will only help. ADB-team №4).

Why might this method not work?

• 🔹 Mi Browser takes priority in the system and intercepts default settings.
• 🔹 The firmware is modified by the manufacturer (for example, on devices for the Chinese market).
• 🔹 Version. MIUI outdated (update the system through Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).

💡

If, after changing your browser, links still open in Mi Browser, clear the cache and data of the Settings application (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Storage → Clear Data).

Method 3: Using third-party utilities (without root)

If your system settings don't allow you to change your browser, you can use third-party apps that bypass the limitations of MIUI, the best of which are Default App Manager and SetEdit. These utilities do not require root rights, but you need to enable USB debugging to work.

How does it work?

1. Download Default App Manager from Google Play.
2. Open the application and give it access to settings (you may need to enable Special Features).
3. In the category list, select Browser.
4. Specify the desired application (e.g. Chrome) and save the changes.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 It works on most versions. MIUI, including MIUI 14–15.
• 🔧 It does not require a PC connection (unlike a PC connection). ADB).
• 🔧 Allows you to change other applications by default (for example, launcher or SMS-client).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ On some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Redmi K50) The application may not see the list of browsers.
• ⚠️ After restarting the device settings can be reset (solved by fixing through the ADB).

Method 4: Fixing the browser via ADB (for power users)

If all previous methods have failed, the most reliable way is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is guaranteed to work on all versions of MIUI, but requires a connection to a computer and enable debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Install. ADB-PC drivers.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB
3. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
5. Run the command to change the browser (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package): adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome

Packages of popular browsers:

• 🌐 Google Chrome: com.android.chrome
• 🦊 Mozilla Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• 🅱️ Brave Browser: com.brave.browser
• 💙 Microsoft Edge: com.microsoft.emmx

Once you have completed the command, restart the phone. This method fixes the default browser at the system level, and MIUI will not be able to reset even after the update.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (POCO F5, Xiaomi 13 Lite after use ADB You may see a warning about an “uncertified device” in your Google settings. To remove it, go to Google Settings. → Security → Play Protection → Certification and click Certification.

Method 5: Bypassing Restrictions through Safe Mode (for China ROM)

If you have a Chinese firmware (China ROM), where the browser change is blocked at the system level, you can try to bypass the restrictions through Safe Mode. This method does not work on all devices, but sometimes allows you to temporarily change the settings.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button and hold it until the MI logo appears.
3. As soon as the logo appears, release the power button and immediately press Volume down.
4. Keep Volume down until the phone boots into Safe Mode (there will be a sign at the bottom of the screen).
5. In Safe Mode, try changing your browser through Settings → Applications → Default Apps.
6. Restart your phone in normal mode.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ On new devices (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), Safe Mode may not allow access to browser settings.
• ❌ After restarting, the settings may reset.
• ❌ It does not work on firmware with bootloader lock (Bootloader Lock).

Problem Solving: What to do if the browser does not change?

Even after completing all the instructions, some users are faced with the fact that links still open in Mi Browser.

Problem 1: Links from messages open in Mi Browser

Decision:

• Open the Messages app.
• Go to Settings → Open links.
• Choose Always Ask or specify the browser you want.

Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the browser reset

Decision:

• Use it. ADB-team №4) for locking the browser.
• Turn off the automatic Mi Browser update on Google Play.

Problem 3: The “Make the default browser” button is inactive

Decision:

• Remove the updates for Mi Browser (Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Three Dots → Remove Updates).
• Clear the cache and Settings data (Settings → Applications → Settings → Storage → Clear the data).

💡

If neither of these methods worked, there are two options: reflash the phone to the global version of MIUI or use the browser in the "open in a new window" mode (long click on the link → select the browser).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi