How to install the default browser on Xiaomi: full instructions for all models

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are all based on MIUI, which is not always intuitive to users. One of the common problems is that you can't change your default browser with standard Android tools. MIUI aggressively promotes its own apps, including Mi Browser, blocking alternative solutions like Chrome, Firefox or Opera.

In this article, we’ll break down all the working ways to change the default browser on Xiaomi devices, including bypassing the limitations of MIUI. You’ll learn how to set up link opening in the right browser, why the system can reset choices, and what to do if the “Open by default” option is not available. The instructions are relevant for all modern models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Important: the procedure may vary depending on the version of MIUI (global, Chinese, European) and the version of Android (12, 13 or 14).

Why can’t you just choose your default browser on Xiaomi?

Unlike pure Android, where the default app selection is through Settings → Apps, MIUI imposes artificial restrictions.

• 🔒 Xiaomi: the company forcibly installs Mi Browser as a system application and blocks its shutdown.
• 📦 Separation of settings: Options for web links and files (.html,.pdf) can be found in different menus.
• 🔄 Automatic reset: After update MIUI browser selection may be reset.
• 🛡️ Restrictions of Chinese firmware: On devices with China ROM Some of the settings are hidden.

For example, if you try to open a link from Telegram or WhatsApp, the system may ignore your choice and always run Mi Browser.This is because MIUI prioritizes system applications even if you manually specified a different browser.

Critical Feature: Starting with MIUI 14 (Android 13+), Xiaomi completely removed the option to select the default browser through the standard Default Apps menu.

Method 1: Change the browser through link opening settings

This method works for most versions. MIUI (including 12, 13 and 14) and allows you to specify the browser for processing HTTP/HTTPS-Follow the instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner and select App Settings Reset (this won’t delete data, but only resets the default choice).
3. Go back to App Management and find the browser you want (like Chrome or Firefox).
4. Select Open by Default → File Types.
5. Activate switches for HTTP, HTTPS and.html.

If there is no default Open option, try an alternative path:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → File Types.
2. Find the Link (HTTP/HTTPS) and select the browser you want.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI China) the browser selection option may be hidden, in which case the developer rights will need to be unlocked (see Method 3).

Method 2: Set up with “Share” (a workaround)

If the standard settings do not work, you can use the Share function to “teach” the system to open links in the desired browser:

1. Open any web link (for example, in Telegram or Gmail).
2. Click on the link and hold your finger until the menu appears.
3. Choose Open with Help → Browser (for example, Chrome).
4. Always tick the box and confirm the choice.

This method doesn't always work, but it works 60-70% of the time. If the system opens the Mi Browser again, try repeating the action 2-3 times - sometimes MIUI "remembers" the last choice.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If the previous methods didn't work, the radical way is the ADB commands, which require you to connect your smartphone to your computer, but it's guaranteed to solve the problem.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Included Debugging by USB and Unlock. OEM developer-setting.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the command to reset all default settings: adb shell cmd package reset-preferred-activities
5. Now open any link and select the desired browser with the tick Always.

If after the reboot the settings reset again, use the command to force the browser:

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

com.android.chrome

org.mozilla.firefox

💡

To find out the batch name of the browser, install the App Inspector app from Google Play. It shows the full details of any installed application, including the package name.

Method 4: Disable Mi Browser through Developer Settings

On some firmware, Mi Browser can be completely deactivated, which will force the system to use an alternative browser.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option to Disable Mi Browser (in English firmware - Disable Mi Browser).
4. Reset the device.

If you don’t have this option, try turning off autoplay for Mi Browser:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser.
2. Select AutoRun and disable all permissions.
3. Also turn off Display notifications and background activity.

⚠️ Note: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Disabling Mi Browser can cause errors in the operation of system services, such as Mi Account or Themes.

Table: Compatibility of methods with MIUI versions

What do you do if nothing helps?

If none of the methods worked, consider the following options:

• 🔄 Reset: Reset to factory settings (pre-save data) sometimes the only way to regain control of default settings.
• 📱 Install custom firmware: Firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS are free of restrictions MIUI allow you to freely choose the browser.
• 🛠️ Use Launchers: Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) have built-in settings to manage applications by default.
• 📌 Manual selection at each opening: If the system persistently resets settings, it remains only to manually select the browser when opening each link.

💡

On devices with MIUI 14 (Android 13+) The only reliable way to change the browser by default is to use ADB-All other methods are either blocked or are temporarily in operation.

If you decide to install custom firmware, note that this is:

• ✅ Take away all restrictions MIUI.
• ❌ Deprive you of official updates and guarantees.
• ⚠️ It will require unlocking the bootloader, which resets all data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi