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

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

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones often face a paradoxical situation: the system allows you to install alternative browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, but does not allow you to make them the main ones for opening links. MIUI, where the Mi Browser browser is rigidly integrated into the system as part of the proprietary software.

Unlike pure Android, where the default browser selection takes a couple of clicks, Xiaomi is complicated by artificial constraints, which the manufacturer has motivated by “user experience optimization,” but in practice many see it as a way to promote their own services. Fortunately, there are several workarounds, from standard settings to technical tricks for advanced users.

It is important to understand that the methods of changing the browser depend on the version of MIUI and the device model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, the algorithm will be different from that on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5. We will analyze universal solutions, as well as nuances for specific versions.

Method 1: Standard browser change via settings (MIUI 12.5 and later)

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has made it somewhat easier to choose the default browser, but with reservations, which is suitable for most modern models, including the Xiaomi 12/13 series, Redmi Note 11/12 and POCO F4/X4.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.
3. Scroll to the Browser section and tap it.
4. In the window that appears, select the browser you want (e.g. Chrome or Firefox).

⚠️ Note: Even after these actions, some links (such as those from Mi Home or Mi Video) may still open in Mi Browser.This is because individual system applications have their own default settings that are not synchronized with global ones.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Close all background applications

Check the MIUI version in your phone settings

Restart the device before changing settings-->

If the browser you want is not on the list, make sure it’s installed and updated to the latest version. For example, Chrome must be at least 110.0.5481 to work properly with MIUI 14. Also check if the application rights are disabled in Settings → Applications → Permissions.

Method 2: Using ADB to force a browser change (for advanced ones)

If the standard method didn’t work, you could use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a debugging tool that allows you to manually assign applications by default, which requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer and enable developer mode.

Here's the algorithm for action:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command:

adb shell cmd role add-package android.support.customtabs.ROLE_BROWSER com.android.chrome

Replace com.android.chrome with your browser’s package ID (e.g. org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox). You can find out the exact package via the App Inspector app or command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep browser

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause system failures. Before executing commands, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset. Also note that after the update MIUI settings may reset.

Method 3: Bypassing Open Supported Links (for MIUI 13/14)

Recent versions of MIUI have introduced Open Supported Links, which allows you to flexibly manage which application will handle certain types of links, a technique that is especially useful if you only need to redirect certain domains (like youtube.com) to an alternative browser.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the browser you want to make the primary (e.g. Chrome).
3. Tap on Open by default → Open supported links.
4. Enable the Open switch in this app for all types of links (http://, https://, about: etc.).

Then check the work by opening a link from another app (like Telegram or WhatsApp). If the link still opens in Mi Browser, try clearing the cache of the Android System WebView system app:

1. Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find Android System WebView and select Storage → Clear cache.

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If after changing the browser, some sites open in WebView (built-in window) rather than in a separate application, add a symbol to the end of the link. `#` (for example, `https://example.com#`). This will force the system to open it in the browser by default.

Compatibility table with MIUI versions

Not all methods work on all firmware versions, and here is a compatibility table for popular Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models:

For devices on MIUI 12 and older (for example, Redmi Note 9 or Xiaomi Mi 10) the most reliable method is ADB. If you do not want to use a computer, try to update the firmware to the latest version - in new MIUI builds, the restrictions are gradually softened.

Method 4: Remove Mi Browser through uninstaller (risky method)

The most radical way to remove the Mi Browser completely from your device is with apps like ADB AppControl or Universal Android DeBloater, but this approach has serious consequences:

• 🔴 Risk of system services malfunction (e.g. Mi Account or Mi Cloud)
• 🔴 Loss of warranty when using root rights
• 🔴 Possible errors when updating the firmware
• 🔴 Some features (such as Quick Apps) will stop working.

If you do decide to do this, follow the instructions:

1. Install ADB AppControl from XDA Developers.
2. Connect to the device via ADB (as in Method 2).
3. In the app, look for com.android.browser (this is the Mi Browser package).
4. Select Uninstall and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications may result in “bootloop” on some models, especially on the Internet. POCO F3 Xiaomi 11T. Before removing, create a full backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

Once you delete the Mi Browser, the system will automatically redirect all links to the next-priority browser (usually Chrome if installed), however, some features, such as opening links from Mi Home or Mi Video, may not work properly.

Mi Browser (built-in)

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Brave

Other-->

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, users are faced with typical errors, and we will discuss the most common cases and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Links from some apps still open in Mi Browser

This is because individual apps (like Facebook or Instagram) have their own settings for link processing.

1. Open a problem app (like Facebook).
2. Go to its settings → Open links externally (or similar item).
3. Select your browser by default.

Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the settings reset

This is standard behavior. To avoid reconfiguring:

• 📱 Create a backup of settings through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🔄 After the update, re-execute Method 1 or Method 2.
• 📋 Use apps like Swift Backup to save user preferences.

Problem 3: The default browser resets after the reboot

This is due to the optimization of memory in MIUI.

• 🛠️ Turn off optimization. MIUI in the battery settings for your browser.
• 🔄 Freeze the Mi Browser through ADB remove:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser

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If none of these methods worked, try installing an alternative firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS) that is a radical solution, but it will remove the limitations of MIUI completely.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions