How to Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Are you tired of the standard Mi Browser browser on your Xiaomi smartphone and want to switch to Google Chrome? It's a logical solution - Chrome syncs with your Google account, supports extensions and works faster on many sites. However, the manufacturer does not always make it easy to change the default browser. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to make Chrome the main browser on MIUI, including bypassing system restrictions and solving typical problems.

It is important to understand that the process depends on the firmware version: on new ones. MIUI 14/15 The algorithm is different from the older versions, and some models (for example, for the Chinese market) may have additional restrictions. 10 before the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Why Chrome is better than the standard browser on Xiaomi

Before we get to the settings, let’s see how Google Chrome compares favorably with the built-in Mi Browser:

• 🔄 Sync with Google account – bookmarks, history and passwords are saved on all devices
• ⚡ Speed of operation – optimized page rendering and accelerator support
• 🔌 Extensions from Chrome Web Store (on Android available via flag settings)
• 🛡️ Security – Regular updates to protect against phishing and malicious sites
• 🌐 Support PWA — Progressive web applications work like native ones

Chrome is also better integrated with Google services, with translator, maps and email opening in a single click, and no Xiaomi ads that sometimes appear in the Mi Browser.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you assign Chrome to your default browser, follow a few important steps:

1. Install the latest version of Chrome from Google Play
2. Update your MIUI firmware to the current version (check in Settings → About Phone → System Update)
3. Clear the cache of the standard browser (this will help avoid conflicts)

Pay special attention to Chrome permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → App Management → Chrome and turn on:

• 📱 Access to storage (to download files)
• 📍 Geolocation (if you need location services)
• 🔔 Notifications (for download alerts)

Install Chrome from Google Play|

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Clear the Mi Browser | cache

Check Chrome Permissions-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models for the Chinese market (with China firmware) ROM) You may need to unlock the bootloader and install global firmware. Without this, changing the default browser will not be possible.

Method 1: Standard browser change by default (MIUI 12-15)

On most modern Xiaomi devices, the process looks like this:

1. Open the phone settings
2. Go to the Applications section → Application management
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps
4. Tap the Browser item.
5. In the window that appears, select Google Chrome.

If Chrome is not on the list, it means the app is not installed or updated. Install it from Google Play and try again.

On some versions of MIUI, the path may be slightly different. For example, on MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 11, you need to go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Settings (cog) → Default apps.

Method 2: Change through Chrome Settings (alternative method)

If the standard method didn’t work, try changing the settings directly in Chrome:

1. Open the Google Chrome app
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner
3. Select Settings
4. Go to the Applications section by default
5. Click Make the browser by default

The system will redirect you to MIUI settings where you need to confirm your choice, and this method often works where the standard method does not work.

💡

If the "Make the default browser" button is inactive, try clearing the Chrome cache in the app's settings. Sometimes this helps unlock the option.

Some firmware (especially Chinese) may not have this item. ADB-commands for forced browser change - we will talk about this in the next section.

Method 3: Forced change via ADB (for power users)

If the system stubbornly prevents you from changing your browser, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting to your computer and enabling the developer mode.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in your phone settings)
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers
3. Connect your phone to your PC and install it. ADB-driver
4. Open the command line and enter:

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


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

The first command clears the settings of the standard browser, the second one sets Chrome as the main one.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not change other settings through this utility unless you understand their purpose. It is especially dangerous to change the pm disable settings for system applications.

💡

The ADB method is the only working option for firmware with strict restrictions (for example, Chinese versions of MIUI without Google services).

Solving typical problems when changing browsers

Even after a successful browser change, users face a number of problems, including the most common ways to solve them:

Problem 1: Links still open in Mi Browser

It's because of the app cache.

1. Clear the Mi Browser cache in the app settings
2. Reset the device
3. Check the settings for opening links in messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)

Problem 2: Chrome is not saved as the default browser

The MIUI background processes are to blame.

• 🔄 Disable battery optimization for Chrome
• 🚫 Prohibiting Chrome from Automatic Closing in Memory Settings
• 🔧 Reset application settings (Settings) → Annexes → Reset)

Problem 3: Some Chrome sites are not working

This may be related to:

• 🔒 Blocking through Mi Security (disable browser protection)
• 🌍 Regional restrictions (use) VPN)
• 🛠️ An outdated version of Chrome (update the app)

To diagnose, open a problematic site in Mi Browser – if it works there, then it’s about Chrome settings.

Alternative browsers for Xiaomi: what to choose instead of Chrome

If Chrome doesn’t work for some reason, consider these alternatives:

Use Google Play or official developer sites to install alternative browsers, and remember that some browsers (such as Yandex Browser) may conflict with Google services.

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If you care about privacy, in Chrome settings, disable “Sync with Google Account” and use the uBlock Origin extension to block trackers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi