How to make Yandex Browser the default browser on Xiaomi: the full guide

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi?

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their closed ecosystem, where the manufacturer actively promotes its own services – including the Mi Browser browser. Even after installing the Yandex Browser, the system often ignores user choice and returns factory settings. This is not an accident, but part of Xiaomi’s strategy to monopolize traffic: according to a study from 2023, up to 30% of requests from the brand’s devices pass through embedded services.

Complicating the problem is that MIUI restricts access to default system settings through standard menus. For example, in MIUI 12-14 versions, the default browser may not be in the Settings → Applications section, although it is always on pure Android, and after system updates, the choice is reset – it is not a bug, but a feature: this is how Xiaomi protects its advertising model.

But the good news is that you can get around the limitations. Below, we'll discuss 4 working methods, including hidden settings. MIUI, ADB-Important: the effectiveness of the method depends on the firmware version and the model of the smartphone (for example, on the Redmi Note 10 with a new model). MIUI 13 runs one algorithm, and Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14 - the other).

Method 1: Standard Change through MIUI Settings

Let's start with the obvious, the official way, which will work on 60 to 70 percent of devices, but only if MIUI doesn't block the changes. Check your firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version:

• ✅ Works on: MIUI 12.5–14 (except for Chinese versions)
• ❌ Not working: MIUI For the Chinese market, some POCO-model
• ⚠️ Limitation: After system updates, the selection may reset

Instructions:

1. Install Yandex Browser from the official website (not from the Mi App Store – there may be an outdated version).
2. Open any application that uses a browser (such as Twitter or Telegram).
3. Click on the link and a window will appear with the choice of browser. Select Yandex Browser and tick "Always".
4. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Default applications.
5. Find the "Browser" item and select Yandex Browser.

⚠️ Note: If the "Default Apps" list does not include "Browser", your version MIUI Go to Method 2.

Method 2: Hidden settings through "Special features"

If the standard method didn't work, try to get around the limitations through Special Features. This method exploits a feature of MIUI, where some system settings are duplicated in the section for users with disabilities.

Algorithm:

1. Open Settings → Special features → Improved features.
2. Scroll down and find the “Default Apps” item (on some models it’s called “Default App Settings”).
3. In the list, find the "Browser" and select Yandex Browser.
4. Restart the device – this is mandatory, otherwise the changes may not apply.

If there is no item, try an alternative path:

Settings → All settings → System → Advanced settings → Default applications

⚠️ Note: On some devices, after changing the browser through this method, Mi Browser continues to open links from system applications (for example, from Mi Account or Themes.

Method 3: ADB-force-shift

If previous methods have failed, it’s time to connect heavy artillery — Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer, but gives 100% result on any version of MIUI (except Chinese firmware with blocked ADB).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 📱 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 🔧 Installed drivers ADB (You can download it here)
• 🔓 Included debugging by USB phone-on

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB
2. Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
5. Run the command to change the browser: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.browser/com.yandex.browser.BrowserActivity If the Yandex Browser packet is different, use the command adb shell pm list packages | grep yandex to find the correct identifier.
6. Reboot the phone.

If the browser has not changed after the reboot, try an alternative command:

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.yandex.browser/com.yandex.browser.BrowserActivity

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Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup. In rare cases, incorrect commands can cause system applications to crash.

Method 4: Reset application settings (radical method)

If none of these methods worked, the last resort is to reset all of the app settings, which would bring back all of the applications to the factory settings, including the default choice, but not the personal data.

How it works:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Resetting application settings.
2. Confirm the action. The phone will reboot.
3. After the reboot, immediately open any link (for example, in Telegram) and select Yandex Browser with the “Always” tick.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works on 99% of devices.
• ✅ Does not require rooting or ADB
• ✅ Resets all the "sticky" settings MIUI

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Reset all application permissions (you will have to reconfigure access to the camera, microphone, etc.)
• ❌ Possible bugs in the work of some applications for the first 1-2 days

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F4 GT s MIUI 13) after reset, Mi Browser can become the default browser again after 24 hours. ADB-team.

💡

Resetting your application settings is the most reliable way, but only use it if other methods have not worked. After the procedure, check the key applications (banking, instant messengers) for reset permissions.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even after a successful browser change, users face problems.

If you encounter a unique error, check the log through the command:

adb logcat | grep -i "default browser"

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions