How to Open Links Immediately in the App: A Complete Guide to Solving Typical Errors

Have you ever encountered a situation where a link from a messenger or browser opens in an inappropriate application on your Xiaomi? For example, instead of YouTube, a video is run in a browser, and an item from AliExpress opens in the web version instead of a mobile client. This problem is familiar to many users of smartphones on MIUI, and today we will analyze it from the technical side — from basic settings to hidden system functions.

In this article, you will find not only standard instructions for changing applications by default, but also undocumented techniques for forced link redirects, resolving conflicts between applications (for example, Chrome vs Mi Browser), as well as ways to bypass restrictions. MIUI For advanced users, we'll focus on Redmi models, POCO and flagships Xiaomi 13/14, Where the logic of link processing may differ.

Why Xiaomi is incorrectly opening links: causes and mechanisms

The problem with redirecting links to Xiaomi lies in three key components of the operating system:

• 🔗 Android Intent System – The mechanism that determines which application should handle a particular type of link (e.g., the Android Intent System, https://youtube.com or aliexpress://). Nana MIUI This mechanism has been modified by the manufacturer.
• 📱 Default settings – User preferences that can be changed manually, but Xiaomi often resets them after updates or reboots.
• 🛠️ Optimization MIUI — proprietary algorithms that block application background activity, which can interfere with the correct processing of deep links).

For example, if you click on the link tg://resolve?domain=username, the system must redirect it to the official client. But because of conflict with the Mi Browser or the limitations of MIUI, a web version may open, which is typical of Redmi Note 10/11 and POCO X3/X4 devices, where the manufacturer aggressively optimizes background processes.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later Xiaomi has implemented an additional layer of link verification through Mi Security. If the application has not been verified (for example, alternative clients for social networks), the system can block redirection even if the application is installed.

Another common reason is the conflict of Intent filters, for example, if you have Google Chrome, Mi Browser and Firefox installed at the same time, the system may "forget" which one you chose by default, which is especially true after MIUI updates, when the settings are reset.

Method 1: Configure applications by default in MIUI

The most obvious method is to set the default app for handling specific types of links, but in MIUI, this process is different from pure Android, and many users miss key nuances.

To change the settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Scroll to the Open Supported Links section and select the app you want (like YouTube for YouTube.com links).

But there are pitfalls here:

• 🔄 Not all apps appear on this list, like Telegram or VK may be absent if they have not registered a link processor in the system.
• 🔒 On some firmware (MIUI 13 for Redmi 9) this section may be hidden. In this case, use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).
• 📱 If you have chosen an app but the links still open incorrectly, try clearing the cache and data of the Settings app (com.android.settings).

Make sure the app is installed and updated|Check if the app supports deep links (for example, Instagram doesn’t open direct links to posts in the web version)|Restart the device after changing the settings|Try opening a link from another source (e.g. Telegram and WhatsApp separately)-->

For models POCO F3/F4 Xiaomi 12T s MIUI 14 There's an additional trick: once you select the default app, open it manually and wait for the system to record your choice. MIUI requires confirmation of the user’s action.

Method 2: Using ADB to force linking

If standard settings don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level system management tool that is suitable for advanced users and requires a smartphone to connect to a PC.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command:

adb shell pm set-app-links --package com.example.app always

Where com.example.app is the batch name of the app (e.g. com.google.android.youtube for YouTube). To find a batch name, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep -i "appendix name"

To reset all reference bindings to standard values, use:

adb shell pm set-app-links --package com.example.app none

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi) 14 or Redmi K60) The set-app-links command may not work due to additional security restrictions. MIUI Optimization through ADB: adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1 But keep in mind, it can cause the system to malfunction. 3: Use of third-party applications to manage links If manual settings and ADB Not helped, you can use specialized utilities. Below are proven solutions for Xiaomi: Application Functionality Compatibility with the MIUI Features of Better Open With Allows you to choose an app to open links "on the fly" MIUI 12–14 Requires Usage Access Rights. Nana POCO F5 Mi Security Link Bubble Opens links in floating windows with the choice of application MIUI 13+ It does not work with deep links (for example, instagram://) Intent Intercept Intercepts all Intent calls and allows them to be redirected Requires root The most powerful solution, but difficult to set up. 11 Ultra with unlocked bootloader To install these applications: Download APK from the official website or APKMirror. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Install unknown applications. Once installed, provide the necessary permissions (e.g. Usage Access for Better Open With). MIUI 14 HyperOS applications like Intent Intercept may require disabling MIUI Optimization (see section on the ADB), Otherwise, the system will block their work in the background. Better Open With|Link Bubble|Intent Intercept (requires root)|Nothing, I use standard settings.|Other--> Method 4: Solving Application-specific problems Some applications have unique link processing mechanisms that conflict with logic. MIUI. Consider the most common cases: YouTube and Google services If YouTube links are opened in the browser: 📌 Make sure you have an official YouTube app installed, not a modified version (e.g. YouTube Vanced). 🔗 In YouTube settings, check the General section → Open supported links. 🛠️ For the Redmi Note 12 and newer: Turn off the Background Activity Limit for YouTube in Settings → Battery → Choice of applications. Telegram and messengers Links of the type t.me/username or tg:// They don't open in the client: 🔄 Reinstall Telegram from the official website (telegram.org). 📱 In the Telegram settings, enable the option to Open links tg:// in Telegram (Settings section) → Opening of links). 🛡️ Nana POCO X5 Xiaomi 13 Lite may need to disable Mi Security Scan for Telegram in Settings → Annexes → Telegram → Permits → Security scanning. AliExpress and marketplaces Goods open in the browser instead of the application: 🛒 Remove AliExpress app cache and data in Settings → Annexes. 🌐 Check if you have a regional clone installed (e.g. AliExpress Russia instead of a global version). 🔧 For Redmi. 10C and POCO M4: in the browser settings (Mi Browser or Chrome) disable the option to Open links to products in the browser. 💡If Instagram links open in your browser, try this: Open the Instagram app, go to your user profile, copy the link to the post from the Share menu, and then paste it into your browser. The system should suggest opening it in the app and remembering your choice. 5: Overcoming restrictions MIUI If all of the above methods have failed, radical measures remain: they require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, but give full control over the processing of links. MIUI As mentioned earlier, the optimization MIUI 14 HyperOS can be turned off by corporate optimization ADB: adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1 After that: 🔄 Reset the device. 📱 Reconfigure the applications by default (see Method) 1). ⚠️ Be prepared for increased battery consumption and possible interface lags. ROM On devices with an unlocked boot loader (for example, POCO F3 Xiaomi 11T) You can install firmware based on “pure” Android, for example: 📱 Pixel Experience – as close as possible to Android stock. 🔧 LineageOS – Stable and time-tested. ⚡ ArrowOS — optimized for performance. After customization ROM: Link settings will work like standard Android (without interference) MIUI). You can use Intent Intercept without restrictions. App updates won't reset your settings. ⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware voids warranty and can lead to hard-brick (irreparable damage) of the device. On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14), the process of unlocking the bootloader is complicated - it requires waiting 168 hours after the Mi Account is attached. Frequent Errors and Solutions Even after the right setup, Xiaomi users face typical problems. Let’s take a look at the most common: Problem Reason Solution Links open in the browser, despite the default settings Conflict Intent filters or limitations MIUI Use ADB (see). Method 2) or Better Open With After Updating MIUI Settings reset Branded "optimization" resets user preferences MIUI Optimization or reset App not displayed in the list to open links App not registered Intent filter for this type of links Check the settings of the application or use an alternative client WhatsApp Links open in the browser Conflict with WhatsApp Business Remove duplicate apps and clear WhatsApp cache for Redmi devices and POCO s MIUI 13 and later, there is another typical problem: after changing the application by default, the system may display a notification "The application wants to open links of this type." If this notification does not disappear: Open Settings → Notifications → Management of notifications. Find the app that requests permission and turn off permission-type notifications.Reboot the device. 💡If none of the methods worked, check if your device has regional firmware installed (for example, if you have a firmware installed on your device, MIUI EU or MIUI China, some versions MIUI have rigidly programmed restrictions on the processing of links that cannot be circumvented without changing the firmware. FAQ: Answers to popular questions Why do links open again in the browser after resetting settings? When reset to factory settings MIUI It returns all settings to default, including link processing. To avoid this: Before resetting, write down which apps you used by default (you can take a picture of the settings screen). After resetting, immediately reset the applications without waiting for system updates. Use Better Open With to Backup Your Preferences. Can you configure link opening separately for each messenger (for example, in Telegram to open in the browser, and in WhatsApp – in the application)? MIUI This is not possible, but you can use the workarounds: 🔗 In Telegram, turn off link processing in the application settings, and in WhatsApp leave by default. 📱 Use Better Open With – it lets you choose the app to open each link individually. 🛠️ For advanced users, Tasker or MacroDroid can create redirect rules based on the source of the link. On my Xiaomi 13 Pro, links to Google Maps open in the browser. How to fix this? This problem is typical of Xiaomi flagships with a new browser. MIUI 14 and HyperOS Solutions: Make sure you have an official Google Maps app installed, not a modified version. In Google Maps settings, enable the option to Open Supported Links (Settings) → Navigation → Opening links. Do it through ADB: adb shell pm grant com.google.android.apps.maps android.permission.QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES This will give Google Maps permission to handle all types of links. If it doesn't work, turn it off. MIUI Optimization (see Method) 5). After updating to MIUI 14 Deep links are not opened (for example, instagram://user?username=What to do about it? MIUI 14 I've tightened the rules for deep links for security reasons: 🔧 Enable Display over other apps for the problem application (Settings) → Special permits → Displaying on top of other applications). 📱 Install the Intent Intercept app (requires root) and manually redirect the deep link. 🛡️ Disable Mi Security Scan for the app in security settings. If nothing helps, there is only a rebound. MIUI 13 Or install custom firmware. How do you check which app is currently processing a particular type of link? ADB: adb shell dumpsys package d | grep -A 10 "App Link Verification: The output will list domains and related applications. Using the App Inspector app (available on Google Play). It shows all registered Intent filters. Manual: create a text file with a link (e.g, https://youtube.com), Send it to the device and try to open it. The system will show you the dialog of selecting the application if there are several of them.