How to Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on Xiaomi: The Complete 2026 Guide

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

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a paradox: despite the Google Chrome installed, the system persistently opens links in the standard Mi Browser browser. The reason lies in the policy of MIUI, Xiaomi’s proprietary shell, which aggressively promotes its own services. Even if you manually choose Chrome in the application settings, after a reboot or update, the system can reset the choice.

The fact is that MIUI uses a default anchor mechanism at the system services level, which means that some actions (such as opening links from messages or mail) are rigidly tied to the Mi Browser, even if you changed the settings for certain types of files. Moreover, in the latest versions of MIUI 13/14, Xiaomi removed the option of selecting the default browser through the standard menu - this item simply disappeared from the interface.

But the good news is that you can get around these limitations in a number of ways, from simple settings to use. ADB-In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including solutions for cases where Chrome does not appear at all in the list of available browsers.

Method 1: Standard change through settings (not working on all versions of MIUI)

If your smartphone is running MIUI 12 or earlier, there's a chance the classic way still works.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on the Browser item and select Google Chrome from the list.

If there is no default App, your version of MIUI has hidden it, in which case you can move on to the following methods.

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Before changing your settings, open Google Chrome at least once and wait until the initial setup is completed (synchronizing with your Google account) to increase the chances that the system will "see" the browser in the list.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) after selecting Chrome, the system can automatically reset when connecting to Wi-Fi or mobile network (MIUI System Ads, which forced the return of the Mi Browser.

Method 2: Using ADB to force a browser change (100% working method)

If the standard method doesn’t work, you’ll need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which works on all versions of MIUI, including the latest updates from 2026.

Step 1: Preparing your PC and smartphone

• 💻 Install. ADB Tools on your computer (Windows, macOS or Linux).
• 📱 On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode: go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times tap on the item Version MIUI.
• 🔗 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.
• 🔒 Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission (a pop-up window will appear on the smartphone screen).

Step 2: Implementation ADB-team

Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and enter sequentially:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers and cable.)

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

(This command will reset the settings of the standard browser.)

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

(Forcedly installs Chrome by default.)

Turn it off and plug it back in. USB-cable|Reboot your smartphone|Try to open a link from a message or mail|Check if the settings have reset after the reboot-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14 for POCO F5) After completing the commands, the system can return the Mi Browser in 24 hours, this is due to the operation of the background service com.miui.systemAdSolution. To prevent reset, disable the auto-update Mi Browser in Settings. → Annexes → Mi Browser → Auto-update.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (without ADB)

If working with ADB seems difficult, you can try specialized utilities that automate the process of changing the browser.

• 🛠️ Default App Manager (from Google Play) – allows you to manually assign Chrome to open links, even if the system hides this item.
• 🔧 SetEdit (requires root) – edits the system settings of applications by default. On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi). K50) It can cause network settings to reset after use.
• 🔄 App Cloner – creates a copy of Chrome with the priority of opening links.

When using Default App Manager, follow this instruction:

1. Install the application and grant it permissions through ADB (in-program instructions).
2. Select Browser in the category list.
3. Slip on Google Chrome and click Set by Default.
4. Reset the device.

Standard settings MIUI|ADB-commands | Application side (Default App Manager) | I haven't tried-->

Method 4: Disable Mi Browser through settings (partial solution)

If you don't have to save Mi Browser, you can turn it off completely, which will force the system to use Chrome to open links.

• ✅ Plus: Links will open in Chrome without any additional action.
• ❌ Disadvantages: Some system features (e.g. Quick Apps or MIUI Optimization may not work properly.
• ⚠️ Risk: On POCO M4 Pro and Redmi Note 11 Disabling Mi Browser Leads to Xiaomi Account Sync Error.

Instructions for unsetting:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser on the list and tap it.
3. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Not all methods are equally effective. Below is a table comparing methods by key parameters:

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For maximum reliability, combine methods: first perform ADB-commands, then disable the Mi Browser auto-update and use Default App Manager to control settings.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, users face unexpected difficulties.

Problem 1: Chrome doesn’t hold on to the browser by default after rebooting

This is a typical situation for MIUI 13/14, and it's caused by the background process of com.miui.systemAdSolution, which resets settings.

• 🔧 Turn off Mi Browser auto-update in the app settings.
• 📵 Install MacroDroid and create a rule that will automatically return Chrome after a reboot.
• 🛡️ Use App Ops (requires) ADB) lock-in SET_DEFAULT_APPS Mi Browser.

Problem 2: Links from some apps (VK, Telegram) still open in Mi Browser

Some apps have their own settings for link processing, such as Telegram:

1. Open Settings → Data and memory → Open links.
2. Choose Always Ask or Google Chrome.

Problem 3: After the MIUI update, the settings reset

MIUI updates often reset user settings to avoid this:

• 📥 Before updating, back up the settings through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🔄 After the update, repeat the procedure with ADB Default App Manager.
• 🚫 Turn off automatic update installation for Mi Browser.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions