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 an unexpected problem: even after installing Google Chrome, the system persistently opens links in the standard MIUI Browser (formerly Mi Browser). What is the matter? The blame is MIUI's aggressive policy, which blocks the default browser change at the system level. It's not a bug, but a feature: this is how Xiaomi promotes its services and collects data on user behavior.

Unlike pure Android, where it takes 3 clicks to change the default browser, MIUI 14/15 makes it more difficult, either ignores your choices or resets your settings after you reboot. Moreover, in some regions (e.g. China), Google Chrome is not available at all in the Play Market due to censorship, but even if the application is installed, MIUI will stubbornly redirect you to its browser.

Is there a way out? Yes, but it requires knowing the hidden settings and sometimes circumventing the constraints, and I'll go through all the working ways below, including those that work without root rights.

Method 1: Standard browser change by default (not always working)

Let’s start with the most obvious method, which should work but often fails, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models on MIUI 12-15, but does not guarantee 100% results.

1. Open the settings and go to Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on the Browser line.
4. Select Google Chrome (if there is one) from the list.

If Chrome isn't listed, it doesn't recognize it as a full browser, and that's a typical MIUI problem, and you'll have to use workarounds.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially Chinese) may not have the default App item at all. In this case, proceed to Method 2.

Method 2: Reset app settings (if Chrome doesn’t appear in the list)

If Google Chrome doesn’t appear in the default browser selection menu, the problem may be in the system’s cache. Resetting app settings often helps to “wake up” hidden options:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots at the top and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the action (this won’t delete your data, but will reset the default settings for all apps).
4. Reboot your smartphone.
5. Repeat Method 1 – Chrome should now be on the list.

This method works because MIUI sometimes forgets about the availability of alternative browsers after updates.Reset causes the system to re-scan the installed applications.

💡

If Chrome still doesn't appear after resetting, try temporarily disabling MIUI Browser (select Disable in the app settings).

Method 3: Use ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed, it is time to use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) heavy artillery, which requires a computer but provides guaranteed root-free results.

Note: the method only works when USB debugging is enabled and may reset after the MIUI update.

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI Version line to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your PC

Open the command line.

adb devices

(Your device name should appear as a confirmation of your connection.)

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 resets the settings of the standard browser, the second command forcibly assigns Chrome to the default browser.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware Xiaomi blocks ADB-If you see a Security exception error, this method will not work, go to Method 4.

USB debugging enabled

Installed drivers Xiaomi on PC

Download ADB (e.g. from Platform Tools)

Original connected USB-cable (not charging)

-->

Method 4: Install Chrome through alternative sources (for Chinese firmware)

If you use a Xiaomi smartphone with Chinese firmware (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G for the Chinese market), then Google Chrome may not be in the Play Market.

1. Download. APK-Chrome file from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror: ✅ ARM64 — For most modern smartphones (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Dimensity 9000)+ etc.). ❌ x86 — Only for emulators and rare models.

Allow installation from unknown sources:

• Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Browser (or file manager).
• Activate the option of Install unknown applications.
• Install the downloaded.apk file and repeat Method 1.

Unfortunately, this choice can be reset once you reboot or update your apps. To minimize inconvenience, use Chrome as your primary browser for specific actions:

• 📱 To search: Set up Google widget on the home screen and select Opening Results in Chrome.
• 📧 For links from email: In Gmail or Mi Mail settings, specify Chrome as the default browser.
• 💬 For messengers: Telegram or WhatsApp long-tap → Open in Chrome.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successfully changing the default browser, Xiaomi users are faced with unexpected bugs.

1.After the reboot is reset to MIUI Browser

This is typical MIUI behavior, especially on Chinese firmware.

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI Browser in the Play Market (if there is one).
• 🛠️ Freeze. MIUI Browser through ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser
• 📱 Use Tasker to automatically assign Chrome after reboot (requires settings).

2 Some links still open in MIUI Browser

Some system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Community) are tightly tied to MIUI Browser.

• 🚫 Remove the problem application (if it is not system-based).
• 🔧 Editing intent filters via AppOps (requires root).