Modern users of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face a situation where links from messengers, mail or social networks are opened in the built-in Mi Browser browser, which may not meet the requirements for speed or functionality. Many prefer to use Google Chrome as the main tool for web surfing thanks to synchronization with the account, an advanced set of plugins and the familiar interface. However, the MIUI operating system, and now the new HyperOS, often default assign their own applications to system standards, which requires user intervention to change priorities.
The process of installing Chrome as the main browser of web pages is not complicated, but has its own nuances depending on the version of the shell and the model of the device. It is important to understand that the correct execution of actions will not only allow you to open links in the desired application, but also eliminate intrusive advertising, which sometimes occurs in standard solutions of the manufacturer. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, consider possible errors and ways to fix them.
If you've just upgraded your firmware or bought a new smartphone, setting up your environment is the first thing you should take care of. Apps that are well organized improve productivity and make interaction with your gadget more comfortable. Next, we'll move on to step-by-step instructions that will help you change your system preferences in a few clicks.
Preparing for System Settings Change
Before you start changing the default settings, you need to make sure that the required software is installed and updated. Often users forget that the old version of the browser may not work correctly with the new security protocols or not appear in the list of available applications to choose from. Go to Google Play Market and check for updates for Google Chrome. If the application is not installed, you need to download and install it.
Also worth checking for updates to the operating system itself. In MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS interfaces, the logic of the menu may vary slightly, so the relevance of the software is critical to finding the right items. Go to Settings → About the phone and click on the logo of the version of the system to check for patches.
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Before changing the settings, it is recommended to restart the smartphone - this will clear the cache of system services and prevent possible conflicts when assigning new applications by default.
Make sure you have access to basic system settings. In some corporate or child profiles, access to changing applications by default may be limited by the device administrator. If you own a smartphone, there should be no problems. Preparation takes only a couple of minutes, but ensures that you will be stable in the future.
Basic configuration through the application menu
The easiest and fastest way to install Chrome as your primary browser is to use a direct application management menu, a method that is universal for most Android versions, including Xiaomi shells. Open your device’s Settings and find the App section (sometimes called All Apps or App Management).
In the list that opens, find the default App. Depending on the firmware version, this section can be in the top menu or hidden inside the optional menu (three dots in the corner of the screen).
☑️ Checking before setting up
Find the Browser or Web browser category in the list, and by default, it will be Mi Browser or any other pre-installed option. Click on it and the system will prompt you to choose from the list of installed applications. Select Google Chrome. After that, all links from any source will automatically open in the selected browser.
Configure through the "Default Apps" section in MIUI and HyperOS
MIUI and HyperOS shells have their own menu structure, which may differ from stock Android. In newer versions of the interface, the path to settings can be slightly changed to improve ergonomics. Go to Settings, then scroll down to the App section and select App Settings.
In the upper right corner of the screen, there's often a three-dot menu or a gear. Click on it and select the default App. If there's no such item on the menu, look for it right in the app settings list, sometimes it's put in a separate line without having to open an additional menu. It's an important navigation element in the Xiaomi ecosystem.
In the window that opens, you'll see a list of actions: calls, messages, browser, map, etc. Click on the Browser bar. The system will show you a list of all browsers installed. Select Chrome. If you don't see it in the list, make sure the app isn't hidden or disabled in the main app settings.
Why can the settings be reset?
Once you select Chrome, the changes take effect instantly. You can log out of the settings and check the result by opening any link from the messenger. Now it must run in the Google Chrome environment, saving your history and authorization.
Resetting the default settings for Mi Browser
Sometimes the system "snags" and continues to open links in the old browser, ignoring the new settings, in which case you must force reset preferences for the previous application, find the Mi Browser (or the browser that opens instead of the desired one) in the list of applications.
Log in to the app card and scroll down to the default or default button. Click on it, then select Reset default or Remove settings. This action will not delete the browser's history or bookmarks, it will only remove the status of priority link handler.
Once reset, the next time you click, the system will ask you again which app to use, and at that point, it's important not just to click "Once," but to select Always and specify Chrome, which will consolidate the choice at the system level.
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Resetting default settings for an old browser is the most effective way to resolve problems when new settings are not applied or ignored by the system.
If the reset button is inactive (gray), then the application does not have active default settings, and the problem should be looked for elsewhere, for example, in the cache of system services or third-party launchers.
Problem Solving: If Chrome is not selected
In rare cases, users are faced with a situation where Chrome simply does not appear in the list of available browsers or the choice is not saved. One of the common reasons is the presence of third-party launchers or optimizer applications that intercept the management of links.
The problem may also be that the cache of the Google Chrome app itself is damaged. Try to clear the app data: go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Chrome → Storage and click Clear Cache. Don't confuse it with the Clear All button so you don't lose passwords and history if they're not synced.
- 📱 Make sure the Chrome app is not disabled in the system settings.
- 🔄 Try reinstalling your browser by removing updates or downloading APK-file again.
- 🛡️ Check access rights: the browser must have permissions to access the network and clipboard.
If nothing helps, try creating a new user on the system (if the feature is available) and checking the settings there, which will help you understand whether the problem is systemic or related to a particular user's profile.
Browser comparison: Mi Browser vs Chrome
Users often wonder if it's worth changing the standard browser.The Mi Browser is optimized to work with the MIUI shell, has a built-in traffic saving mode and ad blocker, but often contains news feed and recommendations that can be annoying.Google Chrome offers better PC sync, a powerful rendering engine and a huge library of extensions (when used on desktop versions or via experimental flags).
The table below compares the key characteristics to make an informed choice.
| Characteristics | Mi Browser | Google Chrome | Others (Firefox, Edge) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronization | Mi Account | Google Account | Depends on the account. |
| Ad-blocker | Built-in | Extension/configuration required | Often embedded |
| Interface. | Overwhelmed with news | Minimalist | Different. |
| Energy consumption | Optimized for MIUI | Standard. | Depends on the engine. |
Choosing Chrome is often driven by Google’s habit and ecosystem: If you’re actively using Google Docs, Gmail, and other search giant services, integration will be seamless. However, if you want deep integration with Xiaomi phone features, a standard browser may be more convenient in some scenarios, such as scanning. QR-codes through the system menu.