How to change the default apps to Xiaomi: full instructions for MIUI

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer users flexible settings, including the ability to select standard applications for key tasks. However, finding these options is not always easy — especially if you recently switched from another Android device or updated the firmware version. In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to assign the default app to Xiaomi, including hidden nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models.

The problem with “imposed” standard applications is familiar to many: instead of Chrome, Mi Browser opens, photos are automatically saved to the Xiaomi Gallery, and calls are processed by a branded Dialer. Fortunately, Android allows you to replace them with alternative ones, the main thing is to know where to look for the desired settings. We will also tell you how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI if the system does not allow you to choose the desired application, and what to do if after resetting everything returned to factory values.

Important: the procedure may vary slightly depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and regional firmware (global, Chinese, EEA). But the general principles remain unchanged. If your smartphone runs Android 13/14 with MIUI 14, note a separate section with up-to-date screenshots and explanations.

Why Xiaomi is changing standard apps and whether it can be turned off

The MIUI shell defaults to install its own services (Mi Browser, Mi Video, Mi Music) as the main ones for several reasons:

• 🔹 Monetization: Branded apps show ads and collect anonymous statistics for Xiaomi.
• 🔹 Integration with the ecosystem: Mi Cloud, Mi Home and others work better with native programs.
• 🔹 Optimization: Some features (such as Double Apps or Read Mode) are only available in standard utilities.

Can you turn this obsession off completely? Partly yes. You can't remove system applications without root rights, but you can replace them with alternative ones, like, instead of Mi Browser, you can designate Google Chrome or Firefox, and instead of Xiaomi Gallery, Google Photos.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50) post-update MIUI 14 resets default settings. This is due to Android 13's security policy+, where the system can request confirmation of application selection after each major update.

If you want to minimize the impact of MIUI on software selection, consider installing custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS). But this requires unlocking the bootloader and may be unwarranted. For most users, the standard methods described below are sufficient.

Method 1: Assignment through Android settings (universal method)

This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the version. MIUI And the models. The instructions are relevant for Android. 10-14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop or in the application menu).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. In the list, select the category you want to change (for example, Browser, Phone, SMS).
5. Select the app you want from the available options. If it's not on the list, pre-install it from Google Play.

On MIUI 14, the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Applications → Installed Applications → ☰ (menu) → Applications by Default

If the desired application is not in the list, check:

• 📱 Is it installed on the device (sometimes) MIUI Hide newly installed programs).
• 🔄 Does it support the selected function (for example, not all messengers can handle it) SMS).
• 🔒 Are there any restrictions from the manufacturer (on some models, Xiaomi blocks the replacement of the Dialer or the other models) SMS-applications).

Appendix installed and updated|The application supports the desired function (for example, call processing)|There are no active restrictions on MIUI (For example, blocking a change in the dialer)|The device is not in power saving mode (can reset settings)-->

Method 2: Quickly change through the context menu

Not everyone knows, but many standard applications can be changed right at the time they're used.

• 🌐 Browsers (when opening a link)
• 📷 Galleries (when viewing photos/video)
• 📞 Dialer (when making a call)
• 💬 Messengers (when sending) SMS)

How it works:

1. Perform an action that calls a standard application, such as opening a link in a message.
2. When the program selection window appears, tap on Always (or Only Once if you want a one-time selection).
3. If the window doesn't appear, the application is already assigned by default. To reset the selection, go to its settings and click Clear Default Settings.

Example for the browser:

1. Open any message with a link (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram).
2. Slip on the link. A window will appear asking "Open with..."
3. Select the browser you want (such as Chrome) and mark Always.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 Android 12+ The system may request a confirmation of the default application selection each time a link is opened during the first 24 It's a security measure, it can't be turned off.

browser|gallery|Dealer|SMS-attachment|Other-->

Method 3: Using ADB for forced change (for experienced)

If MIUI blocks a change to a standard application (for example, it prevents you from replacing Mi Dialer with Google Phone), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the smartphone to your computer and enabling Debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (shap 7 times)
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
5. Run the command to reset the current settings by default: adb shell cmd package reset-preferred-launcher (for a launcher reset) or for a specific type: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.google.android.apps.nexuslauncher/.NexusLauncherActivity (example for Google Launcher).

List of popular commands for changing standard applications:

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause system failures. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Features for MIUI 14 and Android 13/14

In the latest versions of MIUI 14 (based on Android 13/14), Xiaomi has tightened control over standard applications.

• 🔒 Dialer change lock: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) It is impossible to replace Mi Dialer with Google Phone without the help of ADB.
• 🔄 Automatic reset: After system update, default settings can be reset.
• 📱 New Categories: Added separate settings for Assistant (voice assistant) and Digital Well-being.

How to get around the restrictions:

1. For a change of dialer or SMS-applications ADB (see previous section).
2. If after the update, the settings reset, reassign the applications through Settings → Applications → Default Applications.
3. For Android 14, check the permissions in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits → Special access → Access to SMS (necessary for alternatives SMS-applications).

Xiaomi 13T Pro and POCO F5 Pro with MIUI 14.0.4+ have a feature called “Security of Standards” that blocks changes to certain applications. To turn it off, go to Settings → Special Features → Simplified Mode and deactivate the option “Protection of System Applications”.

💡

If you change your standard browser, you still open the links in Mi Browser, clear the cache and data of the Settings application → Apps → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear the cache / data. Then reassign the alternative browser.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change standard applications to Xiaomi, users face typical errors.

If after all the manipulations the application is still not assigned, try:

1. Remove updates for system applications (Settings) → Annexes → ☰ → Show system-based → Mi Browser → Remove updates).
2. Reset application settings (Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting application settings).
3. Check if the Child Mode or Second Space is activated, they can block the changes.

💡

On Xiaomi with Android 12+, some default settings are tied to a user profile. If you have multiple accounts, assign apps to each individually.

How to bring back standard Xiaomi apps

If after experimenting with the company, you decided to return to the branded Xiaomi applications, do the following:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default Applications.
2. For each category (browser, phone, SMS, etc.), select an app marked Mi or Xiaomi.
3. If the standard application is not listed, reset settings: Settings → System → Settings Reset → App settings reset

To return to the factory settings:

1. Make a backup copy of the data.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Erase all data.
3. After restarting, the device will return to the original applications.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting to factory settings will delete all data including photos, contacts and messages.Use Mi Cloud or Google Account for backup.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions