How to assign the default application to Xiaomi: full instruction

Why Xiaomi does not save the default settings of the applications?

Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI often reset the default user settings of applications after system updates or cache clearing. This is due to the peculiarities of the shell, which tries to optimize performance, but ignores the user’s preferences. For example, after installing Google Chrome, the system can automatically return Mi Browser as the main browser, and Google Photos can be replaced with a standard Gallery.

Another common problem is the conflict between system and third-party applications. MIUI aggressively promotes its own services (Mi Music, Mi Video, Mi Browser), even if you explicitly specified an alternative. In some cases, settings are reset due to energy-saving features that suspend background processes. Next, we will discuss how to properly assign and lock applications by default to avoid automatic resetting.

Where to find the default application settings on Xiaomi

Depending on the version of MIUI (14 or 15) and the model of the smartphone (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the path to settings may vary slightly.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.

On some devices (e.g. POCO F5), this item may be called Default Settings or hidden in the Additional submenu. If you don't find a section, search for the settings (the magnifier in the upper right corner) and enter the default request.

How to assign a default browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.)

The standard Mi Browser consumes more battery and displays ads, so many users prefer Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

1. Install the browser you want from Google Play (if not already installed).
2. Open any web link (e.g. in a message or on the home screen).
3. In the window that appears, select Always and specify the desired browser.
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

If the window with the choice does not appear:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Default applications → Browser and select the desired.
• 📱 Remove updates for Mi Browser (if it’s system-based) via Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Three points. → Remove updates.
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.

Install an alternative browser|Open the link to call the selection window|Select "Always" to fix|Reboot your smartphone-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro) after resetting to factory settings, Mi Browser becomes the main one again. To avoid this, before reset, turn off automatic application recovery in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account. → Data recovery.

Setting up apps by default for SMS, calls and contacts

By default, MIUI uses Messages and Contacts from Xiaomi, but these can be replaced by Google Messages, Truecaller or WhatsApp (for calls).

For WhatsApp or Telegram as a call app:

1. Open the phone's settings.
2. Go to the Applications → Default Applications → Phone.
3. If WhatsApp is not displayed in the list, make an outgoing call through the messenger first, then repeat the steps.

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If notifications stop coming after you change the SMS application, check the permissions in Settings → Applications → [Application Name] → Notifications and turn on all switches.

How to fix gallery, music and video player by default

Standard Gallery, Mi Music and Mi Video often conflict with Google Photos, VLC or Spotify to assign alternatives:

• 🖼️ Gallery: Open any image → In the window of choice always tap → Choose Google Photos or Simple Gallery.
• 🎵 Music: Include audio file → In the player, click "Open with the help» → choose Spotify/VLC and mark Always.
• 🎬 Video: Similar to music but via video file. YouTube Vanced or NewPipe requires manual settings in Settings → Annexes → Default applications → Video player.

If the changes do not persist:

1. Clear the cache of the system Settings application (Settings → Applications → Settings → Storage → Clear the cache).
2. Turn off battery optimization for an alternative application (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Select the application → No restrictions).

Solving problems: apps are reset by default after update

If after updating MIUI or restarting the smartphone settings are reset, try the following methods:

1. Turn off automatic optimization: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Menu (three dots) → Turn off automatic optimization
2. Freeze system applications (root rights required): Use Titanium Backup or App Freezer to disable Mi Browser, Mi Music, etc. Without root, you can disable updates for system applications via Settings → Apps → [Application] → Three dots → Remove updates.

Reset the application settings (last resort):

Settings → System → Resetting settings → Resetting application settings

⚠️ Note: This will delete all stored application data (logins, cache), but will return the ability to assign defaults again.

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If a reset occurs after each MIUI update, turn off automatic updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Settings → Auto Download Updates.

Features on different Xiaomi models (Redmi, POCO, Black Shark)

The manufacturer uses different versions of MIUI for the line of devices, which affects the location of settings:

• 📱 Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X4/X5: The default path is standard (Settings) → Annexes → Default applications).
• 🎮 Black Shark 5/6: Use it. JOYUI (modified MIUI), where the settings are hidden in the settings → Additionally. → Application management → Default settings.
• 📲 Xiaomi 13/14 Ultra: On MIUI 15 A separate section was added to Digital Well-being. → Default settings (due to parental control features).

Android One (Xiaomi Mi A1/A2/A3) devices use pure Android, where the settings are in Settings → Apps → Cog sign → Default apps. There are no reset problems, but there are fewer customization options.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up apps by default