How to disable the default app on Xiaomi: the full guide

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI automatically assign standard applications to open files, links or perform actions — a browser for web pages, a gallery for photos, a messenger for calls. But what if the system chose the wrong service? For example, instead of Chrome, opens Mi Browser, and photos run in an unnecessary gallery. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to remove the default application on Xiaomi, including hidden settings MIUI and commands for power users.

Complicating the problem, the manufacturer often blocks changes to standard applications for system services (calls, SMS, alarm clocks).We will show how to circumvent these restrictions without root rights, and warn about the possible consequences - from malfunctioning Google Services to loss of functionality MIUI. All instructions are tested on the latest firmware (MIUI 14/15 based on Android 13/14) and are relevant for models from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra flagships.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the application change by default

The manufacturer deliberately limits the ability to modify standard applications for:

• 🔒 Security: System services (e.g. com.android.phone for calls) are tested for compatibility with MIUI They may conflict with third-party counterparts.
• 📊 Monetization: pre-installed apps (Mi Browser, Mi Video) show ads and collect data for targeted offers.
• 🔄 Stability: Replacing key components (such as a launcher) can result in loss of features like Read Mode or navigation gestures.

For example, if you try to assign Google Messages to the default SMS app, the system can reset the settings to Mi Messages after the reboot, which is not a bug, but a feature of MIUI that prioritizes its own services, but there are still workarounds, which we will discuss later.

Method 1: Standard Android settings (for most applications)

This method works for non-system applications like browsers, music players, galleries, and it won't change standard call services or SMS, but it will work for:

• 🌐 Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
• 🎵 Music Players (Spotify, VLC)
• 📷 Gallery (Google Photos, Simple Gallery)
• 📄 File Managers (Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer)

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Click on the category (such as the Browser) and select the desired application from the list.

Make sure that an alternative application is installed

Check the MIUI version (in Settings → About the phone)

Close all background applications before changing

Reboot your phone after the change (optional)

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⚠️ Note: If the application is not listed, it does not support processing of this type of files/actions. For example, Telegram cannot become an application for the application. SMS Default, even if you use it to exchange messages.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the standard method doesn’t work)

Sometimes MIUI forgets about alternative applications or blocks their selection, and then resetting:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm action. The system will clear the cache and the default application selection data.

When you reset the next time you open a file or link, the system will prompt you to select the application again.mp3-file, a window will appear with the question: Open with... - tick Always and select the desired player.

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If after resetting MIUI again assigns Mi Browser by default, try temporarily disabling it: Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Disable. The system will be forced to offer an alternative.

Method 3: Using ADB to unlock system applications

For advanced users willing to work with ADB, there is a way to force reset default settings even for system applications, which requires a computer and enabled USB debugging.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices Wait for the serial number of the device to appear.
3. Execute the reset command: adb shell cmd package reset-preferred-apps
4. Reboot the phone.

Then, when you open a file or action next time you open a call, the system will prompt you to re-select the application. Warning: this method can reset the settings for all default applications, including system ones.

Method 4: Disabling system applications through settings

If MIUI persistently returns Mi Browser or Mi Video, you can try disabling these apps (do not delete!).

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find an app (like Mi Browser) and tap it.
3. Click Disable (the button will only be active for pre-installed applications).
4. Confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: Disabling system applications may result in:

• 🔄 Loss of functionality (for example, the video tab in the standard gallery will disappear).
• 📵 Errors in updating MIUI (The system can return disabled applications).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (some services are related to optimizing energy consumption).

Method 5: Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If standard methods don't work, you can use apps from Google Play that manage default settings.

• 🛠️ Default App Manager – Shows all categories of silences and lets you reset them.
• 🔧 App Manager – has a function of resetting preferences for specific applications.
• 📱 SetEdit – edits system settings (requires caution!).

Examples of Default App Manager:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide access to the Application Settings (if requested).
3. Select a category (like Home App for launcher) and reset the current application by default.
4. When you use the function next, the system will suggest you select a new application.

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The utility side cannot bypass the limitations of MIUI for system services (calls, SMS, alarms) and they work only with user applications.

Frequent problems and solutions

Problem 1: After resetting the settings, MIUI reassigns Mi Browser by default.

Solution: Disable Mi Browser in the application settings (see Method 4) or use ADB-team:

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

Problem 2: You can’t change your call app or SMS.

Solution: This is a limitation of MIUI. The only workaround is to use Google Messages for SMS and Google Phone for calls, but they won't become the default system, the alternative is firmware with remote system applications (requires unlocking the bootloader).

Problem 3: After the MIUI update, all default settings have reset.

Solution: This is standard behavior. After updating, reconfigure the default applications (see Method 1). To avoid the problem, back up through Settings before updating → Additional → Backup and Reset.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions