How to Open a Browser on Xiaomi Phone: The Complete Guide

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a situation where regular Internet access through a standard application becomes difficult, this can occur after a system update, accidentally removing a shortcut or changing interface settings. In the MIUI operating system and the new HyperOS, the menu structure may differ from stock Android, which causes confusion among users who have switched from other brands.

Understanding how to open a browser and manage its parameters is a basic skill for a full smartphone. A web browser is necessary not only for surfing the web, but also for downloading applications, logging into Google accounts and operating cloud services. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways to launch, restore and optimize the operation of the Internet navigator on devices of a Chinese manufacturer.

If standard methods don’t work, the problem can go deeper, either in system constraints or software conflicts. We’ll look at even complex cases where an application is hidden or deleted by mistake. The main thing is not to panic, as Xiaomi has powerful tools to restore functionality.

Standard ways to launch an Internet browser

The most obvious and quickest way to access web resources is to use a shortcut on the desktop. A standard MIUI build usually preinstalled its own Mi Browser, which has a characteristic icon with a compass or globe, and just find the corresponding image and make one short finger tap on it.

However, if you're using a global firmware version or have installed third-party launchers, the default browser might be Google Chrome. It's easy to recognize by the colored logo as a circle. Quick search bar is often used for quick access, which is called by swiping down the center of the screen. At the bottom of the widget that appears, there are usually frequently used applications, including a web browser.

⚠️ Note: If you click on the icon, the application does not open or immediately closes, it may be damaged system files. In this case, a simple restart of the smartphone may not help, you will need to reset the application settings.

For users who prefer voice control, you can run it through the Google Assistant or Xiao AI (in Chinese versions), just say "Open browser" or "Open browser" and the system will run the desired program, which is especially convenient when the hands are busy or the screen is dirty.

Search for the application through the system panel and settings

In cases where the icon is not found on the desktop, it is advisable to use the built-in search system. On most models Xiaomi swipe up the center of the screen opens the menu of all applications (App Drawer). At the top of this list is the search bar where you can enter the name of the program, for example, “Browser” or “Chrome”.

MIUI system search indexes not only app names, but also functions. If you type in an "open the Internet" request, the system can suggest running the web browser directly, and this works by integrating the search engine deeply into the shell, and search allows you to instantly find pages you've visited recently if the application has already been launched before.

Another reliable way is to search through the Settings menu. Go to the Applications → All Apps. In the list that opens, which can be sorted by name or frequency of use, it is easy to find the desired system component, and clicking on it, you will be taken to the control menu, where the Start button will be placed.

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Use voice input in the settings search bar to find the right app faster if you have busy hands or uncomfortable typing.

If the application has been hidden by the user, a normal search in the All Apps menu may not show it, in which case you need to go to the hidden app settings, which will be discussed in detail below.

Check folders, hidden applications and restrictions

A common cause of browser loss is that it's moved to a folder with other programs. Users often create folders with names like Google, Services, or the Internet, where they accidentally drag a shortcut. Carefully examine all the folders on the desktop and in the application menu. Sometimes the browser can be in a second or third folder if there are many.

In the MIUI shell, there is a Hidden Apps feature that is accessed through a special action in the All Apps menu. To log in, you need to spread two fingers in different directions on the app list screen, and if the browser has been hidden, it will appear in a separate window protected by a password or a pattern lock.

It's also worth checking Second Space mode, where if you have a second space on your phone with a separate set of apps, you can only install the browser there, you can switch between spaces through settings or a special widget on your desktop, which often happens when multiple people use the phone and everyone has set up their profile.

Installation and launch of alternative browsers

If the standard Mi Browser doesn't meet your requirements or is unstable, you can always install an alternative, you need to open the app store first. If the store's not shortcut, search the system by entering Play Store or GetApps.

There are many options available in the directory, from heavyweight Opera and UC Browser to minimalist Via or Brave. Once downloaded and installed, the system usually automatically creates a shortcut on the desktop. When it first starts, the new browser may suggest making it the default default.

• 🛡️ Brave is the best choice for those who value privacy and built-in ad blocker.

When installing a third-party browser, it is important to carefully read the permissions it requests. Some “accelerated” browsers can collect redundant telemetry. Xiaomi devices with Snapdragon processors are perfectly optimized browsers with hardware acceleration, which ensures smooth scrolling of pages.

Setting up the browser by default in the system

In the Android operating system that runs MIUI, you can choose your preferred application for opening web links, which is useful if you have multiple browsers installed and you want links from messengers to open in a particular one.

To change your settings, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Default Apps. In the buckled list, find the Browser category and select the desired option from the ones you want.

⚠️ Warning: After changing the default browser, some links may open in a new app that you don't already know the interface of.

If you want to reset your settings so that the system asks again what to open the link, find the current browser in the application list, click on Default and select Delete Default Settings, which will return the system behavior to its original state.

Solving Startup and Halt Problems

Sometimes the browser is installed, visible, but refuses to start or immediately crashes. This can be caused by a crowded cache or update conflict. The first step should be to clear the cache. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find a browser, select Memory and click Clear Cache.

If cleaning the cache didn't help, try removing the updates. In the same app management menu, click the three dots at the top and select "Delete Updates." This will return the browser to the factory version, which often resolves the problems that arose after a failed update.

adb shell pm clear com.android.browser

For advanced users with USB debugging access, you can use the ADB command to force the data to be cleaned, as shown above (for the system browser). However, for most users, it will be enough to completely reset the application settings through the phone menu. If this does not help, it may be the problem of damage to the system partition, and you will need a deeper intervention or firmware.

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Clearing the cache and data is the first step in any failure of applications on MIUI, it solves 90% of software errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)