You clicked on a YouTube link in a messenger or social network, and instead of the usual red logo of the application opened Mi Browser or Google Chrome? This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones — the MIUI system by default often ignores the default settings and redirects traffic to its own browser. As a result, the functionality of the application is lost: there is no history of views, recommendations and the ability to save videos to playlists.
The reason lies in MIUI’s aggressive link management policy: the system forcibly opens some types of URLs in preinstalled apps, even if the user explicitly chose an alternative, especially YouTube, where Xiaomi is actively promoting its browser and services. Fortunately, the problem can be solved – and we have collected all the working methods, including hidden settings and workarounds for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14).
Why Xiaomi Ignores YouTube's Default Settings
Unlike pure Android, where the default choice of app is fixed by the system, MIUI uses its own link processing engine.
- 🔗 Priority Mi Browser: In MIUI The logic is that links to videos (including YouTube) are opened by default in the browser, even if the application is installed.
- 📱 Conflict with the "Light mode": on budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Resource saving mode is enabled, which blocks the background operation of applications, including link processing.
- 🔄 Resetting after update: After major updates MIUI (For example, from 13 to 14), the system resets the links to applications, returning priority to the browser.
- 🛠️ Restrictions for third-party launchers: If you use an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher), MIUI may ignore its processing settings URL.
It's important to understand that the problem isn't always with the YouTube app itself, but rather with com.miui.systemAdSolution, which manages traffic redirection, and its behavior depends on regional firmware: on global versions. MIUI (Global ROM) The problem is less common than in China. ROM).
Method 1: Set up the application by default in the Android menu
The most obvious, but not always working, method is to explicitly indicate YouTube as the default link processing app. In MIUI, this path is partially blocked, but it is worth trying:
- In the list, find YouTube and turn on the Open Supported Links switch.
If there's no YouTube item on the list, MIUI has hidden it because of a conflict with Mi Browser, in which case you can move on to the following ways.
Make sure that YouTube is updated to the latest version
Check if power saving mode is on for YouTube
Close all background applications (especially browsers)
Reboot your smartphone before setting up-->
Method 2: Reset application settings (radical method)
If MIUI persists in ignoring your preferences, a complete reset of application settings will help, which removes all user anchors and returns the system to factory link processing settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset App Settings.
- Confirm action.The system will warn you that will be reset: Default settings for links Permissions for applications Background activity restrictions
YouTube
https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ
YouTube
Always.
⚠️ Note: This method will reset all individual permissions for applications (e.g., access to a camera or microphone).
Efficiency of the method: ~85% for MIUI 13-14, ~60% for MIUI 12 (If it doesn't work, move to the method of c. ADB.
Method 3: ADB commands for forced YouTube binding
For advanced users, the most reliable method is manual linking via ADB. This requires connecting a smartphone to a computer, but is guaranteed to bypass the limitations of MIUI.
You'll need:
- Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website)
- On-board USB debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 times tap on version → go back to Additional settings → Developer settings)
- ADB (download as part of Android SDK Platform-Tools)
adb shell pm set-app-links --package com.google.android.youtube --package com.google.android.apps.youtube.music 1
adb shell cmd appops set com.google.android.youtube SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW allow
adb shell cmd appops set com.android.browser NO_DEFAULT_BROWSER ignoreAfter the commands are executed:
- Reboot your smartphone.
- Open any YouTube link and confirm your choice of application.
- Check the work through messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) – links should open in the application.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro after teams ADB You may need to disable battery optimization for YouTube: Settings → Annexes → Application management → YouTube → Battery → No restrictions.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Method 4: Use of alternative launchers
If MIUI stubbornly ignores your settings, you can trick the system with a third-party launcher.Some launchers (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) have their own link processing mechanisms that bypass the manufacturer's restrictions.
Instructions for Nova Launcher:
- Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
- Make it the default launcher (at the first start, the system will offer a choice).
- Open the Nova settings → Applications and notifications → Default Apps.
- Find YouTube and install it as a link handler.
- Return to the basic settings of Nova → Lab → Quick commands and add a command to reset the link cache (adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.settings).
| Launcher | Efficiency | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | 90% | Premium version for some functions |
| Hyperion Launcher | 85% | A complex setup for beginners |
| Lawnchair | 70% | Unstable work at MIUI 14 |
| Microsoft Launcher | 60% | Advertising and telemetry collection |
Critical nuance: after the update MIUI The launcher may lose control of the links. in this case, repeat the setting or use ADB-Teams from Method 3.
Method 5: Manual file editing default_permissions.xml
For users with unlocked bootloaders and root rights, there is a radical method: editing the system file that handles the links, which is risky (may cause system failure), but it gives 100% results.
Procedure:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Cross the path. /system/etc/permissions/ and find the file. default_permissions.xml.
- Create a backup of the file (copy it in /sdcard/).
- Open the file in the text editor and find the lines from android:defaultBrowser.
- Replace the value with: <permission name="android.permission.BROWSABLE_CONTENT"> <group gid="media_rw" /> <group gid="sdcard_rw" /> <group gid="sdcard_r" /> </permission>
- Save the file, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---).
- Reboot your smartphone.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of this file can lead to a cyclical reboot of the device.If the phone does not start after the changes, restore the backup through the device. TWRP Or re-sweep the firmware.
💡
Before editing system files, check if your Xiaomi model supports official bootloader unlocking on the Mi Unlock site. New devices (released after 2022) may require a wait of 7-15 days to unlock.
Additional Tips for Stable Work
Even after successful setup, links can reopen in the browser to avoid this:
- 🔄 Turn off Mi Browser Auto Update: Go to Google Play → Mi Browser → Disable Auto Update. New browser versions can reset settings.
- 📵 Freeze the Mi Browser through ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser This will completely remove the browser from the list of possible link handlers.
- 🔋 Eliminate YouTube from Battery Optimization: Settings → Annexes → YouTube → Battery → No restrictions.
- 🔒 Turn off Smart Help in MIUI: Settings → Special facilities → Smart help. → This service sometimes redirects traffic.
If you use a POCO Launcher or MIUI Launcher with widgets enabled, check if they conflict with link processing, for example, the Quick Ball widget can intercept clicks on links.
💡
The most stable solution is a combination of Method 3 (ADB) + Method 4 (alternative launcher) that minimizes MIUI interference with link processing.