Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS come with a pre-installed Mi Browser browser by default. For many users, this tool seems unnecessarily overloaded with news feed and banner ads, which forces you to look for cleaner and faster alternatives. The process of replacing a standard application with a more familiar Google Chrome, Yandex or Firefox does not require complex manipulation, but has its own nuances depending on the firmware version.
In this article, we will detail how to change the default browser on Xiaomi devices so that all links from messengers and social networks open in the app of your choice. You will learn where to find hidden system settings, how to properly clear the cache of an old browser and why sometimes the system can ignore your choice. Android’s flexibility allows you to do this in a couple of minutes, significantly improving the comfort of using a smartphone.
Before you start technical action, you need to decide on the goals of replacement: someone needs synchronization with a Google account, another needs a built-in page translator, and a third needs advanced ad blocking capabilities. Regardless of your preferences, the algorithm for actions on Xiaomi Redmi, Poco or Black Shark will be almost identical, because it is based on the general principles of the Android operating system.
Why you should replace the standard Xiaomi browser
Xiaomi’s standard browser is often criticized for its aggressive notification policies and news feed, which is difficult to disable completely without using third-party tools. In contrast, specialized browsers offer more private mode and no unnecessary visual noise. Users appreciate the ability to fine-tune the interface, which does not provide a stock app.
In addition, third-party solutions are often updated faster and support current web security standards. For example, Chrome or Edge have built-in phishing protection that works more than basic Mi Browser filters. Cross-platform is also important: if you use a PC, then synchronizing tabs and passwords through the Google or Yandex ecosystem will work only in the relevant applications.
Another important aspect is performance: Third-party browsers are often better optimized for heavy web pages and have more efficient memory management. This is especially true for Redmi’s budget models, where every megabyte of RAM is on the bill.
Preparation: installation of an alternative annex
The first step before changing your browser by default is to install the app you plan to use. In most cases, Xiaomi smartphones already have a GetApps store or Google Play Market, through which you can download the necessary software. If you have a new model without Google services, you can use the official developer website or proven ones. APK-repositories.
Once you download and install the app, Android can immediately suggest you choose it as your primary web browsing tool. Don't ignore this pop-up request. However, if you missed this point or the system didn't offer the option automatically, you'll have to manually set it up through the settings menu. It's important to make sure that the new app is fully installed and ready to go.
☑️ Check before changing the browser
It’s worth noting that some users prefer to use lightweight browsers like Chrome Lite or Opera Mini if the device has limited resources, installing such an application will take less space and consume less traffic.
Instructions: how to change the default browser in MIUI and HyperOS
The process of changing the settings in Xiaomi shells may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and MIUI itself. In most current versions, the path lies through the general system settings. You need to open the Settings app and scroll through the list to the Application section. This is where you manage all installed programs.
Inside the app menu, you need to find Application Management. At the top of the screen, there are often three dots or menu buttons that open an additional window when you click on them, and that's where the default App option is hidden. In some versions of HyperOS, this item can be displayed in a separate submenu immediately after you log in to the Apps section.
⚠️ Attention: In new versions MIUI (13, 14) and HyperOS interface can be hidden. If you don't see "Default Apps", try searching by settings by entering the phrase "browser" or "default".
Once you go to the Apps menu, find the default browser bar. The default is Mi Browser or Chrome (if it's already active). Click on that bar and the system will suggest a list of all browsers installed. Select the option you want, such as Yandex or DuckDuckGo. Now all links will be opened through the selected application.
Configure through the menu of special features
Sometimes the standard path through app settings is unavailable or hidden by the manufacturer in certain regions, and then you can use the alternative method through settings search, which is universal and works on almost all Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi Note series and the flagship Mi.
Open Settings, and at the top of the screen, find the search bar. Type the word "browser." The system will give you several results, including the browser app or browser selection, and clicking on this link will immediately take you to the desired selection menu, bypassing long chains of nesting.
What to do if the selection point is inactive?
The same menu often displays information about how many times an app has been opened and how much data it consumes. This is useful for diagnosis: if a new browser does not open, check whether the background limit is worth it. Xiaomi's system is known for its aggressive battery saving, which can "kill" browser processes, preventing them from working correctly.
Comparison of popular browsers for Android
Choosing a browser is a personal matter, but it is worth focusing on specific needs. Below is a table comparing the key characteristics of popular solutions available in the Play Market, which will help you decide on the choice before installing.
| browser | Synchronization | Blocking ads | Savings regime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Google account | Basic | Standard. |
| Yandex | Yandex ID | Built-in (Turbo) | High (traffic compression) |
| Firefox | Firefox Account | Extensions (uBlock) | Medium. |
| Brave | Brave Sync | Aggressive (by default) | High-pitched |
Each of these browsers has its own unique features, such as Firefox, which is valued for supporting extensions, which is rare for mobile platforms. Brave is originally focused on privacy and blocking trackers. Yandex is great for users of Yandex services and those who often drive in places with poor Internet thanks to Turbo mode.
Niche products like Vivaldi or Edge can offer a unique interface or integration with office suites, depending on how deeply you are immersed in the ecosystem of a particular manufacturer, and for most users, Chrome or Yandex have the optimal balance of speed and functionality.
Solving Link Opening Problems
Even after the change of settings, there may be situations where links continue to open in the old browser, often due to caching by Android. The predecessor app may cling to the status of the main one. To fix this, you need to clear the default settings for the old browser.
Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Find the Mi Browser (or the one that was the main one before) and go to its properties and find the Open default option. Press Reset or Delete default settings. Then the system will ask again what to open the link the next time you click on it.
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If resetting didn’t help, try temporarily removing or disabling the old browser, which will force the system to look for an alternative to open links.
The problem may also be in the specific application you are following from, such as Telegram or WhatsApp, which may have their own browser settings built in. Check the settings of the messenger itself: Telegram has Settings → Data and memory → Built-in browser that you can switch to the System browser.
⚠️ Note: When resetting your app settings, don’t confuse the Clear Data button with Reset Default Settings.Data cleanup will delete your bookmarks, history and passwords saved in this browser.
In rare cases, a complete reinstallation of a new browser helps: uninstall the app, restart the smartphone and reinstall it. When you first start, the system is more likely to correctly identify it as a priority, especially after major MIUI updates, when system priorities may be confused.
Optimization of the new browser
After a successful browser replacement, it is recommended to make an initial setup for maximum performance. Go to the settings of the new application and turn off autoload images if you have tariffed traffic. It is also worth checking the notification settings so that news feeds do not bother you in vain.
For Xiaomi users, it is important to set up the work in the background. Press the browser icon on the desktop, select About Application → Battery Savings and select No Limits. This will prevent the browser from unloading from memory, which will speed up the re-start of pages.
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Properly adjusting the power consumption of the new browser in the MIUI menu is critical for its stable operation in the background.
Remember to update your browser regularly through the app store. Developers are constantly releasing security patches and page rendering speed improvements. Ignoring updates can cause some modern sites to stop displaying correctly or to run slowly.