How to change the browser to Android Xiaomi

Changing a standard web browser is one of the first tasks that a user solves after buying a new smartphone. Xiaomi devices pre-installed its own Mi Browser product by default, which, despite its functionality, is often overloaded with news feeds and promotional offers. Many owners prefer to replace it with lighter or familiar alters, such as Google Chrome or Yandex Browser.

The replacement process is divided into two key steps: physical installation of the new software and reassigning it as the default application, allowing you to open links from messengers and other programs in the window you choose. Deep system configuration allows you to completely ignore the standard solutions of the manufacturer.

In this guide, we will explain in detail where to find hidden settings in the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS. You will learn how to disable intrusive recommendations and make using the Internet on your smartphone as comfortable and safe as possible.

Selecting a suitable alternative for replacement

The market for mobile browsers is crowded, but Xiaomi devices are best suited for optimized solutions, and they must work effectively with the Chinese manufacturer’s aggressive energy saving system.

One of the most popular options is Google Chrome, which provides perfect synchronization of history and passwords between your computer and your phone. For users who appreciate page load speed even with a weak signal, Opera Mini or UC Browser are a great choice.

If privacy is critical to you, you should look at Brave or DuckDuckGo. These apps block trackers and engine-level ads, which greatly speeds up the display of content. It is important to know that some banking applications may require Chrome installed to work properly.

• 🌐 Google Chrome is the benchmark for synchronization and security for the Android ecosystem.
• 🔴 Yandex Browser is the best choice for the Russian-speaking segment with a built-in translator and voice assistant.
• 🚀 Opera – known for its traffic saving mode and built-in free VPN.
• 🛡️ Brave – Maximum protection from advertising and surveillance without the need to install additional plugins.

⚠️ Note: When installing browsers from unknown sources (not through Google Play), you risk the security of your data.Always check the developer's digital signature.

Installation of a new columnist from the store

The first step is to download the installation file. Xiaomi smartphones preinstalled the GetApps store, but to install third-party software more reliable to use the official Google Play Market, which ensures that you get the latest versions with the latest security patches.

Open the Play Store app on your device. Type the name of your desired browser, such as Chrome or Yandex, into the search box. Click on the Install button and wait until the download is complete. It only takes a few seconds, even if the Internet is slow.

Once installed, the system may suggest that you open the app immediately. While you don't need to, first make sure that the shortcut appears on the desktop. In some cases, especially on newer versions of HyperOS, you need to allow access to the storage to work properly.

If the Play Store is not available or does not work correctly, you can use the built-in browser for downloading APK-The file is from the official developer's website, but the system will need your confirmation to install from unknown sources.

Setting up the browser by default in MIUI and HyperOS

The most important step is to explain to the system which application to run when clicking on links. In Xiaomi shells, this process can be a little confusing due to the large number of menus.

Open the settings menu for your smartphone. Find the Apps section and go to All Apps. This shows the full list of installed software. Find a browser you just installed (like Chrome) in the list.

Inside the app menu, find Default or Default Launch. Click on it and select Open Supported Links. You need to activate the switch that allows the app to open web addresses. If the system offers a choice between Mi Browser and the new app, select the latter and click Always.

Once you do this, all links from Telegram, WhatsApp or SMS will automatically open in the window you choose, and the system will remember this choice and will not ask again until you reset your settings.

Removing or disabling the standard Mi Browser

Many users want to get rid of the standard browser completely to free up space and eliminate unnecessary processes. However, in Android, you can not remove the system application completely without root rights, but you can turn it off, this will hide the icon and prevent background work.

Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Find the Mi Browser list (may be called the “Browser” with a compass icon). Click on it and select the “Disable” button at the bottom of the screen. The system will warn that the application will be removed from the list and will stop working.

⚠️ Note: Complete removal of system components through ADB-commands can cause the interface to work in an unstable way. Use the "Disable" method to safely hide.

If the "Disable" button is inactive (gray), then the application is actively used as the main one. Go back to the previous section and make sure you have assigned another browser by default. Once the priority change is made, the option to disable will become available.

For advanced users, there's a computer-based cleaning method, and if you plug your phone in via USB and you enable debugging, you can type in the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

This command will remove the browser for the current user, but will not affect the system partition. This allows you to free up space, but requires caution when entering.

Solving Link Opening Problems

Sometimes, after setting up, there are situations when links are not opened or the system continues to run the old browser. This may be due to a cache or settings conflict of the Android System WebView. This component is responsible for displaying web content within other applications.

Try clearing the cache of the problem app. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → New browser. Select Memory and click Clear Cache. Don't confuse it with Clear All, or you'll lose saved passwords and history.

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If links open in an empty window or with an error, update the Android System WebView component through the Google Play Market. Often the problem lies in its outdated version.

Also check if the backup limit is worth it. In the app menu, find Battery or Energy Saving and select No Limits mode. This will prevent the browser from falling asleep when you switch to another task.

• 🔄 Reboot the device after changing the default settings.
• 🔍 Check for updates for the shell MIUI/HyperOS.
• 🗑️ Remove browser updates if the problem has recently appeared.

Optimization of the new browser on Xiaomi

After a successful replacement, it is worthwhile to perform the final setup for maximum comfort. Xiaomi shells have specific features that can interfere with third-party applications, especially with memory extensions.

If your smartphone has enabled the function of Virtual RAM, try to turn it off for the browser or, conversely, turn it on if there are departures. the settings are in Settings → Advanced Settings → Expand memory.

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For stable operation on Xiaomi, it is critically important to prohibit the system from “killing” the browser process in the background, setting the “No Limits” energy saving mode.

Also, you should set up sync. Sign in to your account (Google, Yandex or Opera) to save bookmarks and passwords, which will allow you to continue from the same place where you left off on your computer.

By following these guidelines, you’ll fully adapt your Xiaomi smartphone to your habits. Replacing your browser is a simple but effective way to improve user experience and improve productivity when working with web content.