Redmi Note 8 smartphones running on the Android operating system with a shell MIUI, initially offer users a pre-installed web browser. However, many owners prefer to use alternative solutions such as Google Chrome, Yandex Browser or Opera, because of the more convenient interface or synchronization with the account. The standard procedure for changing the application to open links may not be obvious due to the peculiarities of the Xiaomi settings menu.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to assign any installed browser to the main for all actions in the system. You will learn how to find hidden application settings, how to reset old parameters if the system “forgot” to ask you about the choice, and what nuances exist in different versions of MIUI. The correct setting will save you time when clicking on links from messengers and social networks.
The setup process does not require superuser rights or complex technical manipulations. All activities are performed using the regular Android operating system. Below we will provide step-by-step instructions that are relevant to the Redmi Note 8 model and its modifications so that you can enjoy web surfing in the usual environment.
Preparing the device for changing the standard application
Before you start changing system settings, you need to make sure that an alternative web browser is already installed on your Redmi Note 8. If you just bought a phone or reset to factory settings, only the standard MIUI Browser can be stored in memory. You will need to download and install the desired application through the Google Play store or other reliable source.
Once installed, it is recommended to run a new browser at least once so that the system can index it as a potential web link handler. Sometimes, when you first start, Android itself suggests choosing the default application, but relying on this random pop-up is not worth it, since it is easy to miss.
It is also important to check that your device has a Google account active, as some MIUI system services may require authorization to change global application settings. Make sure you have a stable Internet connection, although it is not always critical for the change of settings procedure itself, it will be needed to check the new browser.
⚠️ Note: If you use a corporate profile or Second Space mode on Xiaomi, the browser settings for the main and guest profiles may vary.
Search for the application settings section in MIUI
The MIUI shell interface is very different from pure Android, which is often a challenge for new users. To change the settings of programs, you need to go to a specialized section of application management. On the Redmi Note 8, the path to it can vary depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same.
Open the main settings menu for your smartphone. To do this, click on the gear icon on your desktop or in the notification curtain. In the list that opens, look for a section that may be called Apps, All Apps, or Application Management. In some versions of MIUI, this item is hidden inside the "Additional" or "System Apps" submenus.
If you can't find the right item visually, search by settings. At the top of the settings screen, there's a search bar — type in the word "applications" or "default" there. The system will prompt you to go to the desired section, which will greatly speed up the navigation process through the complex menu Xiaomi.
Inside the App Management section, you will see a complete list of all programs installed on the Redmi Note 8, where you can see not only custom applications, but also system processes.
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Use sorting by size or frequency of use in the app list to find a newly installed browser faster if there are too many.
Instructions: Default browser assignment
The most common and reliable way to change your browser to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is to manually select a priority app through the Default Apps menu, which works in most versions of MIUI, including global and Chinese builds.
To start, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. In the upper right corner of the screen, find and click on three dots (action menus). In the drop-down list, select “Default Apps.” If there is no such item in the drop-down menu, go back a step to the main settings menu, select “Additional Settings” and look for “Default Apps.”
In the window that opens, you'll see a list of action types, such as Calls, Messages, Home, and of course Browser. Click on Browser. You'll see a list of all the browsers you've installed. Choose the one you want to use all the time, like Chrome or Firefox.
☑️ The algorithm of changing the browser
Once selected, the system may require confirmation of actions. Click "OK" or "Allow". Now all links that you click on in any other application (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber) will automatically open in your browser of choice, bypassing unnecessary questions.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI When trying to change the browser, the system may insistently suggest leaving the standard MIUI Browser, claiming it's faster or safer. Ignore these offers and confidently choose "Change anyway" or a similar option.
Resetting default settings for a specific application
There are times when you accidentally clicked “Always” when you opened a link, and now Redmi Note 8 persistently launches the wrong browser, even if you chose another in the general settings, in which case you need to reset preferences for the specific application that “captured” the link opening.
Go back to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Find the default browser (such as old or unnecessary) on the list. Click on it to open the app information page. At the bottom of the screen or in the three-dot menu, find the Open by Default button.
On the page that opens, you will see information about how many actions the app supports, and the “Clear Default Settings” or “Reset” button, pressing this button will return the system to a state where the next click on the link it will again ask you than open the web page.
This procedure is especially useful if you are testing multiple browsers and want to temporarily return the choice to the user. After reset, simply open any link from the messenger, and the screen will appear dialog selection. Select the desired browser and click "Always" to capture a new choice.
Why can the reset button be inactive?
Comparison of popular browsers for Redmi Note 8
The choice of browser for Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 depends on your personal preferences and needs for functionality. Different browsers offer unique features that can be critical for some users and useless for others.
The Redmi Note 8 is available in versions with 4 or 6 GB of RAM, which is a good indicator, but heavy browsers with many background processes can consume battery power faster. Lightweight versions or traffic saving modes may be preferable for users with limited Internet.
| browser | The main advantage | Resource consumption | Synchronization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Full integration with Google services | High. | Google Account |
| Yandex Browser | Built-in Turbo Mode and Alice | Average. | Yandex ID |
| Opera Mini | Saving traffic up to 90% | Low. | Opera ID |
| Mozilla Firefox | Privacy and expansion | Average. | Firefox Account |
Also worth paying attention to is the presence of built-in ad blockers. Many modern browsers like Brave or DuckDuckGo focus on privacy and tracker blocking, which can significantly speed up page loading on mobile networks. For the Redmi Note 8 with its FullHD screen, this is an important aspect of user-friendly use.
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The best browser choice for Redmi Note 8 is the balance between functionality and power consumption, especially if you are actively using navigation and streaming.
Troubleshooting and troubleshooting
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, Xiaomi users can face a number of problems, and one of the common mistakes is when, after choosing a new browser, links still open in the old one, often because the system activates the “Open Supported Links” option within a particular application, which takes precedence over global settings.
To fix this, go to the settings of a problem application (such as Telegram or Viber) and look for the Files and Media or Web Browser section, which may tick “Open Links in the App” or select a specific browser. Change this setting to “Always Ask” or select the browser you want.
Another problem is that the browser icon is not available in the list of available browsers, which can occur if the application is not installed for the current user (relevant to guest modes or app cloning).
If MIUI is not stable and resets your choices, try clearing the Settings or Google Play Services cache. Sometimes the conflict of system components versions prevents you from correctly preserving your preferences.
⚠️ Note: Do not delete the standard browser MIUI, Some system widgets or shell functions may depend on its availability, and removing it may cause interface errors.