How to change the application to open files on Xiaomi: 3 ways + tips for choosing programs

Xiaomi smartphones based on the proprietary shell MIUI automatically assign standard applications to open files of different formats. However, not always “native” programs are suitable for users: someone prefers Google Photos instead of Xiaomi Gallery, and someone needs advanced features to work with PDF. Fortunately, the system allows you to easily reassign file associations – but it is not always obvious where to look for these settings.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to change the default application to Redmi, POCO or Mi (including the 2023-2026 models), as well as a unique life hack to reset all file associations to factory settings if the system has forgotten your previous choices.

Why Xiaomi automatically selects applications for opening files

The MIUI shell (like any Android) uses the Intent mechanism, which is a special system “query” that determines which application should open a file. When you first try to open a file, for example, an.apk file, the system asks “Open with...” and offers a list of installed programs. Your choice is saved in the settings as the default application.

Problems begin when:

• 🔄 You have removed the application that was selected by default (the system may "forget" the alternative).
• 📱 After the MIUI update, the association settings were reset.
• 🚫 Some formats (e.g.,.mkv or.flac) open with the wrong player.
• 🔒 The system blocks the selection of third-party programs for "system" formats (e.g.,.vcf for contacts).

Xiaomi is also actively promoting its services, such as Mi Video, Mi Music or Mi File Manager, so they are often prioritized even when there are more functional alternatives (such as VLC or FX File Explorer).

Method 1: Change the default application through MIUI settings

The simplest and most versatile method is to use the built-in shell settings, which works on all current versions of MIUI (12-14) and is suitable for most file formats.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. In the list, find the file category (for example, Browser, Gallery, Music) and tap it.
4. Select the app you want from the list, and if you don't have one, install it from Google Play first.

Note that in some versions of MIUI, the path may be slightly different. For example, on POCO F5 with MIUI 14, the section is called Settings → Applications → Default, and on Redmi Note 12, the section is called Settings → System → Default Applications.

Make sure that the new application is installed

Close all open files

Check out the MIUI version (Relevant for MIUI 12 and later)

Backup important files (in case of failure)-->

Important: If the application you want isn't listed, it doesn't support opening this file type, for example, Google Photos won't be able to open.zip archives even if you try to assign it.

Method 2: Reassigning through the context menu of the file

If you only need to change an application for one specific format (like.pdf or.mp4), it’s more convenient to do it directly from the file manager.This method works even on older versions of MIUI (9–11) and doesn’t require a deep knowledge of settings.

Instructions:

1. Open Files (or any other file manager, such as Solid Explorer)
2. Find the file format you want (e.g. document.pdf) and click on it long.
3. In the menu that appears, select Open with... (or Open in...).
4. Slip by Always (or Use by default) and select the desired application.

If the option is always inactive, the system has already memorized your previous choice.

• 🔧 Reset the default settings first (see Method 3).
• 📌 Or use a third-party file manager (e.g., FX File Explorer) that ignores system limitations.

💡

If you often work with rare formats (such as.heic or.webp), install specialized applications like HEIC Viewer or WebP Converter before you try to open them.

Method 3: Reset all file associations to factory

If the system has forgotten your previous choices or you want to start with a clean slate, you can reset all application settings by default.

• 🔄 After the MIUI update, some files are opened by the wrong application.
• 🚫 The system blocks the selection of third-party programs (e.g., for.apk or.vcf).
• 📱 You have transferred your phone to another person and want to remove your preferences.

How to reset your settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset App Settings (or Reset Default Settings).
3. The system will warn you that this will cancel all your previous choices.

Effects of discharge:

• ✅ You will see the application selection box again when you open any file.
• ❌ All applications will reset permissions (you will have to re-allow the camera, microphone, etc.).
• ⚠️ Some system applications (e.g., Mi Video) may again be prioritized.

Table: Best applications for opening files on Xiaomi

Not all programs are equally good at different formats, and here are proven solutions for popular file types optimized for MIUI:

For multimedia, you should also pay attention to Poweramp (for music) and nPlayer (for video) – they are better optimized for Xiaomi and support Hi-Res Audio on models with the appropriate chips (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after reassigning applications, Xiaomi users are faced with common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

1.The system ignores the choice and opens files with a standard application

This is most often the case with “system” formats, such as:

• 📞.vcf (Contacts) — MIUI enforces them through Contacts.
• 📅.ics (calendar) – automatically added to the Xiaomi Calendar.
• 🔊.m4a (audio) - can open in Mi Music instead of the player selected.

Solution: Use the ADB- command to force reset associations (see spoiler above) or install an alternative launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher) that allows you to bypass the limitations of MIUI.

2. You cannot select an application for.apk files

With MIUI 12, Xiaomi blocks APK installation from third-party sources by default.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Package Installer.
2. Enable the option to Allow installation from unknown sources.
3. Select a file manager (such as Files or Total Commander) that is allowed to install APKs.

3. After the MIUI update, all settings were reset

This is a well-known MIUI 13/14 problem, and to avoid losing settings:

• 🔄 Export the list of installed applications regularly using App Manager.
• 📱 Use Titanium Backup to save file associations.
• 📌 Before updating, make a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup.

💡

If the file opening problem occurred after the MIUI update, first check if the application permissions in the Settings → Applications → Permissions section have reset.

4.Some formats are not opened by any application

This is typical for rare formats like.flac (audio) or.heic (photo).

• 🔍 Install special programs: FLAC Player for music or HEIC to JPG Converter for images.
• 🔧 Use FX File Explorer, which can open many formats through built-in extensions.
• 📱 On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g., POCO X5 Pro), check codec support in Settings → Additional → Codecs.

💡

If you often work with non-standard formats, install All File Opener from Google Play. This application automatically selects the right program to open the file or offers to download it.

How to prevent Xiaomi from changing the default apps

MIUI sometimes “unwittingly” returns standard applications after updates or reboots.

1. disable automatic update of system applications

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, find Mi Video, Mi Music or Mi File Manager, tap three points and select Disable Auto Update.

2. Use ADB to block system applications

Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:

adb shell pm hide com.miui.video

Replace com.miui.video with a batch name for an unnecessary application (e.g. com.miui.music for Mi Music).Warning: This may disrupt some MIUI features!

3.Install an alternative launcher

Launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair allow you to manually assign applications to open files, ignoring the limitations of MIUI.

1. Press your finger on your desktop and select Launcher Settings.
2. Find the File Association (or Default Apps) section.
3. Reassign the formats you want.

4.Return to the previous version of MIUI

If the problem started after the update (for example, the MIUI 14), you can return the old firmware via Fastboot. XDA Developers or 4PDA for your model.

💡

The most reliable way to avoid resetting is to disable automatic update MIUI in Settings → About Phone → System Update → Settings (⚙️) → Auto Update.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions