How to put the browser default on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all ways

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 default uses the proprietary browser MIUI Browser, but many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera. Changing the default browser to Redmi Note 9 is a simple procedure, but with nuances associated with the features of the shell MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all working methods, including hidden settings and circumventing the limitations of the system.

It is important to understand that on the Redmi Note 9 (models M2003J15SC, M2003J15SS, etc.), the process may differ depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and regional firmware. For example, in the European version of MIUI EU, the algorithm is simpler than in the global or Chinese.

Why can’t Redmi Note 9 just change the default browser?

Unlike pure Android, the MIUI shell imposes restrictions on the replacement of standard applications, which is due to Xiaomi’s policy of integrating its services into the system.

• 🔒 MIUI Browser is tightly tied to system processes (e.g., com.miui.browser).
• 📱 On some firmware, the browser change option is hidden in the Settings menu → Annexes → Smart functions.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI settings can be reset, and the browser by default returns to the factory.

Xiaomi also blocks the change of standard applications for some system actions, such as opening links from SMS or push notifications, which is done to ensure stability, but creates inconvenience for users who prefer third-party browsers.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings

The most obvious method is to use built-in Android tools. It works on most MIUI 12-14 firmware, but may not be available on Chinese versions (China ROM).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list, select the desired application (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If the default App item is not on the menu, your firmware limits this function, in which case move on to the following ways.

Method 2: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If the standard method didn't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer, but it gives you 100% results. On the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 13+, this method works even without root rights.

Steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Redmi Note 9

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm clear-defaults com.android.browser


adb shell pm set-defaults com.android.chrome

Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package:

• Chrome: com.android.chrome
• Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• Opera: com.opera.browser

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB Some system functions (such as opening links from Mi Account) may not work properly. To get it back, follow the command: adb shell pm clear-defaults com.android.chrome

Method 3: Reset application settings (if the browser does not change)

Sometimes the system forgets changes due to cache or conflicts, in which case the application settings can be reset:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots at the top → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action.
4. Repeat the attempt to change the browser through the default Apps.

This method does not delete application data, but resets all default settings, including permissions and file associations.

💡

If after reset, the browser is reset to MIUI Browser again, try to disable automatic update of system applications in Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI → Settings (cogs) → Auto-update system applications.

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (without root rights)

There are applications that allow you to change default settings without ADB. For example, Default App Manager (available on Google Play).

1. Download and install Default App Manager.
2. Open the application and give it permission (if requested).
3. In the list, find the Browser and select the desired application.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

The advantage of this method is that you don't need to connect to a PC, but on some MIUI firmware, the application may not have sufficient permissions to change system settings.

What to do if the browser is reset after the MIUI update?

Many Redmi Note 9 users are faced with a problem: after the MIUI update, the default browser becomes MIUI Browser again, due to the fact that the system restores factory settings for critical applications.

• 🔄 Reverse to the old version MIUI (if the update is uncritical).
• 📵 Turn off automatic update of system applications in settings.
• 🛠️ Use Tasker or MacroDroid to automatically reassign your browser after rebooting.

To disable auto-updates:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.
2. Click on the gear at the top → Update settings.
3. Turn off the auto-update system applications option.

⚠️ Note: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Disabling auto-updates may cause Mi Account and Cloud Services to fail. ADB To block specific packet updates: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution

Alternative approach: the use of "Lightened mode"

The Redmi Note 9 has a hidden feature called Light Mode, which simplifies the interface and allows you to flexibly configure standard applications, to activate it:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Select Light Mode.
3. Activate it and restart the phone.
4. Now in the settings will appear an additional section Smart functions, where you can change the browser by default.

This method doesn't work on all firmware, but it can be useful if other methods don't work. Once you set up your browser, you can turn off Light Mode, and the changes will persist.

💡

On MIUI 14+, the most reliable way is to combine ADB + disable auto-updates of system applications, which prevents automatic resetting of the browser.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing your browser to Redmi Note 9