How to put Google Chrome browser default on Xiaomi: detailed instructions

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones default on the Mi Browser, which isn’t always a good fit for users. Many prefer Google Chrome for its speed, sync with a Google account and advanced features. However, the process of changing the default browser to Xiaomi has its nuances — especially after MIUI 14/15 updates, where settings can hide in unexpected places.

In this article, you’ll find current ways to make Chrome the primary browser on any Xiaomi device (including Redmi, POCO, and Black Shark), as well as solutions to common problems — when the browser select button is inactive or settings are reset after a reboot. We’ll break down options for different versions of Android (from 10 to 14) and explain why additional adjustments are sometimes required through ADB.

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi?

The MIUI shell is known for aggressively promoting branded services, and the Mi Browser is no exception. Unlike pure Android, where it takes 2 clicks to change the browser, this process can be complicated on Xiaomi:

• 🔄 Automatic reset after system updates (especially in the MIUI 13-15).
• 🚫 Blocking selection in settings for some regions (e.g. firmware for China).
• 📱 Different ways of settings depending on the model (Redmi Note 12 vs Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
• 🔧 Hidden restrictions for apps not installed from the Mi App Store.

In addition, in the latest versions of Android 12+, Google has tightened the default browser rules, which has added another layer of complexity: for example, now the system can request confirmation every time you open a link if you choose a browser other than the standard one.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you change your browser by default, follow these steps to avoid problems:

1. Update Google Chrome to the latest version via Google Play.Outdated versions may not appear in the list of available browsers.
2. Delete the current browser cache: go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. Check the region of the device. On some firmware (for example, Chinese), the option to change the browser may be blocked, the solution is to change the region to Russia or Global in the settings.
4. Turn off battery optimization for Chrome: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Find Chrome → No Limits

If you are using Xiaomi with MIUI 14/15 based on Android 13/14, further check if the option to Allow installation from unknown sources for Google Play is enabled.This may be necessary if Chrome is not displayed in the list of browsers.

Install the latest version of Chrome|

Clear the Mi Browser | cache

Check the region of the device (should be) Global/EU)|

Disable battery optimization for Chrome|

Reboot your smartphone-->

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

This is the easiest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-15.

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 the Browser line.
5. Select Google Chrome from the list, and if it's not available, go back to Preparation.
6. Confirm the choice by clicking Set by default.

On some models (e.g. POCO F5 or Redmi K60) the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Memory → Default Applications → Browser

If after these actions links still open in Mi Browser, try to forcefully stop it through the settings of the application and restart the smartphone.

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If there is no Chrome in the browser list, try opening any link (for example, from Telegram), then select Chrome in the window that appears and tick Always.

Method 2: Change your browser through Android settings (for MIUI 14/15)

In recent versions of MIUI, the default browser settings path may be hidden.

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Find Google Chrome and tap it.
3. Choose Open by default (or Default settings).
4. Click Clear the default settings (if the button is active).
5. Return and select Add to the default settings.
6. In the list of file types, select Links (HTTP/HTTPS) and select Chrome.

This method is especially useful if the standard path from the previous section does not work. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, the basic browser settings can be blocked, but this workaround works 90% of the time.

⚠️ Note: Some Firmware for China (China) ROM) The option to change the browser can be completely removed, in which case only the flashing on Global will help. ROM use ADB (see next section).

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., Xiaomi with Chinese firmware), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔗 Installed Google Chrome with packet ID com.android.chrome.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser


adb shell cmd role remove-role-holder android.app.role.BROWSER




adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.app.role.BROWSER com.android.chrome

After you execute the commands, restart your smartphone. Chrome should become the default browser. If you have a Role not found error, try an alternative command:

adb shell am start -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can cause system failures if you type incorrect commands. We recommend backing up the data before you start (POCO X5 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) after ADB You may need to reset your application settings (Settings) → Annexes → Resetting application settings).

Problem Solving: What to do if Chrome isn’t installed by default

Even after all the instructions are followed, problems can arise.

If none of the methods worked, check if your device has modified firmware (such as from third-party developers).Some custom MIUI builds can block the default browser change.

Additional settings for comfortable work with Chrome

Once Google Chrome is the default browser, we recommend that you make these settings for optimal performance:

• 🔒 Sync with your Google account: Open Chrome → pop on the avatar → Enable sync. This will save bookmarks, history and passwords.
• 🚀 Save traffic: Chrome settings → Lite mode (useful for Redmi with limited tariff).
• 🛡️ Security: Enable Safe Browsing in Chrome Settings to Protect Against Phishing.
• 🌐 Language: If sites open in Chinese, check the language settings in Settings → Additionally. → Language and input.

On devices with MIUI 15 and Android 14, Chrome Sharing Profiles is available, which allows you to create separate work and personal profiles with different settings. To enable it, go to Chrome Settings → Profile Management.

If you use a dark theme often, but Chrome displays sites in light mode, check the system settings: Settings → Screen → Dark Mode → Forced to turn on for all applications.

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On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14+, Chrome can consume more battery than the Mi Browser, due to background synchronization.To optimize consumption, turn off background activity in the app settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi