Why Xiaomi users want to change the default browser
Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones come with a pre-installed Mi Browser browser — and that’s logical. However, many users prefer alternative solutions, especially Google Chrome, because of its speed, sync with a Google account and more familiar interface. Moving to Chrome as the main browser avoids ads in Mi Browser, access extensions (via desktop), and improve compatibility with some web services.
But here's the problem: MIUI doesn't always obviously allow you to change the default browser. Depending on the firmware version and smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the process may be different. Moreover, after system updates, settings are sometimes reset and you have to repeat the procedure. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to make Chrome the main browser, from standard settings to workarounds for stubborn versions of MIUI.
It’s important to understand that changing your default browser won’t remove Mi Browser — it will remain in the system as a backup option. However, all links from instant messengers, emails, and other apps will open in Google Chrome if you do the setting correctly.
Preparation: What to do before changing your browser
Before you start settings, make sure that the basic conditions are met:
- 📱 Install Google Chrome from Google Play. If the app already exists, upgrade to the latest version.
- 🔄 Check the version. MIUI: path of adjustment → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Up-to-date versions (14 and later) support the standard browser change mechanism.
- 🔒 Turn off Chrome battery optimization so it doesn’t close in the background: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Chrome → Battery → No restrictions.
- 📶 Connect to a stable Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network) as data synchronization may be required after changing your browser.
Note: on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3 with MIUI 12.5), the standard browser change method may not work due to manufacturer limitations, in which case alternative methods described below will be required.
Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings
This is the easiest and most recommended method for most modern Xiaomi devices, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 13/14 and newer:
- Open your phone settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
- Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
- At the top of the screen, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.
- Scroll the list to the Browser item and tap it.
- In the window that opens, select Google Chrome from the list of available browsers.
- Confirm the choice by pressing OK or Ready.
If there is no Browser in the default App list, it means that your version of MIUI uses an alternative mechanism.
☑️ Preparation for the browser change
Method 2: Change your browser through Chrome settings
On some Xiaomi devices (especially those with MIUI 12.5 and below), the standard way through system settings may not work, in which case try changing the browser directly from Google Chrome:
- Open the Google Chrome app.
- Slip on three points in the upper right corner (⋮) and select Settings.
- Scroll down and find the default browser section (or the default app).
- Click on the Make browser by default (or similar).
- The system will redirect you to the MIUI settings, where you will need to confirm the choice of Chrome.
If the default browser button is inactive or absent, this may mean:
- 🔧 There are restrictions on your device. MIUI (It is often found on budget models such as Redmi. 8A or POCO C31).
- 📦 Chrome is not installed from Google Play, but via Google Play. APK (In this case, it must be re-installed officially).
- 🔄 Requires a phone restart after installing Chrome.
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If the "Make the default browser" button doesn't appear, try opening any link in Chrome first (like Telegram or WhatsApp) and then repeating the steps.
Method 3: A bypass through ADB (for power users)
If none of the above methods worked, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a tool for debugging Android devices, which is suitable for advanced users and requires connecting a smartphone to a computer.
You'll need:
- 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 🔌 USB-cable.
- 🔧 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap the version number → Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devicesMake sure your device is listed.
- Run the command to change the browser by default:
adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.MainIf the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:
adb shell am start -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGSThis will open up the default app menu where you can manually select Chrome.
Warning: using ADB can lead to unstable system operation if you enter the wrong commands.Do not change other settings through ADB without understanding the consequences.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Problems and Solutions: Why Chrome is not the default browser
Even after completing all the steps, Google Chrome may not be the primary browser.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| There's no "Browser" in the settings. | MIUI limitations on budget models | Use ADB or install Chrome as your default browser through the Open with Menu. |
| After resetting, the settings are reset. | Resetting default settings in MIUI | Disable MIUI Optimization: Settings → Special Features → Settings Reset → Disable Reset |
| Chrome opens links, but is not saved as default browser | Conflict with Mi Browser | Disable Mi Browser: Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Disable (do not delete!) |
| The button "Make the browser by default" is inactive | Chrome is installed as a system application or via APK | Reinstall Chrome from Google Play, then reset the settings |
If none of these methods worked, check if your device has regional restrictions, such as some models for the Chinese market. CN-region) the browser change is blocked by default at the firmware level, in which case only flashing to the global version will help. MIUI.
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On devices with MIUI for the Chinese market (CN-ROM), the default browser change is often blocked, the only way out is to flash it to the global or European version.
Additional settings for comfortable work with Chrome on Xiaomi
Once Google Chrome is the default browser, it is recommended to make a few additional adjustments to optimize the work:
- 🔒 Sync with Google account: log in to your profile to save bookmarks, passwords and history on all devices.Road: Chrome → Profile → Come in.
- 📥 Traffic Savings: Enable data compression in Chrome settings (Settings) → Lite mode. This is especially useful when using mobile Internet.
- 🛡️ Security: activate Safe Browsing in your settings to protect against phishing and malicious sites.
- 🌙 Dark subject: if you use dark mode in the MIUI, Turn it on in Chrome: Settings → Theme → Dark.
Also, pay attention to the permissions for Chrome:
- 📍 Geolocation: If you want accurate search results (e.g., “restaurants nearby”), allow access to the location.
- 📷 Camera and microphone: required for video calls in the web versions of Zoom, Google Meet, etc.
- 📁 Storage: necessary for uploading files.
Set up Chrome notifications to receive alerts for important events (such as reminders from Google Calendar or web app updates). To do this, go to Settings → Notifications and enable the desired options.