Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the need to change standard system behavior after installing new software. For example, you installed a modern browser or a more convenient messenger, but when you click on a link, the phone stubbornly opens the old, pre-installed version, this is because in the Android operating system, a specific application assigned priority is responsible for each action.
With MIUI and the new HyperOS, managing these priorities has different features than pure Android. It seeks to keep the user stable and protects the user from random changes, so sometimes it hides the right switches in the depth of the menu. However, knowing the right path, you can easily set up automatic launch of the right programs for calls, messages, navigation and browsing the web.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to force the default app to be selected, what to do if the system does not allow you to do it immediately, and how to reset the previously made choices. Properly configuring these parameters significantly speeds up the work with the smartphone, eliminating unnecessary clicks every time you open a link or phone number.
Why Change Standard Applications in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi defaults to install its own services for basic tasks: Mi Browser, Mi Video player, gallery, etc. Many users prefer third-party solutions such as VLC for video, Chrome or Yandex for the Internet, and third-party launchers for desktop design. If you do not prioritize them, the phone will ask each time how to open a file, or automatically run heavy system analogs.
In addition, some features, such as a smart assistant or on-screen text recognition, may not work properly if the handler is a limited-optimization or outdated application. Assigning the right software by default allows the system to use more efficiently the resources of the processor and RAM, since optimized third-party applications often work easier than standard ones.
⚠️ Note: When you change your standard browser or launcher, some system widgets may stop showing correctly.This is normal for custom shells, but requires you to install widgets from the new launcher separately.
It’s also worth mentioning that in recent firmware versions, energy saving algorithms can aggressively kill application processes that aren’t system-specific. The correct default designation of an application often automatically adds it to the list of important processes, which improves its stability.
Where is the default application management menu
The settings interface in Xiaomi may vary depending on the Android version and shell. In most cases, the path to the desired menu looks unified, but the names of items can vary slightly. To find the desired section, you need to go to the main settings of the device.
Follow the path: Settings → Applications → Application Management. This is the complete list of all the software installed. However, we need not just a list, but a specific permission management and launch menu. At the top of the screen or in the three-dot menu on the top right, the "Default Apps" item often hides from the top.
In the newer versions of HyperOS, the logic has changed: now these settings are often placed in a separate subsection within the Apps menu or are available through a search by settings. Just type the phrase “default” in the search bar, and the system will redirect you to the desired section.
- 📱 Open the “Settings” of the smartphone.
- 📂 Go to the "Applications" section».
- ⚙️ Find the “Application Management” option or “Default Apps” option immediately».
- 🔍 Use the search by settings if the item is hidden in the submenu.
If you can't find this item visually, use the built-in search, which works faster than manually wandering through the menu, especially after interface updates when developers change the layout of items.
How to Assign an Application for Calls and Messages
Changing the phone and SMS apps is one of the most common tasks, especially for those who like customization. Google or MIUI Dialer standard call may not suit the design or functionality. To replace them, you first need to install an alternative from Google Play, such as Truecaller or Simple Dialer.
Once installed, the new application will ask for permission to become the primary one. If you missed this window or it didn't appear, go to the default application management menu. Find the Phone and SMS sections. Click on the current value (e.g., "MIUI") and select the installed program from the list.
☑️ Checking before changing calls
Importantly, third-party calls require an extended set of permissions to operate. Android strictly controls access to the microphone and contacts. Without all the rights requested, the app may not appear on the default selection list.
⚠️ Note: When changing the application for SMS Use the import/export function of contacts and messages if the substitute program does not offer to do this automatically on the first run.
Once you change your settings, make a test call and send a test message, make sure the number is dialed correctly and incoming notifications are sent to the new application, and sometimes you need to restart the device to fully apply the changes to the system.
Configure browsers, navigation and maps
The web browser is a window to the Internet, and many Xiaomi users prefer to change the standard Mi Browser to lighter or more functional counterparts. The process is similar: install Chrome, Firefox or Edge, then find the browser option in the Default Apps menu.
Navigation is more complicated. Android doesn't have a single default navigator that works everywhere. The mapping service you choose depends on which app you use to open links with coordinates. For example, links from Telegram can open in the default browser or in the map application you choose each time.
Google and Yandex maps often have a smart choice mechanism. When you first open an address from a messenger, the system will ask what to open a link. Choose the right app and click Always. If you accidentally select Only Once, reset your preferences as described below.
| Type of action | System item | Popular alternatives | Nuances of work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web surfing | browser | Chrome, Yandex, Opera | Opens all http/https links |
| Calls. | Phone. | Google Phone, Truecaller | Requires access to contacts |
| Communications | SMS | Google Messages, Textra | It's necessary for the bank codes to work. |
| Maps. | No (depending on the links) | Yandex Maps, 2GIS | Selected when opening geo-links |
Why are links to maps opened in the wrong app?
What to do if the system does not change the choice
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the selection point is gray, or the system automatically returns a standard application. This is a MIUI security mechanism that often blocks changes if the application does not have the necessary permissions or it was removed / disabled earlier.
The first thing you need to do is check permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the program you want to make the primary one, and go to Permissions. Make sure all critical items are enabled, especially storage and phone access.
The second step is to clean up the data of the standard application. If you want to remove the Mi Browser, find it in the application list, click Clear → Clear Everything. This will reset its priority, and the next time the link is launched, the system will again ask you about the choice of program.
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If the default app selection option is not available (gray), try temporarily disabling the standard app from the All Apps menu, selecting a new one, and then turning the standard one back on.
Also worth checking for updates to the system and the app store: bugs in Google Play Services can block the correct assignment of action handlers. Update all Google Play services through the store.
How to Reset Application Settings by Default
If you are confused about settings or some application is not working correctly, assigned by default, the best way out is a complete reset of preferences.This action will return all associations of files and links to factory state, but will not delete your personal data or installed programs.
To reset, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the screen. In the list that drops, select Reset App Settings (or Reset Preferences). Confirm the action.
After this operation, every time you do something like open a photo, launch a link, call, the phone will ask you again which program to use, which is a great way to shake up the system if it starts to glitch or open files in the wrong format.
- 🔄 Reset all file associations (photos, videos, documents).
- 🌐 Reset browser selection for all links.
- 📞 Call applications are dropped and SMS.
- 🔒 Your personal data and passwords remain in place.
⚠️ Warning: Once you reset your application settings, you will have to reconfirm access for each service on your first launch, and be prepared to re-allow access to the camera, microphone, and geolocation for major programs.
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Resetting app preferences is a secure operation that solves 90% of problems with improperly opening files and links on Android.