How to set up default apps on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide to 2026

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer flexible settings, but changing the default apps often raises questions. Unlike pure Android, where the process is intuitive, MIUI can have different ways of settings depending on the firmware version and device model. Incorrect settings can lead to the system constantly asking which app to use, or ignoring your choices altogether.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios, from the basic browser change or the SMS- client to solving problems when settings are reset after the update. We will focus on the nuances of the MIUI 14 and the new Redmi/POCO models, where the interface has undergone changes. If you encounter that the default application settings are not saved or some options are not available, here you will find solutions.

Before you start setting up, make sure that your device has the latest firmware version installed. In MIUI 14, the path to some menus has changed compared to MIUI 12, and on devices with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the logic may differ even more. Also remember that not all applications support the role of default - some may simply not appear in the list of available options.

If you use POCO Launcher or third-party shells (like Nova Launcher), some of the settings may be duplicated or conflict with the system settings, in which case we recommend checking the launcher’s settings first – often there is a separate section for managing applications by default.

1. Where are the default application settings in MIUI

Depending on the version of MIUI, the path to the menu may differ, but the general logic remains: on most devices (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13, POCO X5, etc.) you need to follow this route:

The main path (for MIUI 12/13/14): Settings → Applications → Application Management → Cog sign (⚙️) → Default Applications

On some models (e.g. Redmi 10C or POCO M5), the menu may be hidden behind an additional submenu. If you don't see the "Default Apps" option, try an alternative path: Settings → System → Additional → Default Apps

In HyperOS (new flagships Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 Pro) the interface is simplified: Settings → Applications → Default applications

• 🔍 Browser: Here you can choose between Google Chrome, Mi Browser or another browser installed.
• 📱 Launcher: The option only appears if a third-party launcher (e.g., Nova or Apex) is installed.
• 💬 SMS: Choosing between Messages (stock) and Google Messages or other clients.
• ☎️ Phone: Usually, it's just a stock app, but on some firmware you can choose Google Phone.
• 🎵 Music: An option to select the default player (e.g. Mi Music vs Spotify).

⚠️ Warning: On devices with MIUI for the global market (e.g., Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G Global), some options may be blocked due to regional restrictions, in which case changing the region in settings or installing EU- firmware will help.

2. How to change the default browser to Xiaomi

Changing the browser is one of the most common tasks, as many users prefer Google Chrome or Firefox over the standard Mi Browser.The process consists of two stages: first install an alternative browser (if it is not already installed), and then assign it to the main one.

If you’re trying to pick Chrome but it doesn’t appear in the list, check out:

1. Is the browser installed (download it from Google Play).

2. whether it is updated to the latest version (sometimes older versions do not support the role of "default").

3. Are there any restrictions from MIUI (on some Chinese firmware, Chrome is blocked as a system application).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Press Browser.
4. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).
5. Confirm the choice by clicking Set by default.

If after these actions the system still opens Mi Browser, try to clear the cache and data for both browsers: Settings → Applications → Select browser → Storage → Clear cache / Clear data

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Update it to the latest version

Check the permissions (Settings → Applications → Browser → Permissions)

Clear the cache for both browsers

Reset the device-->

⚠️ Warning: On some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) after resetting or updating MIUI, browser selection may be reset. To avoid this, after assigning a browser by default, disable battery optimization for it: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Select browser → Without restrictions.

3. Setting up SMS- Client and Phone Application by Default

Changing the SMS- app is relevant for those who use Google Messages with support for RCS- chats or other alternatives like Textra or QKSMS. In MIUI, this process is a little more complicated than in stock Android, due to the integration with Xiaomi services.

If you want to use Google Messages but it doesn’t appear in the list, first:

1. Install it from Google Play.

2. Open the application and go through the initial setup (enable SMS permissions).

3. Set it as the default app through Settings → Apps → Default apps → SMS.

Frequent problems and solutions:

• 📵 App not saved: Check if MIUI is blocking background activity for Google Messages. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization and set it to No Limits mode.
• 🔄 SMS duplicated: Turn off notifications in the stock app "Messages": Settings → Notifications → Messages → Disable.
• 🚫 No choice: On Chinese firmware (China ROM), this feature can be disabled, so the solution is to switch to Global or EU- firmware.

The algorithm is similar to the phone app, but the choice is usually limited. On most devices, you can only choose between a stock app and a Google Phone (if supported by your model). To make Google Phone appear on the list, you must first install it as a system app through ADB (instruction below).

4. Change the default launcher (Nova, POCO Launcher, etc.)

If you have installed a third-party launcher (such as Nova Launcher, Apex or Microsoft Launcher), but the system persistently returns the stock MIUI Launcher, the problem lies in the MIUI settings. Unlike other Android devices, changing the launcher requires additional actions.

Step-by-step algorithm:

1. Install an alternative launcher from Google Play.
2. Open it manually (see the app menu).
3. The system will offer to choose the launcher by default - select the desired one and press Always.
4. If the selection is not saved, go to Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Launcher and assign it manually.

On devices with POCO Launcher (e.g. POCO X3, POCO F4), there may be a conflict between two launchers.

1. disable MIUI Launcher via ADB:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.home

2. or remove updates for POCO Launcher (if it doesn't work correctly):

Settings → Applications → POCO Launcher → Three dots (⋮) → Remove updates

On HyperOS (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70), the default launchers change through the new menu: Settings → Screen → Home Screen → Home Screen Style. Here you can choose between MIUI Home and the installed alternatives.

MIUI Launcher (stock)

Nova Launcher

POCO Launcher

Microsoft Launcher

Other-->

5. Problems and errors when setting up applications by default

Even after setting up correctly, Xiaomi users often find that the selection is reset or the system ignores the settings.

1.Settings are reset after rebooting

This is a common problem on MIUI 12/13, which is battery optimization.

• 🔋 Disable optimization for the application: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Find the application → No restrictions.
• 🔄 Clear the cache for the Settings app: Settings → Apps → Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
• 📱 Reinstall the application that is not saved as the main one.

2.The application does not appear in the list

If you’re trying to choose Google Chrome or Google Messages but they don’t appear in the Default Apps menu, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🌐 You're using Chinese firmware (China ROM), where some Google services are blocked, so the solution is to switch to Global or EU- firmware.
• 🔧 The app is not advertised as supporting the default role in its AndroidManifest.xml. Check this out on other devices.
• 📦 The application is installed as a user-app, not as a system-app. Some functions (e.g. calls) require installation via ADB.

3. The system is constantly asking which application to use

If you open links or files with a choice dialog even though you have already assigned the default app:

1. Check if the settings have reset after the MIUI update.

2. Clear the data for the Settings app: Settings → Apps → Settings → Storage → Clear the data (this will reset all personal settings!).

3. Install the Default App Manager app from Google Play – it will help manually reset the default cache.

⚠️ Warning: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14) some applications may need to be re-activated via Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google → Application Sync. Without this, some features (e.g. Google Messages) will not work properly.

💡

If you frequently change apps by default, create a shortcut for quick access: add the Settings Shortcuts widget to the home screen and select Default Apps. This will save time!

6. Features for HyperOS and new Xiaomi models

With the release of HyperOS on Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 and other 2026 flagships, the default application management logic has changed. Now some of the settings have been moved to the Screen section, and some options have become more intuitive.

The main changes in HyperOS:

• 📱 Launchers: Selection is made through Settings → Screen → Home Screen → Home Screen Style.
• 🔗 Browser and Links: Settings moved to Settings → Applications → Opening Links by Default.
• 🔄 Factory Reset: Now, when reset, some default settings (such as browser) are saved if they have been changed by the user.

The new models also featured the Recommended Apps feature, which can automatically offer alternatives to stock programs.To disable these prompts: Settings → Apps → Recommended Apps → Disable

The Redmi K70 Pro and Xiaomi 14 Ultra have an app cloning option available that can conflict with default settings. If you cloned a browser or messenger, the system may be confused as to which one to use. The solution is to remove the clone or explicitly specify the main app in the cloning settings: Settings → Apps → Cloning Applications → Select the application → Default Settings →

💡

On HyperOS, the default app settings have become more flexible, but some options are now hidden in the Screen and Link Open submenu. Always check these sections if you don't find the right feature in the usual place.

7. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party utilities

If standard methods don’t work (for example, on Chinese firmware or after a failed update), you can use ADB or specialized applications.

Method 1: Use of ADB

To manually assign the default application via ADB:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging.
2. Find out the name of the package of the desired application (can be found in Google Play or through the App Inspector app).
3. Follow the command (example for the browser): adb shell cmd appops set com.android.chrome android:default_browser allow For SMS: adb shell cmd appops set com.google.android.apps.messaging android:default_sms allow

Method 2: Default App Manager

Default App Manager (available on Google Play) allows you to:

• 🔧 Reset all default settings to factory settings.
• 📋 View current default apps for all categories.
• 🔄 Forced to assign an application, even if it does not appear in the system settings.

Method 3: Change through Recovery (for advanced)

On devices with an unlocked bootloader and custom Recovery (such as TWRP), you can edit the default system files, a method that is risky and requires backup, but can help in desperate situations (for example, if the system does not save choice at all).

⚠️ Warning: Using ADB or modifying system files may cause the device to malfunction or reset warranty. On devices with a locked bootloader (Redmi from official stores), these methods may not work without first unlocking.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up apps by default