How to Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete Guide to Solving Typical Problems

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones running the MIUI branded shell always have Mi Browser, the company’s integrated browser, installed by default. However, many users prefer Google Chrome for its speed, synchronization with a Google account and advanced features. Switching the default browser to Redmi may seem like a trivial task, but in practice users face nuances from hidden MIUI settings to manufacturer restrictions.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to make Chrome the primary browser on your Xiaomi Redmi, from the standard method through settings to workarounds for stubborn versions of MIUI. We’ll focus on common errors (for example, when the “Default” button is inactive) and explain why this happens. If you’ve tried to change your browser but failed, here you’ll find a solution.

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

Xiaomi is actively promoting its own services, and the Mi Browser is no exception. In some versions of MIUI (especially on the budget models of Redmi), the process of changing the browser by default is complicated or hidden.

• 🔒 Limitations MIUI: In firmware for the Chinese market (MIUI China) often does not have the ability to change the default browser without additional manipulation.
• 📦 Pre-installed apps: Mi Browser is embedded as a system application and cannot be removed or completely disabled without root rights.
• 🔄 Automatic Updates: After resetting settings or updating MIUI The default browser can reset again on Mi Browser.
• 🛠️ Regional Features: On Devices for Europe (MIUI Global) process is easier than on Chinese or Indian versions of firmware.

Android 10+ also introduced new default rules for apps, which added to the complexity of the system, which allows it to request confirmation every time you open a link, even if Chrome is already selected by the main browser, which is not a bug, but a security feature, but it can be bypassed.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you start settings, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid the typical mistakes:

1. Install Google Chrome from Google Play. If the app is already installed, upgrade to the latest version.
2. Check the MIUI version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Remember the number (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5).
3. Turn off battery optimization for Chrome: Settings → Apps → App management → Chrome → Battery → No restrictions.
4. Clear the cache for Mi Browser: this will help to avoid conflicts when changing your browser.

Install/update Google Chrome|

Check out the version of MIUI|

Disable battery optimization for Chrome|

Clear the Mi Browser cache-->

If you use Redmi with MIUI China, you will also need to install Google services (if they are not available), without them Chrome will not be able to work as the default browser.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 with a MIUI 13) after the default browser change, there may be delays in opening links from other applications. MIUI. The solution is to add Chrome to the list of “Secure apps” in the battery settings.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

This is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi Redmi devices with MIUI Global or MIUI Europe.

1. Open the phone settings.
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select the Applications by default.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list, select Google Chrome.

If the default App item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

1. Open Settings → System and Device → Additional → Default Applications.
2. Select the browser and specify Chrome.

On some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 12.5 on Redmi 9), the path may be different. If you don't find the right partition, search for settings (the magnifier icon at the top) and type in the "default applications" request.

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If, after selecting Chrome, links still open in Mi Browser, try clearing the default app settings in the Settings menu → Apps → Reset app settings.

Method 2: Change browser by opening a link

If the standard method didn’t work (for example, the browser select button is inactive), try to initiate a change by opening a link. MIUI:

1. Open any app that has clickable links (such as Telegram, WhatsApp or Gmail).
2. Click on any link (e.g. https://google.com).
3. In the window that appears, select Google Chrome.
4. Check the “Always” (or “Use by default”) box and confirm the choice.

If the browser selection window does not appear, then Mi Browser is already fixed in the settings.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser.
2. Click Open by Default → Clear the default settings.
3. Repeat the attempt to open the link.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 14 After cleaning the default settings, it may be necessary to restart the device for the changes to take effect.Without a reboot, the system may ignore the new browser selection.

Method 3: For Chinese firmware (MIUI China) without Google services

If your Xiaomi Redmi is running MIUI China and you don’t have Google Play Services, standard methods won’t work.

1. Install Google services manually. Download the archive from Google Installer (like APKMirror) and install it as a regular APK.
2. After installing Google Play Services, download Google Chrome from the store.
3. Use Method 2 (through link opening), as the path through settings on Chinese firmware is often blocked.

On some models (e.g. Redmi K50 with MIUI China), even after installing Google services, it may not be possible to change the default browser without obtaining root permissions, in which case you only have to use Chrome manually, copying links from other applications.

Solving typical problems when changing browsers

Even after a successful browser change, Xiaomi Redmi users are faced with bugs.

Problem 1: The “Default” button is inactive

Reason: MIUI blocks settings for system applications.

• 🔧 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Mi Browser → Disable (if possible).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📱 If it doesn’t help, use Method 2 (through opening a link).

Problem 2: Links open in Mi Browser despite Chrome choices

Reason: Application cache or MIUI background optimization. Solution:

• 🧹 Clear the cache for Mi Browser and Chrome in the app settings.
• 🔋 Add Chrome to Settings → Battery → Secure applications.
• 🔄 Reset the application settings by default (Settings) → Annexes → Resetting application settings).

Problem 3: After the MIUI update, the browser reset to Mi Browser

Reason: The update reset the default settings. Solution:

• ⚙️ Repeat the browser change via settings or link.
• 📥 Before the next update, back up the settings in Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

Additional settings for comfortable work with Chrome

After a successful browser change by default, we recommend optimizing Chrome for Xiaomi Redmi:

• 🌐 Enable sync with your Google account: Chrome → ⋮ → Settings → Synchronization.
• 🚀 Activate the “Lite” mode to save traffic: Settings → Lightweight mode.
• 🔒 Set up ad blocking through extensions (if supported) or built-in features MIUI.
• 📱 Add Chrome widget to the home screen for quick access.

If you often open links from Telegram or WhatsApp, check the settings of these apps: sometimes they ignore the default system browser and use a built-in viewer.

1. In Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Open links in an external browser.
2. In WhatsApp: long tap on the link → Open in the browser.

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On devices with 6+ GB of RAM (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro), Chrome works smoother if the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → 7 times tap) turn off window animation (Window animation = No animation).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi