How to install Google Chrome browser by default on Xiaomi: all ways

Changing the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that many users face after buying a new device. Even if you installed Google Chrome from the Play Market, the system can still open links in the standard MIUI or Mi Browser browser. The reason lies in the aggressive policy of the manufacturer, which imposes its own services, as well as in the features of the MIUI shell, where default settings are often hidden or blocked.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to make Chrome the primary browser on Xiaomi, from standard methods through settings to workarounds for limited devices. We’ll focus on common bugs that make changing your browser fail, and we’ll also show you how to check if the system is actually using Chrome to open links. If you’ve tried changing your settings but failed, don’t rush to reset your phone to factory. You’ve probably missed one of the key steps.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the browser change by default?

Xiaomi is actively promoting its own services, including the Mi Browser browser, which is pre-installed on all devices with a MIUI shell.

• 💰 Monetization: Mi Browser displays ads and collects data on user behavior, which brings additional revenue to the company.
• 🔒 Ecosystem Control: Xiaomi aims to keep users in its ecosystem by offering integration with other brand services (e.g. Mi Account or Mi Cloud).
• 🛡️ Security (official version): The company claims that the preinstalled browser is better protected from phishing and malicious sites.
• 📱 Android Restrictions: Starting with Android 10, Google has tightened the rules for changing apps by default, and manufacturers have the right to impose additional restrictions.

In practice, this means that even after installing Google Chrome, the system can ignore your choices and open links to Mi Browser. Especially often the problem occurs after updating MIUI or resetting settings. In some regions (for example, in Europe), Xiaomi makes it easier to change the browser, but in most cases users have to use bypass methods.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global (especially for the Chinese market) may have additional restrictions. If your smartphone is purchased in China, you may need to unlock the bootloader or install custom firmware.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

The most obvious method is to use Android’s built-in settings. It works on most Xiaomi devices, but can crash due to MIUI features. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the settings on your smartphone.
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 Browser.
5. In the list of available browsers, select Google Chrome.

If Chrome is not listed, make sure that:

• 📱 The app is installed (download it from the Play Market if you haven’t already done so).
• 🔄 You have updated Chrome to the latest version.
• 🔧 In the settings MIUI Not activated for children or Guest mode that blocks changes in system settings.

After selecting Chrome, the system must prompt the action to be confirmed.However, even after that, some links (such as from Mi Home or Mi Community) can open in Mi Browser.

Method 2: Reset app settings (if Chrome doesn’t appear in the list)

If Google Chrome does not appear in the default browser selection menu, the problem may lie in the lost Android settings, in which case resetting the settings of all applications will help:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a password or a pattern lock).
4. Reset the device.
5. Repeat the steps from Method 1 to change your browser.

This method resets all default settings (including link opening, app launches, etc.) but does not delete user data. After the reboot, the system will re-detect the available browsers, and Chrome should appear in the list.

⚠️ Note: Resetting the application settings will also reset the permissions for all programs. After the procedure, you will have to reconfirm access to contacts, storage, camera, etc. for each application.

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If Chrome doesn’t show up after reset, try temporarily disabling Mi Browser through Settings → Apps → Mi Browser → Disabling. This will force the system to look for an alternative browser.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If standard methods do not work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a debugging tool that allows you to change system settings to bypass the limitations of MIUI. This method is suitable for advanced users and requires connecting a smartphone to a computer.

Here's what you're gonna need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 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).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and allow debugging (a request will appear on the phone screen).
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further.
4. Follow the command to change the browser by default: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main
5. Reboot your smartphone.

On some MIUI firmware (especially the Chinese versions), this command may not work due to blocking system changes, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader or install a custom recavator.

Method 4: Disable Mi Browser through MIUI settings

If Mi Browser keeps opening links despite changing the default browser, it can be completely disabled, which will force the system to use Chrome for all web links.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser on the list and tap it.
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

Once you disable Mi Browser, all links will be automatically redirected to Google Chrome.

• 🔄 Some system functions (such as checking for updates) may not work properly.
• 📌 The next major update MIUI The browser can be activated again.
• 🚫 Disabling pre-installed applications may violate warranty (in some regions).

Method 5: Using third-party apps to change browsers

If all previous methods failed, you can use third-party utilities that force you to change your default settings. One of the most reliable is Default App Manager (available on the Play Market), which allows you to manually assign Chrome to the default browser even where MIUI blocks standard methods.

Instructions:

1. Install Default App Manager from Play Market.
2. Open the application and give it administrator rights (if necessary).
3. In the category list, select Browser.
4. Slip on Google Chrome and confirm your choice.
5. Reset the device.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔧 It works even on blocked firmware.
• 🔄 Allows you to flexibly manage all default settings.
• 📱 It does not require a connection to a computer.

Disadvantages:

• 🛡️ Requires the granting of extended rights, which may not be secure.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI settings may reset.

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The utility side is the last chance to change the browser if standard methods do not work, but use them with caution: only grant rights to proven applications with high ratings.

Check: How to make sure Chrome is now the default browser

After applying one of the methods, it is important to check whether Google Chrome has become the main browser.

1. Open any application that has web links (such as Telegram, WhatsApp or Gmail).
2. Tap any link (e.g. https://google.com).
3. If Chrome opens, the setup is successful.
4. If a browser selection window appears, check Always and select Chrome.

Additional verification:

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Default applications → Browser and make sure Chrome is selected.
• 📱 Restart the device and repeat the test – sometimes the settings are reset after the reboot.
• 🌐 Check for link opening from different sources: messages, mail, social networks.

If the Mi Browser still opens some links, then individual Xiaomi apps have their own settings, such as Mi Community or Mi Home, which can ignore system settings, in which case you will have to manually change the settings within each such application (usually in the About section → Open links by default).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi