How to Make Google Chrome the Default Browser on Xiaomi Smartphones: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their functionality, but sometimes users face unexpected limitations, one of which is the inability to easily change the default browser to Google Chrome, especially after system updates. Unlike “pure” Android, where changing a standard application takes a couple of clicks, in MIUI this process may require additional actions.

Complicating the problem, Xiaomi is actively promoting its own Mi Browser browser, which is integrated into the system and often installed as the default application. Even if you delete it (which is not always possible without root rights), the system can automatically return settings to factory values. In this article, we will discuss all working ways to make Chrome the main browser on Xiaomi, including bypassing the restrictions of MIUI 12/13/14 and the new rules of Android 10-14.

It's important to understand that the algorithm of actions depends on the firmware version and the device model. MIUI 13 The path to settings will be different from POCO F5 on MIUI 14.We will look at universal methods, as well as specific solutions for different scenarios - from a standard browser change to use. ADB-Teams for experienced users.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the browser change by default?

The reason lies in the policy of Xiaomi and features MIUI. The company enters into partnerships with search engines (for example, Yandex in Russia) and advertising platforms that are tied to the Mi Browser, MIUI uses a browser for:

• 🔗 Integration with Xiaomi cloud services (bookmark synchronization, history).
• 📊 Collecting anonymous statistics to improve the user experience (according to the company).
• 💰 Display targeted advertising in the address bar and on the start page.
• 🔒 Security through built-in antivirus and malicious site blocker.

Starting with Android 10, Google tightened the rules for manufacturers to block app change by default, but Xiaomi found workarounds:

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) after resetting settings or updates MIUI The default browser automatically resets to Mi Browser, even if you have previously installed Chrome.This is due to the operation of the service com.miui.systemAdSolution, which restores the "recommended" settings.

Another feature — MIUI It can hide the option to change the browser in the settings if Chrome is not installed as a system application, for example, if you downloaded it from the system. APK-file, not from Google Play, also on devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) This function can be completely disabled.

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

This method works on most devices with MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-13. If you don't see the menu items you want, move on to the next one.

1. Open the Settings (⚙️) and go to the Appendix section → Application management.
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select the Applications by default.
3. Tap the Browser line (or Processing web links on new versions).
4. From the list of available browsers, select Google Chrome. If it is not on the list, install the app from the Play Market and repeat the steps.

If the default paragraph of the Annex is not:

• 🔍 Try to find it through a search in the settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).
• 📱 In some models (POCO X3, Redmi Note 8 Pro is a different way: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Default applications.
• 🔄 Restart your device – sometimes it helps to show hidden options.

Install Google Chrome from the Play Market

Update MIUI to the latest version

Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Mi Browser

Reboot your smartphone-->

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 for Android 13, after selecting Chrome, a notification may appear: "This app is not optimized for your version of Android.

Method 2: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If the standard method doesn't work, you'll have to plug your smartphone into your computer and use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is Google's official debugging tool, but it requires you to turn on the developer mode.

Sequence of action:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times in a row).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install ADB drivers (for example, via Mi PC Suite) and open the command line.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
5. Run the command to change the browser: adb shell pm set-default-browser com.android.chrome

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.role.BROWSER com.android.chrome


adb shell cmd role set-default-browser com.android.chrome

After completing the commands, restart the device. On some Xiaomi firmware (e.g. China) ROM) This method may not work due to blocking ADB-Teams to Change System Roles.

Method 3: Bypassing restrictions through application settings

If MIUI doesn't allow you to change your browser through the standard menu, you can go a detour and disable Mi Browser as a system application. It won't work on all models, but it's worth a try.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser on the list and tap it.
3. Select Disable (if the button is active). On some devices, Remove Updates will instead be clicked.
4. Confirm action. After that, the system can automatically prompt you to select another default browser.

If the button is inactive:

• 🔧 Try removing all updates for Mi Browser first (if you have one).
• 📦 Install Chrome as a system application through ADB: adb shell pm install-existing com.android.chrome
• 🔄 Restart the device and try again.

⚠️ Note: Disabling Mi Browser may cause some system functions to malfunction, such as: 🔍 Search in settings (uses web browsing for help). 📄 Preview of references in communications. 🛡️ Built-in phishing lock. If you have problems after you shut down, return the settings back.

Method 4: Using third-party launchers

Some users solve the problem dramatically by installing an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) that allows you to flexibly configure applications by default.

How it works:

1. Install a launcher from the Play Market (like Nova Launcher).
2. In the launcher settings, find the default Application section or Link Processing.
3. Select Google Chrome as the browser for all web links.
4. Install the launcher as the main one (the system will suggest doing this at the first start).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require root rights or ADB.
• ✅ It even works for China. ROM.
• ✅ Further improves interface performance.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Not all system applications will take into account the launcher settings.
• ❌ It may conflict with corporate functions MIUI (For example, Second Space).

💡

If links still open in Mi Browser after installing the launcher, clear the cache and data of the Settings application through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Settings (⚙️).

Compatibility table with MIUI versions

Below is a summary table of the methods described on different versions of the firmware. Data are based on user tests and may vary depending on the regional firmware (Global/China/EU ROM).

If neither method works, there are two options:

1. Install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may take away warranty.
2. Use Chrome as the primary browser manually without changing the system settings: 📌 Put the Chrome label on the home screen. 🔗 Set up link opening through a long press → Open in Chrome. 🛠️ Use applications like Open Link With to force redirect.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you change your default browser, you often have typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.After the MIUI update, the browser is reset to Mi Browser

This is due to the work of the service com.miui.systemAdSolution, which restores the "recommended" settings.

• 🔄 Reverse the Mi Browser update to the factory version (in the app settings).
• 📵 Turn off automatic app updates in the Play Market for Mi Browser.
• 🛠️ Use it. ADB to block the service (requires root): adb shell pm disable-user com.miui.systemAdSolution

2.There is no Google Chrome in the browser list

Causes and solutions:

• 📥 Chrome is not installed in the Play Market, but through the APK → Reinstall it officially.
• 🔧 Application disabled → Check in the settings → Annexes.
• 📦 System cache damaged. → Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.

3. Links open in Mi Browser despite settings

This is because some apps (like Facebook or Twitter) have their own settings for link processing.

• 🔗 In the app itself (like Twitter), find your browser settings and select Chrome.
• 🛠️ Use it. ADB for resetting preferences: adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.settings Attention: this will reset all application default settings!

💡

If you use Xiaomi at work and can’t change your browser because of company policies, try setting up your corporate profile through Android Enterprise, which allows you to set Chrome as a mandatory browser for work tasks.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions