The modern smartphone user inevitably faces the need for fast navigation on the Internet, and for owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem, this process often begins with the system browser Mi Browser. However, many prefer the functionality, synchronization and familiar interface from Google Chrome, which you need to install as the main tool for opening links. The standard replacement procedure may seem simple, but the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS have their own features that can confuse the inexperienced user.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of switching in detail so that you can forget about the constant questions of the system “how to open a link?” We will touch not only on the basic settings, but also on the hidden parameters that ensure that all web pages will be opened in the chosen application. Understanding these mechanisms will avoid confusion and make interaction with the Redmi smartphone more comfortable.
Before we get into the technical steps, it's worth noting that choosing the right browser affects speed and data security.Google Chrome offers advanced phishing protection and convenient synchronization of history between devices, making it the preferred choice for most.Let's take a look at how to activate these benefits on your device.
Preparation of the device and installation of the current version
The first and most important step is to have the app itself on board your smartphone.In some regions or on certain versions of Xiaomi firmware, Google Chrome may already be preinstalled, but often it has to be downloaded yourself.Make sure you use the official Google Play store to avoid installing modified or insecure versions of the software.
After downloading, you need to check for updates. Developers regularly release security patches and performance improvements, so running an older version can lead to some web services malfunctioning. Updating to the latest available version is a key condition for stable operation of all synchronization functions and the correct display of modern web standards.
It’s also worth making sure you have an active Google account, which is the data center of your browser. Without a profile login, you’ll lose access to saved passwords, bookmarks and browsing history that may have been accumulated over the years on other devices, especially for users who switch from iPhones or other Android smartphones.
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It is important to understand that the Android system on Redmi devices can aggressively optimize background processes, so immediately after installation, it is recommended to go to the battery settings and allow the browser to work in the background if you plan to use it to download files or receive notifications.
Basic configuration through the Android system menu
The basic way to change priority applications is standard for most versions of the operating system, but the location of the items may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI. You need to open the main settings of the phone and find the section responsible for managing applications, usually called "Apps" or "Apps and notifications".
Inside this section, you should look for the default app, and this is where the operating system stores information about what software to use for calling, texting, navigation, and, of course, browsing the web, and clicking on this section, you'll see a list of categories that we're interested in, and the "Browser" line.
- 📱 Open the “Settings” of your Xiaomi or Redmi device.
- 📂 Go to the “Applications” section and select “Application Settings».
- ⚙️ Find and click on the "Default Apps" item».
- 🌐 In the list, select “Browser” and select Google Chrome.
Once you select Google Chrome, the system can display a brief warning about changing your settings. Confirm the action, and now all links from messengers, emails and other programs will automatically open in the selected browser. This is the most reliable way that works in 99% of cases without the need for additional manipulation.
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If the "Default Apps" item is not in the main settings menu, use the search by settings (lamp at the top of the screen) and enter the phrase "default", the system will redirect you to the desired section.
Features of the interface MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi’s shells are known for their profound changes to Android’s structure, sometimes making standard menu paths irrelevant. With new versions of HyperOS, the logic of working with apps has become even more stringent, and the system can insist on returning to using the native Mi Browser with each update or reset.
In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, the browser's choice point may be hidden deeper in the menu. You may need to go to "Additional Settings" and then to "Privacy" or "Security," which often hides specific permissions that control the behavior of links in the system.
⚠️ Attention: Recent updates MIUI When you try to open a link from a third-party app, a window pops up saying, "Use Mi Browser by default." Don't click "OK" or "Always" if you want to keep Chrome primary».
Also worth paying attention to is the Security feature that is built into the system. Xiaomi's antivirus module can mark third-party browsers as less secure than system browsers, which is a marketing ploy. Ignore these warnings if you trust Google products as they don't pose a real threat.
If the standard path doesn't work, try searching inside your settings. Type the word "browser" into the settings search bar, and the system will suggest you go to the default app selection menu, a universal method for any firmware version that saves time on finding hidden items.
Managing Opening of Supported File Types
Sometimes even after choosing the default browser, the system keeps asking how to open a particular link, which is due to resetting file associations or specific protocols like http and https. To fix this, you need to manually configure associations for Google Chrome in the deep app settings.
Go to the Apps menu, find the Google Chrome installed in the list, and click on it. Inside the app card, find the option “Open by default” or “Start by default.” Here you will see the “Open supported links” switch that should be activated.
Below is a list of link types or domains. Make sure the main protocols have a status of "Open in this app." If it says "Always ask" or "Do not open," the system will ignore your choice of host browser and display a dialog box every time.
| Setup parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Open by default | Included. | Allows the application to start automatically |
| Supported web addresses | Open in annex | Takes away the question of "What to open?" |
| HTTP/HTTPS protocols | Active. | Processes the usual links from the Internet |
| Resetting settings | If necessary, | Resets all the associations made |
This procedure is especially important for those who actively use specific web services that are trying to open in their own applications, but must be redirected to the browser.
What if the "Open by default" item is gray (inactive)?
Solving the problems with imposing Mi Browser
Users of Xiaomi devices often complain that the system browser returns to its place after a system update or even for no apparent reason.This is due to the fact that the Mi Browser is a system component, and some shell services are trying to return it as a primary for displaying ads or news in the feed.
To minimize the risk of return, you can limit the rights of the system browser. Go to the Mi Browser settings, find the "Default App" option inside its settings and, if possible, uncheck the boxes or forcefully select another option. However, you can not completely delete the system browser without root rights or using ADB commands.
There is a method to disable notifications and background activity for Mi Browser, making it less visible and intrusive.Look for Notifications in the app menu and disable all kinds of alerts.This will prevent pop-ups with suggestions to clear the cache or watch news, which is often a trigger for context switching.
- 🚫 Turn off all notifications for Mi Browser in the app settings.
- 🔒 Prohibit background work and auto-start for the system browser.
- 🗑️ Clean up Mi Browser data to reset its priorities.
- 🔄 Check the default Apps settings regularly after updates MIUI.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to remove the system Mi Browser through third-party utilities without knowing the consequences.This can lead to errors in the operation of system widgets, such as “Wallpaper Carousel” or global search, which are tied to the system browser engine.
Another effective way is to use a command via a computer to freeze the system browser, if you are an advanced user. However, for most users, it is enough just to strictly control the settings described above. Android remembers the user's last choice, if it is not prevented by violent methods from the shell.
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Xiaomi’s system browser is a deeply integrated component, so removing it completely is not recommended, but limiting its activity and rights is a safe and effective way to make the system forget about its existence.
Using ADB for Advanced Users
For those who are not afraid of the command line and want to guarantee a solution to the problem, there is a method to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to send commands directly to the operating system, bypassing the graphical interface settings, which can be limited by the manufacturer.
To start, you'll need to turn on Developer Mode on your phone. To do this, click seven times on the build number in the About Phone section. Then, in the Developer Menu that appears, activate Debugging USB. Connect your phone to your computer and type a command to install Chrome as the default browser.
adb shell pm set-home-activity --user 0 com.android.chromeThis command compels the system to tell it that com.android.chrome is now responsible for handling home screens and web links, a “hard” priority setting that is harder to beat with normal system processes. However, beware: when you update your firmware, these settings may be reset.
You can also use ADB to completely disable your system browser if you are sure you don't need one. But remember the risks described in the previous section. Using ADB gives you complete control, but requires careful input, as an error can lead to unstable device operation.