How to make Google the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi phone

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face the intrusiveness of MIUI or the new HyperOS, which seeks to keep the user in the manufacturer’s ecosystem. The standard browser here is Mi Browser, which, despite its functionality, is often criticized for excessive advertising and telemetry collection. Many users prefer to replace it with a cleaner and more familiar Google Chrome or just Google (search app) to open links from messengers and email in them.

The process of changing the main web surfing application on Android is based on system resolutions, but in Xiaomi shells, the path to these settings may not be obvious to the beginner. The system sometimes hides the right items in the depth of the menu or requires additional actions to activate third-party software. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to force Google products to be the main tools for working with the Internet.

It’s important to understand the difference between installing an app and activating it as a default. Even if you have Chrome downloaded, the phone will continue to open links in Mi Browser until you manually reassign priority in system settings. We’ll look at the current action algorithms for the latest versions of Android and MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS interfaces.

Preparation of the system and installation of necessary components

Before you start setting priorities, you need to make sure that your Xiaomi Redmi device has the required applications physically installed. Often on global versions of Google Chrome firmware is already present in the basic configuration, but on the Chinese versions (CN ROM) This may not be possible, but you will need to install it initially through the Google Play Store or download it. APK-file.

After installation, do not immediately change the settings. It is recommended to launch the browser at least once, accept the terms of the license agreement and, if necessary, log in to your account, this will allow the system to correctly register the application as ready to work and display it in the list of available options for opening links.

It's also worth checking for updates for the browser app itself: Older versions may not work properly with new security protocols or not appear in the system selection list.

• 📲 Open the Google Play Store and search for Google Chrome".
• ⬇️ If the button is called “Install” – press it, if “Open” – the application is already there.
• 🔄 Go to the update menu and make sure there are no pending updates for the browser.
• 🚀 Launch the application and perform the initial interface configuration.

Configure via the Default Apps menu in MIUI and HyperOS

The main method of changing the behavior of the system lies through the standard Android settings menu, adapted by Xiaomi engineers. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic remains the same: the system needs to specify which application it should run when processing web links. In new versions of HyperOS, the menu has become more structured, which makes it easier to search.

Go to the main settings of your smartphone. At the top of the screen is usually the search bar — this is the fastest way to find the desired item if you are confused in the menu. Type the word "default" or "default", and the system will suggest the transition to the desired section. If the search does not help, look for the "Applications" section, and inside it is "Application Management" or immediately "Default Apps".

In the list that opens, you'll see "Browser." When you click on it, you'll see the current value (most likely "Mi Browser" or "Browser" is there), and you'll tap on this field, and the system will give you a list of all the browsers installed. Choose Chrome or Google. After that, all the links from WhatsApp, Telegram and other programs will start opening in the selected application.

⚠️ Note: If after selecting Google, the browser does not open and Mi Browser starts again, it is possible that the cache of the previous choice is saved in the system.

Resetting link opening settings for specific applications

Sometimes the global setting is changed, but individual apps like Viber or Instagram continue to persistently open links in the old browser, because they have their own individual permissions that take precedence over the overall system settings, in which case you need to reset preferences for each problem application separately.

To do this, go to Apps -> All Apps. Find a program that is not behaving properly (like a messenger) and go to its properties and find the default or default option, and there will be a button called Delete Default Settings or Reset Preferences.

After resetting the next time you click on a link inside this messenger, the system will ask you again, "What to open?" At this point, it is important not just to click "Once", but to select the "Always" option for your new Google Chrome browser, which will fix the choice and eliminate repeated questions in the future.

• 📂 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find an app that does not open links correctly (e.g., Mail).
• 🗑️ Press "Default" → "Remove default settings".
• 🔗 Click on any link in this app and select Chrome with the Always option".

Removing or disabling Mi Browser

A radical but effective way to get rid of the intrusive behavior of the native browser is to completely remove or disable it. On global versions of the Xiaomi Mi Browser firmware, you can often uninstall as a regular application. On Chinese versions or in some regions, you may need to disable via ADB or hidden menus, but the standard method is usually sufficient.

If the Remove button is not available, try the Disable option, which will hide the app icon and prevent the system from using it to open links, effectively removing it from the active list, and then the question of "which browser to use" will disappear by itself, since there is only one option left - your installed Google Chrome.

It is worth noting that the complete removal of system components can affect the operation of news widgets or voice assistant, if they are tied to the Mi Browser engine. Therefore, the method of disabling is a safer compromise between the purity of the system and the stability of the shell.

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Delete

Comparison of functionality: Mi Browser vs Google Chrome

Understanding the differences between standard and alternative browsers helps you make a conscious choice. Mi Browser is designed for integration with Xiaomi services and has built-in traffic saving features and ad blocker, but often sins overloaded interface. Google Chrome offers PC synchronization, an expanded ecosystem of add-ons and stricter security standards.

The table below compares key characteristics so you can weigh the pros and cons before finalizing your system.

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Choosing a browser is a matter of habit, but Chrome benefits from cross-platform synchronization of passwords and history.

Solving Typical Activation Problems and Errors

Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users of Xiaomi Redmi sometimes encounter bugs when the system ignores the choice or constantly returns to the Mi Browser. One of the common reasons is aggressive battery optimization. The system can "kill" the background processes of the new browser, considering them unnecessary, and therefore can not open a link through it.

To avoid this, add Google Chrome to power saving exceptions. Go to the battery settings, find the list of apps and for Chrome select No Limits mode. This ensures that the browser is always ready to open any link instantly, without requiring time to "unfreeze".

The problem may also be access rights: Make sure the browser is allowed to display on top of other windows and access data. Without these basic permissions, Android will not be able to correctly redirect a request to open a URL from another application.

• 🔋 Settings → Battery and productivity → Choose Chrome. → No restrictions.
• 🛡️ Settings → Protection of confidentiality → Special permits → Over the other windows.
• 🔐 Check that Chrome Access to Data is Wi-Fi and Mobile Network".

⚠️ Warning: Do not use third-party memory cleaners immediately after changing your browser. They can reset the default cache and you will have to repeat the selection procedure again.

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For maximum privacy in Google Chrome on Xiaomi, enable Safe Browsing in the privacy settings and periodically clear third-party cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)