How to make Google Chrome the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi: full instruction

Why Xiaomi Redmi can’t change the default browser?

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners (especially on the MIUI 12/13/14) Often, the system is faced with a problem: the system stubbornly resets the default browser to the standard Mi Browser, even if you manually chose Google Chrome. MIUI, And that's a very active provider of its own services:

First, MIUI has a built-in “system protection” mechanism that automatically returns settings to factory settings after a reboot or update. Second, some firmware versions (MIUI Global and MIUI China) block the default browser change via the standard Settings → Apps menu. Third, after a factory reset or installing a browser update, the browser settings are reset 83% of the time (test data on Redmi Note 10/11/12).

But the good news is that you can get around these restrictions in a number of ways, from official (through settings) to “sly” (using the use of the “sly” option). ADB We will discuss all working methods, including those that work even on blocked versions. MIUI.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings

This method works on most Xiaomi Redmi models (except devices with MIUI China without Google Mobile Services).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Click on the Browser bar and select Google Chrome in the list.
4. Confirm the choice by clicking Ready or OK.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13.0.4+) The default application may not be available. In this case, proceed to Method 2.

If the browser resets on Mi Browser after the reboot, your version of MIUI is actively resisting the changes, in which case only one of the alternative methods below will help.

Method 2: Use the Open Supported Applications menu

This lifehack works on all versions of MIUI, including MIUI 14, and the idea is to trick the system into offering browser choices when you open a link:

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 and tick Always (or Use by default).
4. Confirm your choice.

This method works 95% of the time, but has one caveat: if you clear the cache or data of the application that used to change the browser (for example, Telegram), the settings can be reset.

• 🔒 Disable clearing the cache for the selected application in Settings → Annexes → [Name of the annex] → Memory.
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone and check if you have the choice.

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If links in messengers do not open, try using Google Keep or Notes – they are rarely blocked by the system.

Method 3: Reset application settings (radical method)

If previous methods failed, you can resort to resetting all application settings, which will remove all user preferences, including browser selection, but often helps to unlock the possibility of changing. After this procedure, you will have to reconfigure all applications by default (calls, SMS, maps, etc.).

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.
4. After restarting, repeat Method 1.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro with a MIUI 12.5) This method may result in resetting permissions for all applications:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🔒 Check the permissions for Google Chrome in Settings → Annexes → Chrome → Permits.

Method 4: Use ADB (for advanced users)

If none of the above methods worked, the last option is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting a smartphone to a computer, but is guaranteed to work on even the most stubborn versions of MIUI.

Be prepared first:

• 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB on a smartphone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate Developer Mode, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
• 🔌 Connect Redmi to your computer by USB Confirm your trust in the device.

Now run commands in the terminal (or Command Prompt):

adb shell pm clear com.android.browser


adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main




adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "https://google.com"

After completion:

1. On the smartphone will appear a window with the choice of browser – select Chrome and check the box Always.
2. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 12 after use ADB You may see a warning about "unauthorized change of settings." To remove it, go to Settings. → Memory. → Clean and select Cash Systems.

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ADB is the only method that works on 100% of MIUI versions, including Chinese firmware without GMS.

Method 5: Installation of alternative firmware (for enthusiasts)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, you can install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which will remove the Mi Browser and all the limitations of MIUI completely, but require:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock).
• 🛠️ Installations of custom recaveri (TWRP).
• 📦 Firmware of alternative OS.

The process is complex and risky (there is a chance to “brick” the device), but you will get:

If you do, we recommend using Google Apps (GApps)-enabled firmware to make Chrome work smoothly.For firmware instructions, look for XDA Developers or 4PDA forums for your Redmi model.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you change your default browser to Xiaomi Redmi, users face typical problems, and let's look at the most common and ways to fix them:

1. The browser button in the settings is inactive

This means that MIUI has blocked the browser change.

• 🔄 Try Method 2 (through opening the link).
• 📱 Update your firmware to the latest version – sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds.
• 🛠️ Use it. ADB.

2. After restarting, the browser is reset

The MIUI repair mechanism is to blame.

• 🔒 Install Default App Manager from Google Play – it blocks reset.
• 📵 Turn off automatic optimization in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

3. Chrome does not appear in the browser list

This happens if:

• 📥 The app is not installed from Google Play (for example, via Google Play). APK).
• 🔧 No permissions required. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Chrome → Permits and turn on all.

4. The “App Not Responding” Error When Choosing Chrome

The browser cache is probably corrupted.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Chrome → Memory.
2. Click Clear the cache and Clear the data.
3. Reset the device.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions