How to make Google Chrome the main browser on Xiaomi: all ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones default on the Mi Browser, which isn’t always a good fit for users. Many prefer Google Chrome for its speed, synchronization with a Google account and advanced features. However, the default browser change process on Xiaomi devices has its nuances — especially after the MIUI 12/13/14 updates, where the manufacturer tightened restrictions on changing system applications.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to make Chrome the primary browser on Xiaomi, including bypassing MIUI restrictions, setting up through menus, and alternative methods for old and new models, and learn why sometimes the “Default” button may be inactive and how to fix it.

If you have a problem that after installing Chrome links still open in Mi Browser, do not rush to reset the settings. 90% of the time, this is solved by standard system tools, without using ADB or root rights, the main thing is to correctly execute the sequence of actions that we described below.

⚠️ Important: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro after updating to MIUI 14 may require additional permissions settings for Chrome.If you're using an Android 13 device+, Pay special attention to the section about Settings → Annexes → Default authorizations.

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi?

MIUI is known for aggressively promoting branded services, and Mi Browser is no exception, and even after installing Google Chrome, the system can automatically redirect links to a standard app, due to several factors:

1. Xiaomi Policy: The company configures MIUI to keep users in the Xiaomi ecosystem as long as possible.So the default browser change is often hidden or blocked at the firmware level.

2. Android Limitations: Starting with Android 10, Google has tightened the rules for default apps, but Xiaomi has gone further - in some versions of MIUI, the browser selection button is simply missing from the menu.

3. Regional settings: On devices for the Chinese market (China ROM), the default browser change can be completely blocked without root rights. Global versions (Global ROM) restrictions are milder, but also present.

• 🔍 Problem 1: The “Default” button in Chrome settings is inactive.
• 🔍 Problem 2: After selecting Chrome, links still open in Mi Browser.
• 🔍 Problem 3: The Default Apps menu does not have a browser section.

Solutions to these problems depend on the MIUI version and smartphone model. For example, on the POCO F3 with MIUI 13, standard actions are sufficient, and on the Xiaomi 12T with MIUI 14, you may need to bypass through the developer settings.

Method 1: Standard browser change through settings

This is the easiest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with Global ROM. If you have China ROM or heavily customized firmware, move on to the next section.

Step 1. Install Google Chrome from Google Play (if not already installed). Link: Google Chrome in the Play Market.

Step 2. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.

Step 3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.

Step 4: Find the Browser section and tap it. In the list, select Google Chrome.

If there is no browser, try an alternative way:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Go to the menu (⋮) → Settings → Application settings.
3. Click Set by default (if the button is active).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A s MIUI 12.5) After selecting Chrome, the system can reset the settings when the next update is made.To avoid this, turn off the automatic Mi Browser update in Settings. → Annexes → Mi Browser → Auto-update.

Method 2: Bypassing restrictions through “Default Permissions”

If the standard method didn’t work, try changing the settings through the default Resolutions menu, which is the right option for MIUI 13/14 based on Android 12/13.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Chrome in the list and tap it.
3. Select Default Permissions (or Open Supported Links).
4. Activate the Open switch in this application.
5. Return to the main settings menu and go to the Applications → Default Apps → Browser.
6. Select Google Chrome.

If there is no default resolution, try another way:

1. Open any app that opens links (such as Telegram or WhatsApp).
2. Click on any link – a window will appear with the choice of browser.
3. Select Google Chrome and check the box Always.

⚠️ Note: On Android 13 devices (such as Xiaomi 13) after changing the browser, you may need to reboot, otherwise some links will open in Mi Browser via WebView. MIUI multitasking.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If previous methods have failed, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but does not require root rights.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Initiated Debugging Mode USB smartphone.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
5. 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
6. Reboot your smartphone.

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

adb shell pm clear com.android.browser


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser

This command disables Mi Browser at the system level, but can cause some Xiaomi services to crash (e.g., push notifications).

Method 4: Remove Mi Browser (routed devices only)

If your smartphone has root rights, you can completely remove the Mi Browser so that Chrome becomes the default browser automatically, but this method is risky - it can disrupt system services.

Instructions for Magisk/Root:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/app/MiBrowser or /system/priv-app/MiBrowser.
3. Delete or rename files: MiBrowser.apk MiBrowser.odex (if any)

Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications may result in:

• 🚨 Mistakes in work MIUI (For example, the weather widget disappears).
• 🚨 Problems with OTA-Updates (the system may require the recovery of deleted files).
• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the device is warranty, it is better to use other methods).

The alternative to removing it is to freeze the Mi Browser via Magisk or App Quarantine, which is safer because it allows you to get it back if you need it.

Method 5: Using third-party launchers

If none of these methods worked, you can bypass the limitations of MIUI with a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) that allows you to assign the browser by default at the interface level.

How it works:

1. Install an alternative launcher from Google Play.
2. Assign it as the default launcher in Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Launcher.
3. In the launcher settings, find the default Application or Default Actions section.
4. Select Google Chrome as your browser to open links.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Does not require rooting or ADB.
• ✅ It even works for China. ROM.
• ✅ Improves the interface further MIUI.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Some system links (such as those from Push notifications) may still open in Mi Browser.
• ❌ The launchers consume additional RAM.

💡

If after changing the launcher links still open in Mi Browser, clear the cache and data of the Settings application in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Storage.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, Xiaomi users face typical problems, including the most common ones and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Links from some apps open in Mi Browser

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

• Open the problem app.
• Find in its settings the Browser section or Open links.
• Choose Google Chrome or Always Ask.

Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the browser reset to Mi Browser

This is standard MIUI behavior, and after major updates, the system resets some of the default settings.

• Repeat the steps from Method 1 or Method 2.
• Turn off the automatic update of Mi Browser in Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Auto Update.

Problem 3: Chrome’s “Default” button is inactive

This means that MIUI blocks the change of settings.

• Try Method 3 (ADB).
• Install the Global ROM instead of the China ROM (if possible for your model).
• Use a third-party launcher (Method 5).

Problem 4: Links are opened in WebView instead of Chrome

This is because of the optimization of MIUI to save resources.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Chrome.
2. Select Open by Default → Open supported links.
3. Activate all available options.

💡

If none of these methods worked, check if your device has custom firmware with a modified MIUI. In this case, you may need to flash it to the official version.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions