How to make Google Chrome the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: the full guide

Why Chrome is not the default browser on Redmi Note 8?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 often face a problem: despite the installation of Google Chrome, the smartphone persistently opens links in the standard browser MIUI or Mi Browser. The reason lies in the aggressive policy of the manufacturer: Xiaomi at the firmware level blocks the default browser change for a number of system actions. For example, even after manually configuring Chrome can be ignored when opening links from:

• Messages (SMS, Telegram, WhatsApp)

• Mail (Gmail, Mi Mail)

• Widgets (weather, news)

• System notifications (updates, advertisements)

In this article, we’ll break down 3 working methods that are guaranteed to make Chrome the primary browser on your Redmi Note 8 — including bypassing the limitations of MIUI 12/13/14.

Method 1: Standard browser change by default (official method)

Starting with the basic version, which works 60% of the time, it's important to make sure that Chrome is installed from Google Play before you start, not through Google Play. APK-Otherwise, the system may not recognize it as a trusted application.

Steps:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search bar, type “Browser” and select Mi Browser.
• ⚙️ Tap on "By default» → «Clear the default settings».
• 🌐 Return to the main settings menu and go to Settings → Annexes → By default. → browser.
• 🔄 Select Google Chrome from the list.

If the links still open in Mi Browser after this action, then Xiaomi has blocked the change at the firmware level.

Method 2: Bypassing MIUI restrictions through ADB (for advanced users)

This method requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It works even if the standard settings are blocked. ADB They may disrupt the system!

Instructions:

1. 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
2. 📲 Turn on Redmi Note 8 Developer Mode: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times).
3. 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate the "Debugging by" USB».
4. 🔌 Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:

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


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

Once you've done the commands, restart the device. Chrome should now become the default browser for all activities.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (without root)

If the first two methods didn't work, try specialized utilities that force you to change the default settings.The best options for the Redmi Note 8 are:

For Default App Manager, the algorithm is simple:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Select Google Chrome in the list.
3. Tap "Set as default" for "Browser" and "Links" categories.
4. Reboot the phone.

Why are the settings reset after the MIUI update?

Xiaomi regularly releases updates for the Redmi Note 8, and after installing them, users notice that the browser is reset by default again on the Mi Browser.

• 🔄 Security policy MIUI: The system automatically restores standard applications after major updates.
• 📦 Cache Cleanup: Updates often reset custom settings for stability.
• 🔧 Package Conflicts: If Chrome is not installed via Google Play, MIUI Maybe he can ignore it.

To prevent discharge:

⚠️ Attention: Before the update MIUI Backup your settings through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset. After the update, restore the settings and reassign Chrome to the default browser.

Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If all of the above methods are powerless, consider radical measures:

1. Remove Mi Browser via ADB: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser Careful: This may disrupt some system functions.
2. Installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will remove MIUI restrictions completely, but will require unlocking the bootloader.
3. Use Launchers (like Nova Launcher) that allow you to assign default apps to specific actions.

For most Redmi Note 8 users, the best solution is a combination of Method 1 + Method 3 (standard setting + Default App Manager), which minimizes risks and does not require deep technical knowledge.

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If some links still open in Mi Browser after changing your browser, try clearing the Settings app data (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Storage → Clear Data).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to make Chrome the default browser, Redmi Note 8 users often make typical mistakes:

Another common problem is that Chrome opens links, but doesn't save passwords or history, because MIUI limits the background activity of the app.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
2. Find Chrome and select “No Limits”.
3. Turn on auto-start for the app.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

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Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12+ standard browser change by default is often blocked. For guaranteed results, use the combination of cleaning the Mi Browser settings + ADB-commands or third-party utilities.