The modern user spends a huge amount of time on the mobile Internet, and the choice of the main tool for navigating the network becomes critical. For many owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, the standard web surfing application is the built-in MIUI Browser, which may not suit its functionality or synchronization with a Google account. There is a natural desire to replace it with the familiar and powerful Google Chrome, making it an automatic responder to all links in the system.
The process of installing the default browser in the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS has its own features that differ from pure Android. The security system of the Chinese manufacturer often requires additional actions, such as removing restrictions or forcing the system applications to stop. In this article, we will discuss in detail each step necessary to ensure that all links from messengers and social networks open in Chrome.
It's important to understand that changing system settings requires care, but does not pose a risk to user data if you follow the algorithm. We'll look not only at the standard path through the settings menu, but also at the common problems that the system ignores user choices. This guide is relevant to most of the current models that have been released in recent years.
Preparation for installation and verification of updates
Before making changes to system settings, make sure that the Google Chrome browser itself is installed on the device and updated to the latest version. Often users try to assign the application to default, forgetting that it is either removed or requires an update through the Google Play Store. Open the app store and check for an Update button next to the browser.
It’s also worth making sure that your phone has a Google account active, as it provides synchronization of passwords, history and tabs between devices. Without authorization, Chrome’s functionality is significantly reduced, the sense of using it as the main tool is lost.
Owners of new devices based on HyperOS are advised to familiarize themselves with the changes in the menu interface, since the location of items may differ slightly from the classic MIUI. However, the logic of the Android operating system remains the same, so the basic principles of configuration are preserved.
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If you’ve just reset your phone to factory settings, wait for the system to fully index before changing the default settings – it will take about 10-15 minutes after first turning on.
Standard Method through Application Settings
The main way to change the browser by default is through the application management system menu, which is standard and does not require additional software installation. You need to go to the Settings section, then find the App item and select the All Apps subsection. This is the complete list of installed software.
At the top of the app list screen are often three dots or a special menu button that opens a hidden action list when you click on it, and that's where the default key option of the App is located. In some firmware versions, this item is placed in a separate menu in the general system settings, depending on the regional version of the software.
After entering the Default Apps menu, look for the Browser option. When you click on it, the system will offer a list of available browsers, among which you need to choose Google Chrome. If the list only displays MIUI Browser, you may need to perform an additional procedure for cleaning the settings, which will be discussed below.
☑️ Check before changing the browser
Features of configuration in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi shells are known for their aggressive policy against third-party applications, seeking to keep the user in the manufacturer’s ecosystem. Therefore, even after selecting Chrome as the primary browser, the system may periodically suggest returning to the native browser when certain links are launched. MIUI It is a habit to ignore these pop-ups.
HyperOS has made the permissions algorithm more transparent, but added the "Protection against random changes" feature. If the system blocks a browser change, check if Security mode is on with the maximum level of protection that can limit user actions.
It is worth noting that in some regions (for example, in the global version for Europe), menu items may be called differently, for example, Default apps instead of “Default Apps”.
Forced installation through data cleanup
In situations where the standard choice is not saved or the selection point is inactive, the forced preference reset method is used. To do this, find the MIUI Browser itself in the application list (often hidden in the Tools folder on the desktop, but it is visible in the settings), go to the application information and select Clear Data, and then Clear Everything.
A similar procedure is recommended for Google Chrome itself, if it has been used before and could accumulate configuration errors. Fear not, this will not delete your bookmarks if they are synced with your Google account, but reset the settings of the application itself to the factory.
Immediately after the reboot, try to open any link from the messenger. The system, without finding the saved preference (since we cleared the data), must output the "What to open?" selection box. At this point, select Chrome and click the "Always" or "Default" button. This action fixes priority.
⚠️ Attention: Clearing the system browser data MIUI Browser can delete passwords and history stored in it if they were not synced with your Mi Account. Make sure you don’t need this information before performing a reset.
Configuring permissions and accesses
Chrome needs permissions to function properly as its primary browser. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Chrome → Application permissions. Make sure that storage (for downloading files), location (for maps and sites) and microphone (for browser video calls) are activated.
Special attention should be paid to setting up AutoRun. In Xiaomi shells, applications can be unloaded from memory to save energy, which leads to slow link opening. Find AutoRun in the application settings and turn it on for Chrome. This will allow the browser to respond faster to system requests.
There is also a hidden setting called "Master on top of other apps." While not critical for the browser, it can be useful in some pop-up scenarios. Check this option under Other permissions within the app's settings menu.
Why do you need a self-start?
Browser comparison table on Xiaomi
To make sure you're right, compare the standard solution to Google Chrome, and understand the differences will help you customize your browser after you install it by default.
| Characteristics | MIUI Browser | Google Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| Synchronization | Mi Account | Google account |
| Ad-blocker | Built-in (requires customization) | No (extensions needed) |
| Expansion | Not supported. | Supported (on some devices) |
| Integration with OS | Deep (search in the global line) | Standard Android |
As you can see from the table, Chrome benefits from the Google ecosystem, which is critical for users of Gmail, Docs and Drive. However, the built-in browser can be useful for its easy integration with the search bar on the desktop, if you use it.
Solving and eliminating errors
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where links are opened in a third-party application, such as a social network client or a pocket browser, this is because they have previously been selected for these links, so to fix this, you need to find the application settings that intercepts the links, and clear its default settings.
Another common problem is that Chrome is not on the selection list, which can happen if you use a stripped-down version of firmware (China). ROM) without Google services, in which case you need to install the full package GMS (Google Mobile Services) via the Google Services menu in your phone settings, which automatically tightens the necessary components.
If after all the manipulations, the system continues to persistently offer MIUI Browser, try removing the updates to the factory version of the MIUI Browser itself. To do this, go to the application information, click three dots in the corner and select Remove Updates. After that, repeat the default installation procedure for Chrome.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to remove the system browser MIUI Browser is completely through ADB-teams without deep knowledge, as this can lead to unstable work of search widgets and news feeds on the desktop.
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The main secret of success is the sequence of actions: first clean the data of the old browser, then reboot, and only after that assign a new application by default at the first click on the link.
Additional optimization of Chrome
Once Chrome is the default browser, it is recommended to go to its settings and activate the Traffic Saving or Simplified Mode mode if you use mobile Internet frequently, which will speed up the loading of pages on networks with unstable signal, which is often true for mobile devices.
You should also set up tab sync. If you're working on a computer, turn on the "Other Devices" option in history, which allows you to instantly switch between your Xiaomi phone and your desktop browser, while continuing to read from the same place, which is extremely convenient for productive work.
Remember to clean your browser cache periodically, especially if you’re actively using multiple sites. A crowded cache can slow down your device, either through built-in cleaning in Chrome itself or through the standard Security app on your phone.