How to Install Google Chrome as Your Main Browser on Xiaomi: A Detailed Guide

Why is Chrome better than Xiaomi’s standard browser?

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones use the Mi Browser browser, an application with integrated services, advertising and limited synchronization settings, by default. Meanwhile, Google Chrome offers more options: cross-platform synchronization of bookmarks, passwords and history, a convenient tab manager, and support for extensions (on some models), but the main advantage is speed and optimization for modern web standards.

The transition to Chrome is especially relevant for users who are actively working with a Google account, using Chromecast or other devices in the Google ecosystem. However, simply installing an application is not enough – you need to configure it correctly as the default browser, otherwise links from messengers and mail will open in Mi Browser. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to change the browser, including solutions for cases when the standard settings do not work.

It is important to consider that some MIUI firmware (especially the Chinese versions) may have limitations. For example, in MIUI 14 for the global version, the browser change algorithm differs from MIUI 13 for the Redmi Note 11. We will look at universal methods, as well as nuances for specific models.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you assign Chrome to the default browser, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid errors and ensure that you work correctly:

• 📱 Update Google Chrome to the latest version via Google Play.Older versions may not support some sync features or handle default settings correctly.
• 🔄 Sync data from Mi Browser if it is important. Export bookmarks via the browser menu (Settings) → Export/Import) or manually save passwords.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache of the standard browser, and this will prevent conflicts when you open links. → Annexes → Mi Browser → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔒 Check permissions for Chrome. make sure the app is allowed to open links and run in the background (Settings) → Annexes → Chrome → Permits).

If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (e.g. Redmi K50 Gaming), note that some system settings may be blocked, in which case additional adjustments will be required via ADB (discussed below). Also check if the device has antivirus or optimizers (e.g. Security or Clean Master) installed – they can reset the default settings.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI version below 12.5 may not have the option to change the browser through the standard menu. ADB Or install Chrome through APK from the official Google website.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

This is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with global firmware (MIUI Global).The instructions are relevant for the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others with MIUI 13/14:

1. Open the phone settings (cog icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list of available apps, select Google Chrome.

If Chrome is not listed, make sure the app is installed and updated, and check if it is hidden in the All Apps menu. On some firmware (MIUI 12 for Redmi 9), the path may be different:

Settings → System → Additional → Default Applications → Browser

After changing your browser, test it: open a link from Telegram, WhatsApp or an email client. If the link still opens in Mi Browser, clear the default settings for both browsers (Settings) → Annexes → Chrome/Mi Browser → Resetting default settings).

Open the link from the messenger | Check sync with Google account | Clear the Mi Browser cache |Reboot the device-->

Method 2: Change your browser through Chrome settings

An alternative method is to assign Chrome as the default browser directly from its settings, which is suitable if the standard MIUI menu does not display the change option:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Default Settings section (or the Default Apps in older versions).
4. Click Open Supported Links and select Open in this app.
5. Go back and tap the default Settings Reset, then confirm the Chrome selection.

On devices with MIUI 14, additional confirmation may be required through the system window. If after these actions links still open in Mi Browser, check if there are any duplicate browsers on the phone (for example, Opera or Firefox), which may conflict with the settings.

For models POCO F4 Xiaomi 12T shelled POCO The Launcher path may be slightly different. If the default Settings section is missing, upgrade Chrome to the latest version or use it. ADB-teams (section below).

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If after changing the browser links from Instagram or VK open in the web browsing of the application, clear the data of these social networks in Settings → Applications.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

On some MIUI firmware (especially Chinese or modified ones), standard browser change methods can be blocked, in which case Android Debug Bridge (ADB) – a debugging tool that allows you to change system settings through the command line – will help.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the assembly number → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging (a request will appear on the smartphone screen).
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and do:

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (should show its serial number) and then type in:

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

The first command clears the settings of the standard browser, the second one assigns Chrome to the primary. If the changes did not apply after the device was restarted, try the alternative command:

adb shell am start -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS

This will open a hidden default settings menu where you can manually select Chrome.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can cause failures if you type in the wrong commands. Don't change other system settings without understanding their purpose. On devices with a locked bootloader, some commands may not work.

The solution to the problems: why Chrome is not the default browser

If after all the manipulations Mi Browser continues to open links, check the following points:

On devices with MIUI for Redmi Note 10 Pro and similar models, resetting application settings can help:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13.0.6 for Xiaomi 11T), a hidden browser selection menu appears after resetting. To call it, type ##4636## in the phone dialer and select "Use of the browser".

Optimizing Chrome on Xiaomi: Tips for Better Work

Once Google Chrome is the default browser, set it up for maximum performance and convenience:

• 🔄 Enable sync with Google account: go to Chrome Settings → Sync and activate the switch, which will save bookmarks, passwords and history on all devices.
• 🚀 Activate Lite mode to save traffic: Settings → Light mode, useful for devices with slow Internet (e.g. Redmi) 9A).
• 🛡️ Set up security: Enable Safe Browsing (Settings) → Privacy and disable password saving if you use third-party managers (e.g. Bitwarden).
• 📱 Optimize gestures: in Settings → Select the location of the panel at the bottom of the screen for easy one-handed control.

For users of POCO X3 Pro or other devices with 120Hz display, it is recommended to enable the option of Smooth Scroll in the experimental settings of Chrome.

1. Enter the Chrome address bar: chrome://flags.
2. Find the #enable-android-web-contents-dark-mode flag and activate it for dark mode.
3. Find #smooth-scrolling and turn it on for smooth scrolling.

If Chrome is slowing down on weak devices (like Redmi 8), clear the cache in Settings → Privacy → Clear data and disable unnecessary extensions. Also check if power saving mode is enabled in the phone settings - it can limit the background operation of the browser.

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On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13, Chrome supports the “Group Tabs” feature, which is a grouping of tabs by topic. Activated in Settings → Tabs → Group tabs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi