How to change the default browser on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI

Are you tired of the standard Mi Browser browser on your Xiaomi and want to use Chrome, Firefox or another alternative browser as your primary browser? In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the default browser - from the standard settings. MIUI We'll focus on the nuances of different versions of the firmware (MIUI 12, 13, 14) and smartphone models (Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi 12/13/14).

The process of changing the browser to Xiaomi differs from other Android devices due to the features of the MIUI shell. In some cases, the system can automatically reset default settings after rebooting, and in versions for the European and global markets (MIUI EU/Global), the algorithm is different from Chinese firmware. We tested all methods on current models (2023-2026) and collected working solutions.

Why can’t you just change your default browser on Xiaomi?

Unlike pure Android, where changing the browser by default takes 2 clicks, MIUI imposes restrictions:

• 🔒 System applications: Mi Browser is integrated into firmware as system software and cannot be completely removed without root rights.
• 🔄 Settings Reset: After Updating MIUI or reboot the default setting device may be reset.
• 📱 Regional differences: On Chinese firmware (MIUI China’s restrictions are tougher than global ones (MIUI Global/EU).
• 🛠️ Limitations API: MIUI Blocks the change of link handlers for certain types of content (e.g, http:// and https://).

These restrictions are due to Xiaomi’s policy of monopolizing traffic through its own services (such as ad inserts in the Mi Browser), but there are workarounds, from manual settings to the use of third-party utilities.

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

This method works on most devices with MIUI 12-14 (global/European version).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on Browser.
4. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not listed:

• 📥 Make sure it is installed from Google Play (not Google Play). APK).
• 🔄 Restart the browser after installation.
• 📵 Check if it's blocking. MIUI background activity of the application (in battery settings).

Important: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 11) after changing the browser, links can open in Mi Browser when clicked on in other applications (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp), this is because MIUI ignores the default settings for certain types of links.

Method 2: Manual assignment of the link processor

If the standard method didn’t work, try manually specifying the handler for each type of content:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Apps → Open links.
2. Find HTTP and HTTPS in the list.
3. For each type, select the browser you want (e.g. Chrome).
4. Repeat for HTML and VEBSITE (if listed).

On MIUI 14, the path may be different:

Settings → Applications → Permissions → Additional → Opening links by default

After the changes, it is mandatory to:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🧪 Check to open links from different apps (Telegram, Gmail, YouTube).
• ⚡ Turn off battery optimization for your selected browser (in battery settings).

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If the settings are reset after the reboot, try turning off automatic system optimization in Settings → Battery → Performance Mode → Select Balanced instead of Charge Saving.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If MIUI persists in resetting, you can use the ADB command to force a browser to be assigned, a method that requires a computer connection, but works on 90% of Xiaomi devices.

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap on version → Return to Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm set-default-browser com.android.chrome

For other browsers, replace com.android.chrome with:

• 🦊 Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• 🌐 Brave: com.brave.browser
• 🎭 Opera: com.opera.browser

Once you have completed the command, restart the device. If MIUI resets the settings again, repeat the command and do the following:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.browser

This will clear up Mi Browser data, which can help to seal the changes.

💡

ADB-commands are the most reliable way, but they require a connection to a PC. MIUI less frequently resets default settings.

Method 4: Bypassing Restrictions through Developer Mode

On some firmware (MIUI 13 China, POCO F4 GT), the browser change is blocked even through ADB. In this case, activation of hidden functions through the developer mode will help:

1. Activate the developer mode (as in the ADB method).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the option to Disable MIUI Optimization (or Disable MIUI Optimization) and activate it.
4. Restart the device and repeat the browser change through the settings.

This option disables some of the MIUI system limitations, but can result in:

• ⚠️ Increased battery consumption (by 10-15%).
• 🔄 Loss of some proprietary features (Second Space, Game Turbo).
• 📱 Unstable operation of navigation gestures.

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If you have lags after disabling MIUI optimization, return the settings back and use the method with ADB or third-party launchers (described below).

Method 5: Using third-party launchers

Some launchers (e.g. Nova Launcher, Lawnchair) allow you to bypass the limitations of MIUI due to their own link processing mechanisms.

1. Install an alternative launcher from Google Play.
2. Assign it to the default launcher (Settings → Home → Select Launcher).
3. In the launcher settings, look for the Assigned Actions or Default Apps section.
4. Specify the desired browser for link processing.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works without. ADB root.
• ✅ Save settings after rebooting.
• ✅ Improves the system performance.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It requires getting used to the new interface.
• ❌ Certain functions MIUI (For example, the App Vault will be unavailable.

Compatibility table with MIUI versions

If neither method works, there are two options:

1. Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
2. Use a browser with a link interception function (for example, Kiwi Browser or Bromite).

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On Chinese firmware (MIUI China), the default browser change is often blocked at the system level, in which case only the reflashing to the global version or castom will help.

Frequent problems and solutions

Problem 1: After rebooting, the settings are reset.

⚠️ Attention: This is due to background optimization MIUI. Decision:

• Turn off battery optimization for the browser (Settings → Battery → Applications → No restrictions).
• Use it. ADB-Compulsory appointment (method 3).

Problem 2: Links from some apps (Telegram, WhatsApp) open in Mi Browser.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications ignore default system settings.Solution:

• In the app itself (such as Telegram) open the settings and find the section Open links in the app.
• Use a launcher with a link interceptor (method 5).

Problem 3: The default apps list doesn’t have the right browser.

⚠️ Note: This means the browser has not registered itself as a link handler:

• Reinstall the browser from Google Play.
• Open the browser and manually confirm it as the handler when you first open the link.
• For Firefox, enable the Firefox option as the default browser in its settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions