Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer flexible settings, but changing apps by default often raises questions. Unlike “pure” Android, where the process is intuitive, MIUI has some options hidden in non-obvious menu sections. This article will help you figure out how to assign a browser, messenger, gallery or any other application to the main one without unnecessary manipulation and the risk of resetting.
MIUI is a feature that promotes Xiaomi branded services (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video), but you don't have to use them! We'll show you legal ways to replace standard applications with alternative ones, from Google Chrome to VLC. And we'll also analyze common errors that cause settings to not be saved, and give you tips on how to optimize the system after changes.
Why Xiaomi can’t change the application by default?
The problem is MIUI architecture. Unlike standard Android, where the default app selection is centralized in one menu, settings are spread across several sections. Here are the main reasons why you may not be able to:
- 🔄 Duplicate settings: The same options may be in Settings → Appendices, and in Settings → System system.
- 📱 Version. MIUI: In the firmware older MIUI 12 the path to settings is different (more details - in the table below).
- 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: Some system applications (e.g. Camera or Phone) cannot be replaced completely, only individual functions.
- 🛠️ Battery Optimization: If the application is added to sleep mode, the system can reset it as the main one.
Another nuance is regional firmware: on devices for the Chinese market (with MIUI China), some settings are blocked. If your smartphone is bought in China, first check the firmware version in Settings → About Phone. There are no restrictions for global versions (MIUI Global).
How to Change the Default Browser to Xiaomi
Replacing the standard Mi Browser with Google Chrome, Firefox or another browser is the most common task. MIUI It's done in two steps:
- Install an alternative browser from Google Play (e.g. Chrome).
- Open any web link (e.g. in a message or on the home screen) and the system will prompt you to select a browser. Always click or Use by default.
If this method doesn’t work (for example, the system doesn’t ask for a choice), use the manual method:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Slip on the browser line and select the desired application from the list.
☑️ Preparation for the browser change
⚠️ Note: If after changing the browser links still open in Mi Browser, check the settings in the application. → Settings → Open default links and disable the option.
Setup of messengers and social networks
With messengers, the situation is more complicated: MIUI does not allow you to assign the application default for SMS (This is a system feature, but you can change the link handler for WhatsApp, Telegram or VK. For example, to refer t.me/... Opened in Telegram, not in the browser:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Apps.
- Choose Link Opening (or Link Support in Older Versions).
- Find Telegram (or another messenger) in the list and include all supported link types (t.me, telegram.me, etc.).
There is no alternative to the standard SMS app, which is a limitation of Android, not Xiaomi. However, you can use third-party messengers (like Google Messages) in parallel, but they will not become the default system.
| Type of content | Can you change it by default? | How to set up |
|---|---|---|
| browser | Yes. | Through Settings → Applications → Applications by default or when opening a link |
| Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) | Partially. | Only link processing in Settings → Applications → Link support |
| SMS | No. | Android Restriction, System App Only |
| Gallery/Photos | Yes. | Through Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Gallery |
| Music/Video | Yes. | When you open a file or in Settings → Applications → Default Applications |
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If after changing the messenger links still open in the browser, clear the cache of the standard browser application in the application settings.
Replacement of gallery, music and video player
The standard Xiaomi Gallery and Mi Video are often criticized for intrusive advertising and limited functionality, to assign Google Photos, VLC or other player to the main:
- Install an alternative app (e.g. Google Photos).
- Open any media file (photo or video) through Explorer.
- In the window that appears, select the desired application and mark Always.
The algorithm is similar for music, but there's a caveat: if you're using MIUI 14+, the system can reset after the updates.
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 📵 Find the standard Music app and click Disable (do not delete!).
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Note: Disabling system applications may cause some functions (such as calls or alarms) to function unstable. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
Features for different versions of MIUI
The path to default application settings has changed depending on the firmware version, and the following are the current data for popular versions:
| MIUI version | The path to settings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 11 and older | Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Applications | The menu is hidden behind the button "⋮" (three-point) |
| MIUI 12/13 | Settings → Applications → Applications by default | Item is submitted to the main menu of the annexes |
| HyperOS (MIUI 14+) | Settings → Applications → Application settings → Applications by default | Added check for battery optimization |
In HyperOS (MIUI 14 and later), the system automatically resets some default settings after major updates. To avoid this, prior to updating, record the current settings using the ADB command:
adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.app.role.SMS com.google.android.apps.messagingThis team is tying the role SMS-Replace com.google.android.apps.messaging with your app package (you can find it through Settings). → Annexes → Information on the annex).
How to find out the application name package?
What to do if the settings are not saved?
If applications default to reset after restarting or updating the system, try these methods:
- 🔄 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Apps, select the problem app and click Clear cache.
- 📵 Disabling Battery Optimization: In Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization Find Your App and Choose Without Limits.
- 🔧 Resetting application settings: In Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset application settings (does not delete data!).
- 📲 hand-holding ADB: Use the command from the previous section.
If the problem persists, check to see if the phone has cleaners like Security or Clean Master installed. These apps often reset default settings in an attempt to "optimize" the system. Disable them in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Autorun.
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The most reliable way to fix the settings is to use ADB-This requires a PC connection, but ensures that changes are saved even after updates.
Additional Optimization Tips
After changing applications by default, it is recommended:
- 🔋 Check Autostart: In Settings → Annexes → Application management → Autorun enable autorun for a new app (e.g. Chrome or VLC).
- 📶 Set up mobile data: Some apps (like Telegram) can block background activity. Allow them to access data in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Use of data.
- 🔔 Turn off notifications from old apps: Go to the notification settings for Mi Browser or Mi Video and turn off all alerts to avoid duplicates.
If you use Xiaomi with dual apps (Dual Apps feature), note that the default settings apply to all clones. To assign different apps to the main and cloned profile, you will have to use Island (sandbox) or create a separate user in Settings → System → Multiplayer mode.