How to make the application by default on Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones based on the MIUI shell offer flexible settings, but it is not always obvious how to assign the default app. For example, you installed Chrome instead of the standard browser, but the system stubbornly opens links to Mi Browser. Or WhatsApp does not want to automatically process SMS, although you have set it up. The problem is aggravated by the fact that different versions of MIUI (12, 13, 14) and on different models (Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10, POCO X5), the path to settings may differ.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of assigning applications by default - from standard settings. MIUI Up to hidden features for power users, you'll learn how to change browser apps, calls, SMS, Gallery, music and even launcher, and what to do if the desired option is blocked or missing. MIUI 14 that many users don't notice due to illogical posting.

Why Xiaomi Redmi ignores the default apps?

A frequent complaint from Redmi owners is that the system willfully resets its default settings after an update or reboot.

• 🔄 Automatic optimization MIUI: The shell can reset settings “for performance improvement,” especially if the application has not been used for a long time.
• 📦 Duplicate services: Some apps (e.g. Mi Browser and Google Chrome) are in conflict over the right to be the main ones.
• 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: on some models (Redmi for China) it is impossible to change the launcher or SMS-root-out.
• 📲 Cache errors: corrupted application data can block saving settings.

Before changing the settings, check:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Clear the cache of the application you want to prioritize: Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Title] → Clear the cache.
3. Make sure that an alternative application (e.g. Gmail instead of Mi Mail) supports processing of the desired type of data.

Method 1: Standard Applications by Default menu in MIUI

The most obvious way is through the basic system settings, but MIUI 14 has a deeper hidden section than previous versions.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select the Apps.
3. Tap it on Application Management.
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.

In this menu you will see categories:

If the category is not listed, it means that:

• 🚫 The installed application does not support processing of this type of file (for example, VLC It cannot be the default player for music unless configured as a media player).
• 🔐 The system blocks the change (relevant for launchers on some firmware).
• 📱 Your Redmi model doesn’t support this feature (e.g., on Redmi Go with Android Go).

💡

If the category "Default Apps" is not in the menu, try to enter in the search for settings (Settings → Search) the request "silence" - the system will show the hidden section.

Method 2: Assignment via the Open with the Help menu

If the standard method didn’t work, try assigning the default app directly when you open the file.

1. Find the file you want to open (for example, a photo in Files or a link in a message).
2. Slip the file and hold your finger until the context menu appears.
3. Choose Open with Help.
4. In the list of applications, tap on the desired and mark Always (or Use by default).

For web links:

1. Open any link (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp).
2. When the browser selection window appears, tick Memorize my choice and select the desired browser.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A s MIUI 12) the "Always" option may not be available, in which case try opening the file through the target application (e.g., a photo via Google Photos) and then repeating the steps.

Ensure that an alternative application is installed|Check the version. MIUI (relevant MIUI 14+)|Clear the cache of a standard application|Reboot your phone before setting up-->

Method 3: Using ADB for Involuntary Assignment (for experienced)

If the system persists in resetting, you can resort to ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a connection to a PC and enable debugging over USB, but is guaranteed to work even on locked firmware.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Redmi

ADB Tools

adb.exe

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed).

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

(Replace com.android.chrome with the desired application package).

List of popular packages:

• 🌐 Google Chrome: com.android.chrome
• 📷 Google Photo: com.google.android.apps.photos
• 💬 Google Messages: com.google.android.apps.messaging
• 🎵 Spotify: com.spotify.music

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB You can disrupt the system. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 4: Reset application settings (if nothing helps)

If default settings are lost or not saved, resetting all application preferences will help, and it won't delete your data, but it will return the systems to the factory settings of program selection.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Put three points on it (⋮) top-right.
3. Select Reset application settings.
4. Confirm the action.

After discharge:

• 🔄 When you first open a file or link, the system will again ask which application to use.
• 📱 Some settings (for example, camera permissions) will also reset — they will have to be reconfigured.
• 🔒 If the problem was in the application conflict, it should disappear after resetting.

💡

Resetting application settings is the most reliable way to regain control of the default program selection, but only use it if other methods have not worked.

Features for specific Redmi models

Some Xiaomi devices have nuances that are worth knowing:

For models with MIUI for China (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G on Chinese firmware) you may need:

• 🌍 Installation of global firmware through Fastboot.
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (but this will void the warranty!).
• 🛠 Magisk Modules (requires root rights).

What if the application is not listed?

Sometimes, even after you install an alternative application (like VLC or FX File Explorer), it doesn't appear in the default selection menu.

• 📌 Application not declared as handler: Some applications (such as Solid Explorer) are not registered as file handlers. Check the settings of the application itself - there may be an option "Install by default".
• 🔧 Limitations MIUI: On some firmware MIUI Artificially limited the list of available applications. ADB (Method 3) or install Nova Launcher, which allows you to bypass restrictions.
• 📦 Damaged cache: Clear the cache and application data in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Name of name] → Warehouse.

If you’re trying to assign Google Chrome to the default browser, but it doesn’t show up:

1. Remove the updates for Mi Browser in Google Play.
2. Clear the Mi Browser data in the settings.
3. Reboot your phone and try again.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up apps by default