How to install the default application on Xiaomi Redmi 8: the complete guide with pictures

Why Redmi 8 can’t change the default app and how to fix it

You downloaded a new browser, messenger or gallery, but Xiaomi Redmi 8 persistently opens old system applications? The problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones with a shell MIUI — the manufacturer often blocks the change of standard programs through normal settings. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to change applications by default, including hidden features MIUI 12/13/14 and bypass restrictions through ADB.

The peculiarity of Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) is that even after resetting some system applications (for example, “Security” or “Theme Store”) return to the status of “default”, we will show how to permanently replace them with Google Chrome, Gallery Go or Messages from Google – without root rights and complex manipulation.

⚠️ If you have upgraded Redmi 8 to MIUI 14 through OTA, Some of the settings may have been reset to factory settings. Before you start, check the firmware version in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Method 1: Standard change through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in Default Apps menu, which works for most categories (browser, SMS, phone), but is not always available for system utilities like Files or Camera.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Default Apps".
3. In the list, find a category (for example, “Browser”) and select the desired application from the proposed ones.

🔹 Limitations of method:

• 🚫 It doesn’t work for the Camera and Gallery» — MIUI block the change to third-party applications.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI This can be a problem (especially if you use Global). ROM).
• ⚙️ Some apps (such as Mi Video) don’t appear in the list, even if installed.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the standard method doesn’t work)

If the desired application does not appear in the list or MIUI ignores your choice, try resetting the settings for all programs.This will remove the cache and the default "link" data.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three points → “Reset application settings”.
3. Confirm the action. After the reboot, try reassigning the default app.

⚠️ Attention: Reset will remove:

• 🔐 All permissions for applications (access to camera, microphone, etc.).
• 📱 Notification settings (you will have to reconfigure).
• 🔄 Default Startup Data (but not the applications themselves!).

Make sure to remember passwords from accounts in apps

Back up important data (e.g., chats in Telegram)

Close all active applications

Connect your phone to charge (the process can take up to 5 minutes)-->

Method 3: Using ADB for forced change (for experienced)

If MIUI is persistent in preventing you from changing the default app, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help. This method requires a computer, but it is guaranteed to work even for system utilities.

📌 What's the matter:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi 8.
• 🛠️ Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification appears.

USB-debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type:

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.providers.settings


adb shell cmd appops set com.miui.securitycenter android:default_sms_handler allow

🔹 Examples of commands for changing applications:

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This could cause a phone malfunction. MIUI 12 and below, gallery and camera commands may fail due to tight attachment to system applications.

Method 4: Installation of alternative firmware (for advanced users)

If you're tired of MIUI restrictions, you can install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which doesn't have a default lock on changing apps, but the process requires unlocking the bootloader and potentially takes away warranty.

🔧 The benefits of custom firmware:

• ✅ Full freedom in choosing the default apps (including camera and gallery).
• ✅ No Advertising and Unnecessary System Applications.
• ✅ More recent versions of Android (for example, Android 13 instead of Android 10 in stock). MIUI for Redmi 8).

⚠️ Cons and risks:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (unless you unlock the bootloader officially via Mi Unlock).
• 🔋 Battery issues are possible (not all firmware is optimized for the Snapdragon 439).
• 📱 Certain functions (e.g, IR-Game Turbo or Blaster may not work.

📌 Recommendations:

• 🔍 Before installing, check firmware compatibility with Redmi 8 (codenamed olive).
• 📥 Download firmware only from verified sources (XDA Developers, official project sites).
• 🔄 Make a backup through TWRP before installation.

💡

If you’re trying custom firmware, start with the Pixel Experience, which is as close to pure Android as possible and is optimized for weak devices like Redmi 8.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the instructions, users often face problems, and we'll look at the most common ones.

🔹 «No App App Apps in the List»

Reason: The application is not declared in AndroidManifest.xml as capable of handling this type of action (e.g. SMS).

• 🔄 Reinstall the app (sometimes helps).
• 📥 Check if it supports the default function (for example, VLC It cannot be the default player for video in MIUI).

🔹 «Settings are reset after rebooting»

Reason: MIUI overwrites settings through Security.

• 🛠️ Turn off the Auto-Security Update in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Security → Auto-update.
• ⚡ Use it. ADB-command to block the reset: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter ⚠️ This will disable some of the security functions!

🔹 «The camera/gallery shift is not working»

The reason: MIUI tightly binds these functions to system applications.

• 📷 For the camera: Use Google Camera (GCam) with modified configs for the Snapdragon 439.
• 🖼️ For Gallery: Install Simple Gallery or Aves and assign them through ADB (see method 3).

💡

If after all the manipulations MIUI still resets the settings, try to roll back to an older version of the firmware (for example, MIUI 12 instead of 14) - they are less limited.

Alternative solutions: run applications through shortcuts and widgets

If you can not change the application by default, you can go a workaround - create shortcuts or widgets for quick launch of the desired programs.

📌 Labeled method:

1. Hold your finger in the free space of the main screen → “Tags”.
2. Select “Apps” and find the right one (like Chrome).
3. Drag the shortcut to the home screen. Now, when you open links, tap it instead of the standard browser.

📌 Method with widget (for gallery/camera):

1. Add the app shortcuts widget (4×1 or 4×2) to the screen.
2. In the widget settings, select Google Photos or GCam.
3. Now, use a widget to open a photo or shoot, not system icons.

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🔄 does not require the rights of a superuser or ADB.
• 📱 It works even on blocked ones. MIUI-firmware.
• 🎨 You can customize the appearance of shortcuts through the launcher (for example, Nova Launcher).

❌ Cons:

• 🔗 Links and files will still be opened in system applications.
• 📸 Fast-start camera through power button will still open the standard app.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing apps to Redmi 8