How to install the default app on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all ways

Why can’t Redmi Note 9 change its default app?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 often face a problem: the system stubbornly returns standard MIUI applications even after they are replaced, the reason for this is the aggressive policy of the manufacturer to promote its own software. Unlike “pure” Android, where it takes 2 clicks to change default applications, on the Redmi Note 9 (especially with MIUI 12-14) this process is complicated by additional restrictions.

The main reasons for the difficulties:

• 🔄 Auto-recovery MIUI — The system automatically resets default settings after rebooting or updating.
• 📱 Duplicate Services – Some features (such as calls) are tied to the com.android.phone system application that cannot be disabled.
• 🔒 The Limitations of Android 10+ — Since this version, Google has tightened rules for default apps, compounded by Xiaomi’s customization.

This article provides current techniques for MIUI 14 (Android 13) and earlier, including workarounds for stubborn system applications. All instructions are tested on the Redmi Note 9 (M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS models) with different firmware versions.

Preparation: What to do before changing default applications

Before you start setting up, follow these steps – they will save you time and nerves:

Install an alternative app from Google Play

Update MIUI to the latest stable version

Create a backup copy of important data

Turn off battery optimization for the target application

Check for Administrator Rights (if required)

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Pay special attention to battery optimization: MIUI aggressively closes the background processes, which may cause alternative applications (like Truecaller for calls) to fail as default applications.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select your target app (like Google Messages).
3. Tap Optimize the Battery → No restrictions.
4. Activate Auto Start and Background Activity.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware Redmi Note 9 after reset to factory settings, default applications return to standard MIUI, It's not a bug, it's a manufacturer's feature.

Method 1: Standard Replacement through Android Settings

This method works for most applications (browser, SMS, gallery), but not always for system services like a phone or calendar.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Applications by default.
2. Select a category (for example, Browser or SMS App).
3. In the list, tap on the desired application (for example, Chrome or Google Messages).
4. Confirm the choice in the dialog box.

If the application is not in the list:

• 📲 Make sure it is installed and supports this function (e.g, VLC It can’t be a default player for system sounds).
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the list is updated after the reboot.
• 🛠️ Check the permissions of the application in Settings → Annexes → [Name of name] → Permits.

💡

If after replacing the browser, links still open in MIUI Browser, clear the cache and data of the Android System WebView application in the application settings.

Method 2: Using ADB to force the change of default applications

For system applications (calls, contacts), the standard way often doesn't work, and here's the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level system management tool.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB Redmi Note 9 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing your phone app (e.g. on Google Phone):

adb shell


pm clear com.android.contacts




pm hide com.android.contacts




pm install-existing com.google.android.dialer




pm grant com.google.android.dialer android.permission.READ_CONTACTS




pm grant com.google.android.dialer android.permission.WRITE_CONTACTS




pm grant com.google.android.dialer android.permission.CALL_PHONE

After the commands are executed:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Open Google Phone and assign it to default manually (see Method 1).
3. If calls are not working, check permissions in Settings → Apps → Google Phone → Permissions.

⚠️ Note: pm hide commands hide the system application, but do not remove it. MIUI The settings may be reset. For a permanent effect, you'll need to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware.

Method 3: Third-party launchers and applications for managing defaults

If ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized utilities.The best options for the Redmi Note 9:

• 📱 Default App Manager (from F-Droid) – allows you to change default applications without root, but requires ADB-permitting.
• 🎨 Nova Launcher – in the launcher settings, you can assign alternative applications for some actions (for example, opening links).
• 🔧 App Cloner – creates a copy of the system application that can be configured as a default (does not work for all types).

Example of settings through Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the empty space on the home screen → Nova Settings.
3. Go to Apps and widgets → Defult applications.
4. Select a category (e.g. Browser) and specify the desired application.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It doesn't work for calls and SMS stock-stock MIUI.
• ❌ Some functions (e.g., tel: link processing) remain with the system application.
• ⚠️ After updating MIUI The launcher settings may be reset.

💡

Third-party launchers are the safest way to replace default applications without the risk of damaging the system, but their options are limited by MIUI system policies.

Method 4: Rooting and custom firmware (for advanced users)

If you need to get rid of Xiaomi system applications completely, the only reliable way is to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which gives you complete control over default applications, but has risks:

• 🔓 Loss of warranty – Xiaomi blocks devices with unlocked bootloader.
• 🛠️ The complexity of the process requires knowledge ADB, Fastboot and the ability to restore the phone when crashing.
• 🔄 Problems with OTA-updates – custom firmware does not receive official updates.

Instructions for Redmi Note 9:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install. TWRP Recovery for your model (for example, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-merlinx For the Redmi Note 9).
3. Sweep through custom firmware (Pixel Experience is recommended for maximum compatibility with Google services).
4. Once installed, assign default apps through standard Android settings.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Full freedom in choosing default applications.
• ✅ No restrictions. MIUI background.
• ✅ Ability to remove system bloatware (unnecessary Xiaomi apps).

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware for Redmi Note 9 may not work: 📸 Wide-angle camera (more patches required). 🔋 Fast charging (on some assemblies limited) 10W). 📡 VoLTE/VoWiFi (It depends on the region and operator. Before you run the firmware, check the reviews about the specific build on the forum. XDA Developers.

Problem Solving: What to do if the settings are not saved

Even after successfully replacing default apps, Redmi Note 9 may "forget" your choices.

If the problem is repeated:

1. Check if your settings are reset after the MIUI update (turn off auto-updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update).
2. Install the SetEdit app (requires root) to edit system settings manually.
3. Create a task in Tasker or MacroDroid that will automatically restore defaulted applications after a reboot.

adb shell dumpsys package | grep "default"

It will show the current default applications and their priorities.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing default apps to Redmi Note 9