Setup the apps by default on Xiaomi Mi 9: a complete guide with nuances MIUI

Xiaomi Mi 9 owners often face a problem: the system automatically opens calls, SMS or web links in standard applications MIUI, Even if you prefer third-party apps like Chrome over Mi Browser, Google Photos over Gallery, or Truecaller for call identification, the reason is because of Xiaomi's aggressive policies, where many system features are tightly tied to branded services.

Setup applications by default on Mi 9 It is complicated by the fact that MIUI hides some options or blocks them from changing for “systemic” actions (e.g. processing) USSD-In this article, we will discuss all the available methods, from basic Android settings to circumventing restrictions through the use of the Internet. ADB We'll focus on the hidden parameters. MIUI 12/14, which are not documented in the official certificate.

It's important to understand that not all types of actions can be reassigned. USSD-The phone will always open in the standard Phone app, regardless of your settings, the same applies to emergency calls (112, 911) – they can not be redirected to Truecaller or Google Phone for security reasons.

If you're willing to go into detail, let's start with simple methods and get to the advanced ones. ADB-commands and modification of system files (requires an unlocked bootloader).

1. Android Basic Settings: What You Can Change Without Root

Let's start with the obvious, the default Android menu for selecting apps, which works for most "user" activities: linking, viewing photos, playing music.

To get into the settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. In the list you will see categories: Browser, Phone, SMS, Gallery and others. Tap on the right.
4. Select your preferred application from the list of installed.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI Some categories may be missing or blocked, for example, if you don't see Phone, Xiaomi has restricted the change to your firmware version of the call handler. ADB.

What can be changed through this menu:

• 🌐 Browser – Choice between Mi Browser, Chrome, Firefox, etc.
• 📷 Gallery - Replacement of the standard Gallery MIUI Google Photos or Simple Gallery.
• 🎵 Music - Reassignment of the player by default.
• 📄 File Manager – the choice between Mi File Explorer and alternatives like Solid Explorer.

Here’s what you can’t change through the standard menu:

• 📞 Processor USSD-enquiries (codes #).
• 🚨 Emergency calls (112, 911).
• 📱 System notifications (e.g. redirection) SMS Telegram).

2. Reassign call handler: bypassing restrictions MIUI

One of the most painful limitations MIUI — Inability to change the default Phone app to a third-party one (like Google Phone or Truecaller) Even if you installed an alternative, the system will still open outgoing calls in the standard app.

There are two ways around this:

1. Through Truecaller settings (partial solution).
2. Through ADB (Complete solution, but requires a PC).

Method 1: Truecaller as a wrapper

• Install Truecaller from Google Play.
• Open the app and go to Settings → Calls. → Default calls.
• Activate the option to use Truecaller for calls.
• All outgoing calls will now first go through Truecaller (with a number identification) and then be transmitted to the system app.

⚠️ Note: This method does not make Truecaller a full-fledged default handler.System features (such as Bluetooth headset or voice commands) will still use the standard app MIUI.

Method 2: ADB-team-reset

If you need to completely replace the system application Phone, you will need to execute commands through ADB. This method works for MIUI 12–14, but requires an unlocked bootloader (for some commands).

Connect Mi 9 to PC, enable Debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers) and execute in the terminal:

adb shell pm clear com.android.contacts


adb shell pm clear com.miui.contacts

After the reboot, the system will prompt you to select the default call app, which may reset some contacts or cause errors in system services. → Google → Backup.

Enable debugging on USB|Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download ADB Platform Tools|Make a backup of contacts|Connect the phone to USB (file transfer)-->

3. SMS By default: why MIUI Blocking Google Messages

Another sore topic is the inability to assign Google Messages or Textra as a processor. SMS Xiaomi tightly ties this feature to its Message app, even if it’s hidden in the menu.

Here's how you can get around it:

• 📱 Remove updates for the system application Messages: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Slap three points on the message. → Remove updates. Reboot your phone.

The system can then choose an alternative. SMS-client.

Use ADB.

adb shell pm clear com.android.mms.service


adb shell pm clear com.miui.mms

Warning:

Install the modified firmware

xiaomi.eu

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 14 after being dumped through ADB The system application Messages can automatically restore the default status, in which case only disabling the application through the ADB:

adb shell pm disable-user com.miui.mms

This will result in loss of functionality. SMS (You will only need to use an alternative client).

4.Browser default: why links open in Mi Browser

Even if you have assigned Chrome as the default browser, some links (such as from system notifications or Xiaomi apps) may open in Mi Browser. MIUI Uses its own Intent processor for web links.

To fix this:

1. Turn off Mi Browser: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Browser. Press Disable (if the button is active). Confirm action.

Important:

Mi Browser

Reset the application settings by default

adb shell pm clear com.android.browser


adb shell pm clear com.miui.browser

Use Tasker or MacroDroid

Chrome

If links still open in Mi Browser, check the settings of a particular app. For example, Facebook or Twitter may have its own link handler that ignores system settings.

5 Gallery and Media: How to Make Google Photos the Main Viewer

Standard Gallery MIUI not only opens the photo by default, but also blocks access to some system folders (for example, DCIM/.thumbnails) For third-party apps, to assign Google Photos as the primary viewer:

Step 1: Assign the application by default

• Open any image from the file manager.
• In the window that appears, select Google Photos and mark Always.
• Repeat for different formats (.jpg,.png,.gif).

Step 2: Turn off Gallery Optimization MIUI

MIUI aggressively caches thumbnails and blocks access to them, so that Google Photos can see all images:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Gallery.
2. Slip the vault. → Clear the cache.
3. Turn off the option to show hidden files (if it is active).
4. Reboot the phone.

Step 3: Give permissions to access folders

• Open Google Photos.
• Go to Settings → Backup and Synchronization.
• Enable Backup of folders from the device and select all the directories you need.

⚠️ Note: If Google Photos still doesn’t see some of the images after these actions, check for the.nomedia file in the problematic folders. MIUI Sometimes it is automatically created to optimize".

💡

If the default changes do not apply after changing the application, try to clear the cache of the Android System WebView service (Settings) → Annexes → Systemic → Android System WebView → Warehouse → Clear cache.This often solves link redirection problems.

Advanced methods: ADB, Tasker and modified firmware

If the standard methods don't work, we'll have to go for more radical measures: ADB, Tasker and custom firmware.

Method 1: ADB forfeit all preferences

This command will reset all application settings by default, forcing the system to request a choice again:

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

⚠️ Warning: The team will also drop:

• Wi-Fi settings (you will have to enter passwords again).
• Language and region.
• Some permissions for applications.

Use it only if other methods have not worked.

Method 2: Tasker for forced redirection

With Tasker, you can create a rule that will intercept Intent and redirect it to the right app. Example for redirecting links to Chrome:

1. Create a new profile → Event → Intent Received.
2. In the Action field, type android.intent.action.VIEW.
3. In Data, specify http* or https*.
4. Add the task to Open the application → Chrome.

Method 3: Castom firmware (xiaomi.eu, LineageOS)

If you need a complete exemption from restrictions MIUI, Consider installing an alternative firmware:

• xiaomi.eu - modified MIUI without Chinese services and with unlocked settings.
• LineageOS is a pure Android without manufacturer restrictions.

⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware requires:

• Unlocked bootloader (the procedure erases all data!).
• Knowledge of working with Fastboot and TWRP.
• The risk of loss of warranty (in some markets).

💡

ADB-Teams are the most powerful tool to circumvent restrictions MIUI, Always backup your commands before executing them, especially if they affect system applications (com.android., com.miui.).

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you set up your default apps on the Xiaomi Mi 9, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

Problem 1: Settings are reset after rebooting

If you have assigned Chrome as the default browser, but after rebooting, the links reopen in Mi Browser, the com.miui.systemAdSolution system service is to blame.

• Turn off the battery optimization for Chrome:
• Or shut down the service. MIUI Optimization (requires root):

Problem 2: The app doesn't appear in the selection list

If you are trying to assign Google Messages to a processor SMS, But he's not on the list:

• Make sure the app supports SMS (Not all messengers do that).
• Check if permissions for the application are disabled in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
• Reinstall the app.

Problem 3: Calls open in two apps at the same time

If after setting up Truecaller calls are duplicated (open in both Truecaller and the standard application), disable duplication:

1. Open Truecaller.
2. Go to Settings. → Calls. → Additionally.
3. Turn off the option to show the system interface of the call.

Problem 4: Not working. RCS-post-shift chat SMS-client

If you switched from Mi Messages to Google Messages and stopped working RCS (Readable notifications, reactions):

• Make sure Google Messages has enabled Chat features.
• Re-register the room to RCS:
• If it doesn’t work, go back to Mi Messages and wait for the firmware update (in new versions). MIUI 14 support RCS improved).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions