How to make the default application on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: full instruction

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, based on MIUI, offers flexible settings for choosing the default applications from the browser to the caller. However, many users face difficulties: the system automatically returns standard Xiaomi applications, and some options are not available at all. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to assign any application to the main one, including hidden settings and bypassing the restrictions of MIUI 12/13/14.

The Redmi Note 8 features Android 9/10 with MIUI, where some of the default application management features are moved to the depth of settings or require additional manipulations. For example, the default browser selection can be blocked by the system if you do not disable the option “MIUI Recommendations.” We will show you how to get around this without root rights and third-party utilities.

Also, consider common mistakes: why the default settings are reset after the MIUI update, how to return the selection of applications if they are missing from the list, and what to do if the system ignores your preferences. At the end of the article, a table of methods compatibility with different versions of firmware and answers to frequent questions.

1 What apps can be made the main one on the Redmi Note 8

On Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, the default application assignment is available for 6 key categories:

1. Browser – to open web links;
2. Telephone – for outgoing calls;
3. SMS – to send and read messages;
4. Gallery – to view photos/video;
5. Music – for the reproduction of audio files;
6. Navigation – for maps and routes (if third-party applications are installed).

Important: MIUI limits the choice of certain system functions, such as:

• 📱 Launcher (Desktop shell) without root;
• 🔑 File Manager – Only through ADB;
• 📞 Contacts – tied to system application.

The list of available replacement applications depends on the version of MIUI. In firmware older than MIUI 12.5, the option to reset all default settings by one tap appeared, but in Redmi Note 8 (with Android 9/10) it is not. You will have to configure each application separately.

2. Step-by-step instruction: how to assign the application by default

The main way is through the MIUI settings menu. Follow the algorithm:

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 of categories (browser, phone, etc.) click on the desired one.

4. Select an app from the ones you've got. If you don't, install it from the Play Market and go back to that menu.

⚠️

Note: If there is no installed app (e.g. Chrome or VLC) on the list, restart your phone. MIUI sometimes doesn't update the list immediately after you install new software.

For some categories (e.g., a browser), additional action may be required:

• 🔗 Open any web link (for example, in a message or email);
• 📱 In the window that appears, select the desired browser;
• 🔘 Check the “Use by default” box and confirm.

Install an alternative app from Play Market|

Restart the phone after installation |

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone |

Turn off battery optimization for new app (Settings) → Battery)-->

3.Why Redmi Note 8 resets default settings

Redmi Note 8 users often complain that after a MIUI update or reboot, the system returns standard Xiaomi apps.

1. MIUI optimization

The shell aggressively controls the background processes, and if the default application hasn't been used for a long time, the system can reset it to factory.

• 🛠 Open the Settings. → Battery → Optimizing the battery;
• 🔍 Find your app (like Chrome);
• 🔘 Select "No restrictions».

2.Update MIUI

In major updates (e.g., from MIUI 11 to MIUI 12.5), the settings are reset. The only way to save the choice is to back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and restore it after the update.

3. Conflict with "Security"

Xiaomi’s Security app can block changes.

• 🔒 Open Security. → Autostart control;
• 🔄 Allow auto-start for your application;
• 📱 Include it in the list of “Secure Applications».

4. Hidden settings: ADB-Teams for Advanced Users

If standard methods don’t work (for example, to replace the file manager), use ADB. This requires connecting the phone to your PC and enabling USB Debugging.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.example.app/.MainActivity (replace com.example.app with your app package).

⚠️

Attention: Incorrect use of ADB can cause phone malfunctions. Before experimenting, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup.

Popular application packages for ADB:

💡

To find out the name of the package of any application, install App Inspector from the Play Market or use the ADB command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

1.The application is not retained as the main

Problem: Choose Chrome for links, but Mi Browser opens again after the reboot.

Decision:

• 🔧 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Mi Browser;
• 🔘 Click "Disable" (if the button is active);
• 🔄 Reboot your phone and repeat the choice.

2. There is no "Use by default" option

Problem: When you open a link, there is no window with the choice of browser.

Decision:

• 📱 Delete the Mi Browser application data (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Browser → Warehouse → Clear the data);
• 🔗 Open any link again – the selection window should appear.

3.Reset after MIUI update

Problem: After the update, all settings reset.

Decision:

• 📲 Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone;
• 🔄 If the update is major (for example, from 11 to 12), you will have to configure again;
• 💾 In the future, back up your account through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

💡

If the application is not saved as the main application after all manipulations, check if parental control software or corporate policies (for example, through Microsoft Intune) are installed on the phone.

6. Alternative methods: third-party utilities

If standard methods don't work, use specialized applications. They don't require root, but they can ask permissions for special features.

Top.-3 Default application management utilities:

• 🛠 Default App Manager – Shows all categories and allows you to reset your settings;
• 🔧 SetEdit – edits system settings (requires) ADB);
• 📱 App Cloner – creates clones of applications with separate default settings.

⚠️

Note: Apps like SetEdit require USB debugging and can cause your phone to malfunction, only use them if other methods have failed.

How to use Default App Manager:

1. Download the utility from the Play Market;
2. Open and provide access to special features (Settings → Special features → Default App Manager);
3. Select a category (e.g., “Browser”) and assign an application;
4. Confirm the changes and restart the phone.

For App Cloner, the algorithm is different:

1. Cloning the desired application (for example, Chrome);
2. Assign a clone to the main browser;
3. The original app can be removed or disabled.

7. Comparison of methods: what works best

The effectiveness of the methods depends on the version of MIUI and the type of application, and the following table shows the reliability of each method:

For most users of Redmi Note 8, standard settings or utility Default App Manager are enough. ADB and app cloning should be used only in extreme cases.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions