Users of Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell often face the need to change the standard behavior of the system. Redmi Note 9, with its powerful hardware, offers flexible settings, but sometimes hidden in the depths of the menu. The question of how to make the phone the default app is relevant for those who want to replace the standard set of programs with more functional counterparts from Google Play.
Android allows you to assign specific applications to perform certain actions, whether it is opening links, playing music or making calls. It is important for Xiaomi owners to understand the logic of these settings to avoid confusion. Below we will discuss in detail all the stages of the configuration.
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On the Redmi Note 9, application priority management is entirely in the hands of the user, but requires careful choice of options.
Principle of the MIUI Priority System
The Android operating system that underlies MIUI firmware uses an indent mechanism to run applications. When you click on a link or phone number, the system looks for a program that can handle that request. If there are more than one, Redmi Note 9 will ask you how to open the file, or use a previously selected value.
Securing an app as a primary means that you tell the system to always use that software for a particular type of file or activity, not just for calls, but for gallery, music, navigation. Standard Xiaomi apps often have a hidden priority that needs to be manually reassigned.
It is important to note that some system features, such as Dial or Messages, can be tightly tied to Google or Xiaomi system services, but in most cases, the user can freely change them to third-party solutions, such as Truecaller, Textra or Chrome.
Why does the system sometimes ignore choice?
Set up applications for calls and messages
The most common task is to replace the standard caller or message menu, and on the Redmi Note 9, this is done through a single control center, and you first need to install an alternative application, such as Google Phone or Microsoft Dialer, if they are not already built in.
Once installed, go to the settings. You need to find the partition responsible for managing programs. The path may differ depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14), but the logic remains the same. The system will tell you if a function does not select the default application.
If you want SMS to come to Google Messages instead of the standard Xiaomi client, find the corresponding item in the list. Click on it and select the installed application. Now all incoming and outgoing actions will be processed by the new program.
☑️ Checking the communication settings
Browser management and link opening
The Internet browser is a window into the digital world, and many prefer Chrome, Firefox or Opera over the built-in MIUI Browser. To open links from instant messengers in your favorite browser, you need to reset old preferences and set new ones.
Go to the settings menu and find the application management section, which shows a list of all installed programs, and find the browser that is currently the primary browser (usually marked with an icon or at the top of the file types list) in the list.
In the menu that opens, you'll see the "Clear Default Settings" button. This is a critical step. While the old settings are active, the system will not let you choose a new browser when you click on the link. Once clear, just open any link, the system will ask how to open it. Choose the desired browser and click "Always".
| Type of action | Standard annex | Popular alternative | Where to change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web browser | MIUI Browser | Chrome / Firefox | Default applications |
| gallery | gallery | Google Photo | Default applications |
| Music. | Mi Music. | PowerAmp / Spotify | Default applications |
| File manager | Conductor | Files by Google | Default applications |
Change of music player and gallery
Redmi Note 9’s multimedia capabilities often require more advanced software than standard solutions. If you want PowerAmp or Spotify to run when you connect your headphones and your photos open in Google Photos, you need to do a few things.
The process is similar to setting up your browser. Go to Settings, then select Apps. In the default list, you'll see the Music and Photo/Video categories. Click on the current value to see the list of available alternatives.
If the application you want isn't on the list, make sure it's installed and has the necessary permissions. Some lightweight players may not register as the main media centers immediately after installation, in which case, try opening a music or video file through any file manager - the system will suggest you choose a program to run.
⚠️ Note: When changing the gallery, some photo editing features specific to the MIUI (For example, magic eraser or special filters may become unavailable in third-party applications.
Resetting all default settings
Sometimes you get confused, like links opening in the wrong place, calls not going, or the system is constantly asking how to open the file, ignoring the "Always" option, in this case, a complete reset of preferences.
To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. In the upper right corner, click on the three dots (menu) and select Reset App Settings. This operation will return all priorities to factory values.
After resetting any file type (link, photo, document) for the first time, the Redmi Note 9 will start asking you again about your preferred application, which is the perfect moment to re-distribute roles between programs carefully.
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Before resetting your application settings, make sure you have an internet connection, as some system services may require re-synchronization.
Frequent problems and their solution
Xiaomi users may face aggressive battery optimization that kills the background processes of alternative apps.If you installed a new launcher or phone but it stops working after a while, the problem may be energy saving.
Go to the battery settings and find your app, set the No Limits mode, which will allow the program to run in the background and handle incoming calls or notifications correctly, even if it is selected as the main one.
It's also worth checking permissions. An app that claims to be the primary caller must have access to contacts, a microphone, and a phone, and without those permissions, Android won't let it take control.
⚠️ Note: Do not install multiple applications with the same functionality (e.g. three different launchers) unnecessarily.This can cause conflicts and unstable interface of Redmi Note 9.
In conclusion, managing the default apps on the Redmi Note 9 is a simple process that requires only care.Tune in the right way will personalize your smartphone to your habits, making your device more comfortable and efficient. Remember that you can always go back to factory settings if the new software doesn’t suit you.