How to install another default browser on Xiaomi: all ways 2026

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their deep customization, but changing the default browser often raises questions among users, as the manufacturer is actively promoting its own Mi Browser integrated into the system at the service level, creating the illusion that alternatives are impossible – especially after the upgrades to MIUI 14/15, where the settings have become even more hidden.

In practice, you can change the browser, but the process depends on the firmware version, the device model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13, etc.) and even regional restrictions. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from official settings to bypassing system locks with ADB and third-party utilities.

Spoiler: Global versions of MIUI are easier to process than China ROM, where restrictions are tougher. If you come across a message saying, "You can't change your default browser because of security policy," don't close the article: there is a solution, and it doesn't require root rights.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the browser change by default?

The manufacturer's motivation for this is "user experience optimization" and "malware application protection."

• 💰 Traffic monetization: Mi Browser uses Bing search (partnership with Microsoft) by default and displays ads in the results.
• 📊 Data Collection: Built-in browser integrated with Xiaomi Cloud and Mi Account services, which simplifies the analysis of user behavior.
• 🔒 Regional restrictions: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Blocking is tougher due to local content control laws.

Interesting fact: in the European Union (version of MIUI EEA) from 2023, Xiaomi is obliged to obligated to provide a browser choice when first switching on a smartphone is a requirement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

But even in China ROM There are loopholes. For example, the system allows you to change the default browser for certain types of links (for example, only for http://, not https://). It's half a measure, but it works.

Official method: through the MIUI settings

Start with the simplest method that works on most MIUI 12-15 devices (global and European versions). Importantly, install an alternative browser (such as Chrome or Firefox) from Google Play before you start.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Scroll to the Browser section and tap it.
4. Select the browser you want in the list (if not, see the next section).

If the Browser item is missing or inactive, your firmware is blocking the change, in which case one of the alternative methods below will help.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)

Turn off Mi Browser from auto updates

Make a backup of the data (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup)-->

Bypassing restrictions through ADB (no root rights)

If the standard method didn’t work, we’ll use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to change system settings without superuser permissions, which runs on MIUI 14/15 and doesn’t require you to unlock the bootloader.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and established ADB.
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap; then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
3. Run the command to reset browser restrictions: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.providers.settings
4. Restart your phone and try to change your browser again through the settings (see the previous section).

Important: After this command, all default settings (including calling apps, SMS, etc.) will be reset!

Hidden MIUI settings: editing configuration files

For advanced users, there is a way to change the default browser through system file editing, which does not require root rights, but involves working with ADB and knowing the basics of the command line.

The essence of the method: MIUI Browser selection by default is regulated by file /data/system/users/0/settings_global.xml. We'll change the parameter in it. default_browser_component.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and start the ADB.
2. Download the current settings file: adb pull /data/system/users/0/settings_global.xml
3. Open the file in any text editor (e.g. Notepad)++) and find a line: <setting id="default_browser_component" value="com.android.browser/.BrowserActivity" /> Replace the value with your browser ID (see table below).
4. Save the file and download it back: adb push settings_global.xml /data/system/users/0/ adb shell chmod 600 /data/system/users/0/settings_global.xml
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing settings_global.xml Before you change, make a backup copy of the file with the command: adb pull /data/system/users/0/settings_global.xml settings_global_backup.xml

Specific problems and solutions

Even after a successful browser change, users face typical problems, including the most common:

• 🔄 Browser resets after update MIUI: This is because of the default reset, and the solution is to repeat the procedure through the ADB Or use Tasker to automatically restore settings.
• 🚫 Some links still open in Mi Browser: Deep links (such as those from Mi Community or Themes) are tightly tied to system components, and the solution is to disable Mi Browser via the Mi Browser app. ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser
• ⚠️ Browser not displayed in the list of available: Frequently encountered with Firefox Focus or Brave. BROWSABLE into AndroidManifest.xml The solution is to install the full version of the browser (not Lite).

For devices running on China ROM (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro for the Chinese market), it may be necessary to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware (such as xiaomi.eu).

💡

If, after changing your browser, links from Telegram or WhatsApp open to Mi Browser, clear the cache of these apps in the settings. Often they cache the old default settings.

Automation: How to save settings after resetting

MIUI has an unpleasant feature: after updating or resetting the settings, the browser can default to Mi Browser. To avoid this, use the Tasker application or its free analogue MacroDroid.

Instructions for MacroDroid:

1. Install MacroDroid from Google Play.
2. Create a new macro command with the trigger Launch of the application → Mi Browser.
3. Add the action Open the application → [your browser].
4. Turn on the option to Run in the background.

For Tasker, the process is more complex but more flexible:

1. Create a profile with the System → Device Boot event.
2. Add the task with the action App → Open App and specify your browser.
3. Add another App → Set Default App action (ADB rights will be required to unlock this option).

⚠️ Warning: Automatic tasks may conflict with energy saving settings MIUI. Add in. Tasker/MacroDroid to the list of exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).

Alternative solutions: Launcher and workarounds

If none of the methods worked, consider workarounds:

• 🌐 Use an alternative launcher: Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair.They allow you to assign default apps to links via context menu (long click on link) → Open with help).
• 🔗 Interceptor Apps: Better Open With or Default App Manager from Google Play can force links to your browser.
• 📱 Work Profile Mode: Create a Work Profile through Settings → Accounts. → Work profile and install the browser inside it. Links will open there by default.

For China ROM devices, the only reliable way is to install custom firmware (e.g., xiaomi.eu or LineageOS), which requires unlocking the bootloader, but gives you full control of the system.

💡

On Chinese firmware (China ROM), the default browser change is often blocked at the kernel level, the only solution being to switch to global or custom firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions