How to install Google Chrome browser by default on Xiaomi: full instructions with nuances

Why Xiaomi is difficult to change the default browser and what to do about it

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a paradox: despite the Google Chrome installed, all links are still opened in the standard Mi Browser browser. The reason lies in the aggressive policy of MIUI (and now HyperOS), where the manufacturer binds system actions to its own services. Even after manually changing the browser in the Android settings, the system can ignore the user’s choice – especially when opening links from Telegram, WhatsApp or email clients.

Complicating the problem is that Xiaomi not only offers its browser, but also integrates it into the core of the system. For example, when you click on a link in a notification or widget, it automatically redirects to Mi Browser, even if you explicitly specified Chrome as the default browser. This is not a bug, but a feature: this is how the company collects data on user behavior and shows targeted advertising. Fortunately, you can circumvent this restriction - but you will need a combination of changes in Android settings, disabling system services and sometimes even editing configuration files.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you start settings, make sure that the basic conditions are met:

• 📱 Google Chrome installed – download it from Google Play (version at least 120.0 for stable operation).
• 🔄 Updated. MIUI/HyperOS — in older versions (below) MIUI 12.5) Key options may not be available. Check the relevance in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔓 Restrictions on Third-Party Apps Disabled – Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Chrome → Permissions and turn on all switches.
• 🛠️ Backup of data – if you plan to use it ADB (See Section 5, make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Pay special attention to the permissions item. Xiaomi often blocks Chrome background activity, which leads to failures when opening links. For example, if the AutoRun option is disabled in the application settings, the browser may not respond to commands from other programs. Also check if Chrome has been added to the battery optimization list (path: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization) - this interferes with the correct operation.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

Let’s start with the most obvious method, which works 60-70% of the time: Open your Xiaomi Settings and follow these steps:

1. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on the Browser line.
4. In the list of available apps, select Google Chrome.

If you do that, then you still have links in Mi Browser, the problem goes deeper, because Xiaomi shares default settings for different types of content, like Telegram links can be managed separately from email links, to fix this:

Open any link from the message (for example, in Telegram)

When you see the window "Open with..." select Chrome and tick "Always"

Repeat the action for links from email, SMS and notifications

Reboot your phone to apply changes-->

Important! On some firmware (especially HyperOS), the default option of the Application may be hidden, in which case, use a Settings Search (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner) and type in the "default browser" request.

Method 2: Disable Mi Browser through application settings

If the standard method didn't work, the next step is to deactivate the system browser, which will cause Android to automatically redirect all requests to Chrome. But here's the caveat: Mi Browser is a system application, and you can't just delete it.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Browser (may be called simply “Browser”).
3. Slip on it and select Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After disabling the Mi Browser, Android will prompt you to select an alternative browser when you first open the link. Select Chrome and tick the "Use by default" box.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) Disabling Mi Browser can cause weather or news widgets to fail, as they use the browser's built-in engine to display content. In this case, return the settings back and proceed to method 3.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If previous methods fail, you'll have to debug through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), an advanced way that requires connecting your phone to your computer, but it's guaranteed to work even on the most stubborn Xiaomi firmware.

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Next, run commands in the terminal (Windows/macOS/Linux command line):

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser


adb shell pm clear com.android.browser




adb shell am start -a android.settings.SETTINGS

The first command disables Mi Browser for the current user, the second one clears his data, the third one opens the settings where you can assign Chrome to the default browser. If after the reboot the phone still opens links to Mi Browser, follow the additional command:

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not follow commands copied from unreliable sources. If after manipulation the phone starts to slow down or give errors, reset your browser settings via adb shell pm clear com.android.chrome.

Method 4: Using third-party applications to manage silences

If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can use specialized utilities that automate the process of changing your browser.

For example, in Default App Manager, you just open the app, select the browser category, and prioritize Chrome. The utility will clear the Mi Browser cache and apply the changes. The main advantage of this approach is that you do not need to manually type in the tool. ADB-team.

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If after using third-party utilities, the phone started to slow down, clear the system cache through Settings → Memory → Cleanup. This will delete temporary files that may have conflicted with the settings.

Solving typical problems after changing the browser

Even after a successful browser change, Xiaomi users are faced with bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔗 Links from some apps still open in Mi Browser Reason: Apps (like Facebook or Instagram) have their own settings for link processing. Solution: Open the problem app settings and select Chrome under "Open Links.
• 📱 After resetting the settings are reset the reason: MIUI It automatically restores silence. Solution: Use it. ADB-Adb shell settings put global package_verifier_user_consent 1 lock-out.
• ⚡ Chrome has become slow to run Reason: Battery Optimization Conflict Solution: Turn off Chrome restrictions in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

Critical information: On HyperOS firmware (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or POCO F6), standard browser change methods may not work due to the new silence management mechanism, in which case the only reliable way is to use ADB with the adb shell cmd role add-package command com.android.chrome android.app.role.BROWSER.

Alternatives: If nothing helps

If all of the above methods have failed, consider radical measures:

1. Installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will remove the Mi Browser and other system restrictions completely, but will require unlocking the bootloader and losing warranty.
2. Using a browser that supports bubbles (such as Kiwi Browser or Bromite) these browsers can intercept links even when standard methods are blocked.
3. Resetting the phone to factory settings, then assigning Chrome to the default browser before installing other apps, will prevent conflicts with Xiaomi services.

Before installing custom firmware, be sure to check compatibility with your model on the XDA Developers forum. For example, ArrowOS is suitable for the Redmi Note 11, and crdroid is suitable for Xiaomi 13. Remember that informal firmware can contain bugs, especially when working with 5G or NFC.

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If you are not ready for the risks of custom firmware, try first to update MIUI to the latest version - in new builds (starting with MIUI 14.0.5), the default browser problem is partially solved.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi