How to make Yandex Browser the main one on the Xiaomi Redmi phone: the complete guide

Changing the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge many users face after installing alternative apps. Although MIUI offers the built-in Mi Browser, its functionality is often inferior to the capabilities of Yandex Browser — especially when it comes to synchronizing with other devices, turbo mode or integrating with Yandex services. However, the process of assigning a new browser to the main one is not always intuitive: the system can hide settings or offer non-obvious paths.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to make Yandex Browser the main one on Xiaomi Redmi, including nuances for different versions. MIUI (from 12 before 14+), We'll also solve the typical problems that arise when you try to change the default settings. 10/11/12 and flagship models - there the algorithm may differ due to the customized shell.

Why is Yandex Browser better than the standard Mi Browser?

Before we get to the settings, it’s worth understanding why you should change your default browser at all. Xiaomi’s built-in Mi Browser has a number of limitations:

• 🔍 Lack of synchronization with other devices (unlike Yandex Browser, where history and bookmarks are available on PC, tablet and phone).
• 🚀 No turbo mode to save traffic – important for users with limited rates.
• 🛡️ Fewer security tools: Yandex Browser blocks dangerous sites and checks files for viruses through Yandex.Protection.
• 📱 An uncomfortable interface for working with tabs (Yandex Browser has gestures and a sidebar).

In addition, Yandex Browser offers a built-in translator, a dark theme with adaptation under the OLED-Redmi screens, as well as integration with Yandex.Mail, Disk and Maps. For Russian users, this is often a decisive factor.

Preparation: installation and initial configuration of Yandex Browser

Before you make Yandex Browser the main one, you need to install it and configure it correctly. Download the application from the official source:

• 📥 Google Play: Link (for models with Google services).
• 📥 AppGallery or Mi App Store: If you have Redmi for the Chinese market (without the Chinese market) GMS).
• 📥 Yandex official website: browser.yandex.ru (suitable for all regions).

After installation:

1. Open Yandex Browser and log in to Yandex account (if any) to synchronize data.
2. In the browser settings (⋮ → Settings) activate: 🌙 Dark theme (for the AMOLED-redmi screen K50 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+). 🚀 Turbo mode (saves up to 30% of traffic). 🔒 Blocking of advertising (in the section "Confidentiality»).

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If after installing Yandex Browser does not open links from other applications (for example, from Telegram), do not worry - this will correct after the appointment of its default browser.

Method 1: Default browser assignment via MIUI settings

This is the most reliable method and works on all versions of MIUI 12/13/14. Instructions are relevant for Redmi 9/10/11/12, Redmi Note 8/9/10/11/12, as well as the flagship series K40/K50 and POCO.

Steps:

1. Open the phone settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.
4. Slip on the Browser line.
5. In the list, select Yandex Browser (if not, go back to the Preparation section).

Install Yandex Browser from an official source |

Sign in to Yandex account for synchronization |

Activate turbo mode and ad blocking |

Check the presence of Yandex Browser in the list of applications by default-->

Method 2: Change the browser through the settings of Yandex Browser

If the first method didn’t work (for example, because of customized firmware), try an alternative way:

1. Open the Yandex Browser.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the lower right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the System Settings section.
4. Click Make the browser by default.
5. The system will redirect you to MIUI Settings - confirm the choice.

On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi 9A or Redmi 8A), this item may not be available.

⚠️ Note: If the “Make the default browser” button is inactive, it means that Yandex Browser is already the main one OR the system blocks the change of settings.

Method 3: Reset application settings (if the browser does not change)

Sometimes MIUI forgets about the default settings, most often after updating the system or resetting to factory settings, and in such cases, resetting the application settings will help:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) and select Resetting App Settings.
3. Confirm the action (this won’t delete application data, but will reset the default settings).
4. After restarting, repeat Method 1 or Method 2.

This method is also useful if:

• 🔄 Links open in Mi Browser despite changing settings.
• 🚫 Yandex Browser does not appear in the default browser list.
• ⚠️ Error: “Can’t install the browser by default».

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even after a successful browser change, Xiaomi Redmi users may experience problems. Consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, your Redmi model may have firmware features, such as some Chinese versions (Redmi K40 Game Enhanced Edition) where the default browser change is blocked at the system level, in which case only unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) will help.

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On Chinese firmware (without Google services), the default browser change may be limited, in which case installing a global version will help. MIUI use ADB-team.

Advanced methods: ADB and custom firmware

For power users who are willing to go beyond standard settings, there are alternative ways to assign Yandex Browser to the primary. They require an ADB debugging bridge or superuser rights (root).

Method with ADB (without root):

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm set-default-browser com.yandex.browser

Root-right method:

• 📱 Install Magisk and App Systemizer.
• 🔧 Convert Yandex Browser to a system application (this will prevent resetting after updates).
• 🔄 Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB root can lead to loss of warranty or unstable operation of the system, these methods are recommended only to advanced users who understand the risks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Yandex Browser on Xiaomi Redmi