Owning Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones opens up wide possibilities for personalization for users, but the MIUI brand shell, and now HyperOS, has its own features of working with system applications. The standard browser in all devices is Mi Browser, which is integrated into the manufacturer's ecosystem, but not all users are satisfied with its functionality or interface. Many prefer Yandex Browser for its speed, built-in Yandex services and convenient Turbo mode, which saves traffic.
The default browser change process on Xiaomi Android devices has its own nuances that differ from pure Android. MIUI security system can require additional confirmations or switches between tabs, which sometimes confuses inexperienced users. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to forget about the standard browser forever and use Yandex Browser to open all links from messengers and applications.
It’s important to understand that settings may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or new HyperOS) and your smartphone model. However, the basic principle remains the same: you need to redirect the system request to open web content. On Xiaomi smartphones with Chinese firmware (CN) or in some regional builds (Global India), the menu may be called differently, but the logic of searching for the “Default Apps” section is retained.
Preparation of the browser for work in the MIUI system
Before you go to system settings, make sure that the Yandex Browser itself is properly installed and has the necessary permissions. Unlike iOS, where the ecosystem is closed, Android allows deep integration, but for this the application must be trusted. Go to the Settings menu of your smartphone, scroll down to the App item and select All Apps.
In the list that opens, look for Yandex (or Yandex). Click on it to open the app card. Here, it is important to check a few parameters that are often ignored but critical for stable operation. First, make sure that the version of the application is current - old versions may not appear correctly in the list of system browsers.
Second, look at the Permissions section, where, in addition to network access, a browser often needs access to storage (for downloading files) and a camera (for scanning) to function properly. QR-Without these permissions, the system can block it as the main tool.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI When you first start Yandex Browser, the system can issue a warning about a “potentially dangerous application” or require Mi Protect to be enabled. This is standard procedure for all third-party browsers that are not part of the preinstalled Google package. Boldly ignore this warning if you downloaded the app from the official Google Play store or Yandex Store.
Also worth checking is if the app is in "Energy Saving" mode. If the browser is forced to unload from memory, links from Telegram or WhatsApp may open slowly or not at all. In the application settings, find the Battery option and select the "No Limits" option.
Why does the system curse at third-party browsers?
The algorithm of changing the browser by default through settings
The main way to set up is through the system menu. The interface can float a little depending on the version of the shell, but the sequence of actions remains logically uniform, and your task is to find the partition responsible for managing installed programs.
Open your smartphone settings. At the top of the screen, there's often a search bar -- that's the fastest way to find the item you want. Type in the word "default" or "browser." If you prefer manual search, follow the path: Apps → Application Management → Default apps.
In the menu that opens, you'll see a list of categories: Browser, Phone, Messages, and more. We're interested in the Browser item. It'll be "Mi Browser" or "Chrome" by default. Click on this.
☑️ Checklist before changing browser
The system will offer you a list of available browsers. Choose Yandex. After that, all the links you open from other applications will automatically run in the selected browser. This is a global setting that applies to the entire operating system.
Configure via the Default Menu and Alternative Methods
Sometimes the direct path through App Management is hidden or modified by the manufacturer to serve the minimalist interface, and alternative methods that work on 100% of Xiaomi and Redmi devices, including the budget Note series and flagship models, come to the rescue.
The first method is to use the search in the settings. Click on the magnifier icon at the top of the settings menu. Enter the default browser request. The system will suggest you go to the desired section without going through the menu for long periods, which is especially convenient on large screens where it is inconvenient to flip through long lists.
The second method is forced selection. Open any application that has text links (such as notes or messages). Click on any link. If the browser is not selected or downed by default, the system will ask, "What to open?" In the window that appears, select Yandex and be sure to click the "Always" (or "Default") button to remember the choice.
- 📱 Open the settings menu through the gear.
- 🔍 Use the Settings Search for Quick Access.
- 🌐 Click on the link in any app to call the selection.
- ✅ Confirm the action with the button "Always».
The third, more advanced method is for those who like full control. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find Mi Browser (or the browser that is the main one now). Go inside, select Open by default and click Remove Settings. After that, the system will “forget” the old choice and the next time you click on the link will ask you again.
Features of the HyperOS and MIUI 14 interface
With the release of new firmware versions such as MIUI 14 and the latest HyperOS, Xiaomi has begun to implement its services more actively, making them a priority, which can lead to situations when the system is reset and the browser again becomes Mi Browser.
The visuals of the menu have changed in HyperOS, and the default apps item is now often not in the depths of the app menu, but in a separate subsection at the top of the main settings, next to Password and Security, which can be visually indicated by a diamond or gear icon.
Also in new versions of the shell, the feature “Recommendations” has been added. Periodically, the system may ask you to “improve the browsing experience” by showing page previews in Mi Browser. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to turn off the “Accelerated Browsing” or “Card View” function in the settings of the Mi Browser itself, if you do not plan to use it.
A major change has been a more aggressive energy saving policy. In HyperOS, the algorithms for downloading background applications are more rigid. If Yandex Browser stopped opening overclocking links (when the application is folded), check the autorun settings. Allow the browser to autorun so that it is always ready to open the page instantly.
⚠️ Note: After a major firmware update (e.g., with a MIUI 13 by 14) application default settings are often reset to factory settings. This is normal system behavior to prevent conflicts. You will have to re-select Yandex Browser as the primary one, following the instructions above.
Comparison table: Mi Browser vs Yandex Browser
To make sure you are sure of the correctness of your choice, let’s compare the standard solution from Xiaomi and the product from Yandex. Understanding the differences will help you better customize the work to your needs.
| Characteristics | Mi Browser | Yandex Browser |
|---|---|---|
| Integration with OS | Deep, systemic level | Third-party annex |
| Ad-blocker | Basic, often skipping advertising | Built-in Turbo and protection against shock ads |
| Synchronization | Mi Account (limited) | Yandex ID (full synchronization with PC) |
| Saving traffic | Absent or weak | Turbo mode (data compression) |
As you can see from the table, Yandex Browser benefits in functionality for the everyday user, especially in mobile Internet conditions. However, the system integration of the Mi Browser gives it the advantage in cold start speed if you do not perform the right optimization.
To compensate for this disadvantage, it is recommended to use widgets. Add the widget "Search for Yandex" or "Yandex.Zen" on the main screen, which will allow you to launch the browser instantly, in one click, bypassing the search for the icon in the menu.
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Use the voice assistant Alice for a quick search. Set up activation by button or phrase, and you don't even have to manually open your browser to search for information.
Solution: if the settings are not saved
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where seemingly everything is done correctly, but links still open in Mi Browser or Chrome.This can be caused by caching system services or conflicting profiles.
The first thing to do is to clear the Android System WebView cache, which is the component that displays web content within applications. Find it in the application list (you can turn on system processes in the settings), click Clear → Clear the cache. Reboot the device.
The second option is to conflict with Safe Mode or Antivirus, and some third-party antiviruses may block default applications from changing as suspicious activity.
It's also worth checking whether Second Space or Guest mode is enabled. The default browser settings can be customized for each user profile. Make sure you change the settings in the main profile.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone after changing your settings.
- 🧹 Clear the cache of the WebView app».
- 👤 Check the active user profile.
- 🛡️ Check the settings of the third-party antivirus.
If the problem persists, try removing Mi Browser updates (if the firmware version allows) or simply disabling it in the application settings. When the main browser disappears from the system, the choice becomes unambiguous.
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The most common reason for resetting is to update the system or clear the memory with accelerators. Periodically check the settings so that Yandex remains the main browser.