Changing the primary surfing tool is the first thing an experienced user does after buying a new smartphone. Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 model often face the intrusiveness of the system browser MIUI, which opens all links by default. However, the Android ecosystem makes it easy to reset priorities, making Yandex Browser the main application for web navigation.
The installation process does not require root rights or complex code manipulations, but it is enough to change the settings in the appropriate part of the operating system. It is important to understand that MIUI algorithms can periodically return old settings, so sometimes you need to perform a procedure to reset application preferences.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at each step needed to make your experience comfortable, learn how to avoid common mistakes and why the system may ignore your choices. The critical step is to reset the default settings for the old browser before choosing a new one. Follow the instructions to forget about unwanted transitions forever.
Why the system can ignore browser choices
Many users are surprised when, after installing Yandex, links from messengers still open in a standard browser, this is because the Android operating system already has an action for a certain type of file, the system "remembers" your past choice and automatically plays it back.
The MIUI shell on the Redmi Note 8 has permission management features that can block prioritization if the current application is marked with a "Remember" or "Always Use" box. Without removing these restrictions, the new software will not be able to intercept links.
⚠️ Warning: If you just install a new application on top of the old one without clearing the cache, the system will continue to run the old browser.
Also, consider that some versions of HyperOS firmware or older MIUIs may have hidden settings in the Security section, where you can activate the Undesired Change Protection feature, which formally allows installation but blocks the change of system priorities.
Technical details of Android Intents
Device preparation and application installation
Before you change the system settings, you need to make sure that the Yandex Browser itself is properly installed and updated. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, it is best to use the official version from the Google Play store or GetApps. This ensures that you have all the necessary security certificates.
After installation, take your time to open the application. First, give the system a few seconds to index the new software. Then it is recommended to launch the browser once, accept the user agreement and, if necessary, log in to the account, this will activate the necessary background services.
☑️ Checking before setting up
It is important to check whether the device is not limited background activity. In a highly optimized battery, MIUI can "sleep" unused applications, which sometimes prevents them from correctly declaring themselves as the main browser.
Step-by-step: change the browser through settings
The main method of prioritizing is in the deep settings menu, and the path may vary slightly depending on the Android version (9 or 10) and the MIUI shell, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for managing installed programs.
Follow the algorithm to get to the menu:
- 📱 Open the settings of your smartphone.
- 🔍 Go to the Apps (or Apps and Notifications) section).
- ⚙️ Find the Application's default paragraph.
- 🌐 Select the Browser category.
In the list that opens, you'll see all the browsers you've installed. Your current browser will be tagged or ticked. You'll need to tap the Yandex Browser icon. The system will immediately shift priority, and all links will start opening in the new app.
💡
If the default application list doesn't have a browser, try searching inside the settings. Type the default word into the search bar at the top of the settings screen, which is the fastest way to get to the menu you want on MIUI.
Resetting Preferences Through Application Management
There are times when the standard menu doesn't display a choice or the selection button is inactive. In this situation, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 has an effective forced preference reset method, which "forgets" all your past choices for all applications at once.
To perform this operation, go to Settings → Applications → All apps. In the upper right corner of the screen, click on the three dots (menu) and select Reset App Settings. Confirm the action by entering the screen unlock password, if it is installed.
After resetting any link in any application (e.g. Telegram or WhatsApp) the system will force you to ask what to open the address.
- 🟡 Select Yandex Browser from the list.
- ✅ Press the Always (or Default) button).
- 🚫 Make sure that no other browser is selected.
| Action. | The result | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Select from the "Default Applications" menu | Instant shift of priority | Minimum |
| Resetting all preferences | The system will ask for a choice at the next click | I will have to re-select the applications for calls./SMS |
| Removal of system browser updates | Return to the factory version | Possible security errors |
This is the most radical, but also the most effective method for software conflicts, and it cleans the file association table on Android.
Problems Resolving: When Choices Are Not Remaining
Sometimes Redmi Note 8 users are faced with a situation where after a phone reboot, the settings fly off and the links open again the system browser, this can be caused by aggressive operation of the MIUI energy saving mechanism or version conflict.
Try to delete the MIUI system browser updates. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the Browser (system) and click Remove Updates. After that, repeat the default Yandex Browser selection procedure.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to delete the system browser completely through ADB-This can lead to unstable interfaces and errors when searching in the global row.
Also check if the “Internet Acceleration” feature or similar service options in Yandex Browser itself are enabled, which may require additional permissions. Make sure the application has permissions to display over other windows, although this is rarely required for default operation.
Synchronization and final steps
Once Yandex is the default browser, it’s important to set up sync so your bookmarks and passwords are available on all devices. Open the app, click on the avatar and log in to your Yandex ID account.
Note the data import. When you first start up, the browser will suggest you move your bookmarks and history from your old browser, which is a convenient way to keep important links in check, and it takes a few seconds and doesn't require you to connect to your computer.
💡
The main goal of the setup is not just to choose an icon, but to ensure stable operation of links from all messengers and social media applications without constant system requests.
To fully optimize the work on Xiaomi, it is recommended to go to the battery settings and prevent the system from closing the browser in the background. This will ensure instant launch of pages and correct receipt of push notifications from sites.