How to make Yandex Browser default browser on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: 3 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi 9A smartphones with MIUI shells usually have Mi Browser, the company’s own solution, as the default. However, many users prefer alternatives like Yandex Browser for its speed, built-in translator and optimization under the Runet. The problem is that MIUI actively resists changing the default browser, hiding settings or resetting them after updates. In this article, we will examine all the ways to tie Yandex Browser to the system forever, from standard methods to bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

The Redmi 9A (dandelion) is a feature that runs on the base version of Android 10 with a heavily customized shell, which means that the classic instructions for pure Android won't work here. We've tested all the methods on the firmware of MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13 — and are ready to provide relevant solutions. Importantly, some steps will require administrator rights or turn off battery optimization for Yandex Browser.

Why is Yandex Browser not the main one on Redmi 9A?

The problem lies in Xiaomi’s policy: the company is actively promoting its services, including Mi Browser. Even if you manually select Yandex Browser in the settings, the system can:

• 🔄 Automatically reset the selection after rebooting or updating MIUI.
• 🚫 Block the browser selection window when opening links from other applications.
• ⚠️ Ignore settings for certain types of files (e.g, PDF or DOCX).
• 🔋 Limit work in the background, because of which Yandex Browser can not process intention messages.

In addition, Redmi 9A does not have the default app section in its classic form, but has been replaced by the link opening settings, which work incorrectly, and in the next section we will show you how to circumvent these restrictions.

Method 1: Standard configuration via MIUI menu (works 60% of the time)

If your Redmi 9A doesn’t block changes, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings (⚙️) and go to the Apps. → Application management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on the Browser line and select Yandex Browser from the list.
4. Confirm the choice and restart the smartphone.

If you reset your settings after the reboot, your version of MIUI is blocking the changes, in which case you move to method 2 or 3.

Install the latest version of Yandex Browser from Google Play| Disable battery optimization for Yandex Browser | Clear the Mi Browser cache |Reboot your phone before setting up-->

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 9A The default application may not be available, which means Xiaomi has completely blocked the system-level browser change, in which case only manual assignment through the system will help. ADB (3-way).

Method 2: Forced appointment through "Opening links"

MIUI allows you to manually link Yandex Browser to processing HTTP/HTTPS-This method works even if the standard method does not work:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Yandex Browser in the list and tap it.
3. Select Open by Default (or Open Links in new versions of MIUI).
4. Activate the switches for: 🌐 http:// (web sites) 🔒 https:// (secure sites) 📄.html and.htm (web pages)

Confirm the changes and check if links are opened in Yandex Browser.

This method often helps bypass MIUI blocking, but may not work for links from some apps (like Telegram or VK) that use their own URL opening mechanisms.

Method 3: Assignment via ADB (for power users)

If the first two methods fail, the most reliable way is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the phone to a computer, but guarantees the result.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the Redmi 9A (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your Redmi 9A.
4. Follow the command to assign Yandex Browser by default: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.yandex.browser/.BrowserActivity If it doesn't work, try an alternative command: adb shell pm clear com.android.browser &&adb shell pm disable-user com.android.browser (this will disable the standard browser).
5. Reboot the phone.

💡

If ADB doesn’t see the device, try changing USB connection mode to File Transfer (MTP) in the phone’s notification curtain.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They can cause the system to malfunction if entered incorrectly. ADB-commands from the Internet without understanding their actions. --user 0 com.android.browser will completely remove the standard browser, which may disrupt some system functions.

Additional settings for stable operation

Even after successful Yandex Browser assignment, MIUI may try to return the Mi Browser to avoid:

1. Turn off battery optimization for Yandex Browser: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex Browser → Battery. Select No Limits.

Freeze the Mi Browser.

• Using App Freezer (root rights required) or ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser
• Update Yandex Browser to the latest version – new releases often fix compatibility issues with MIUI.

If the settings reset again after the MIUI update, repeat the appointment procedure through ADB - this is the most reliable way.

💡

Disabling battery optimization for Yandex Browser prevents it from being forced to close by the system, which is often the reason for resetting default settings.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:

• 🔧 Installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will remove all restrictions. MIUI, but will require unlocking the bootloader and may deprive the warranty.
• 📱 Use of alternative launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) that allow you to assign default applications bypassing system constraints.
• 🌐 Switch to a browser with an aggressive policy – for example, Kiwi Browser or Bromite, which can intercept intention messages even when blocked MIUI.

For the Redmi 9A, unlocking the bootloader is officially supported by Xiaomi, but requires a Mi Account binding and waiting 7 days (if the account is new).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing your browser to Redmi 9A