How to install Yandex.Browser by default on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways and life hacks

Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones run on the proprietary shell MIUI, which is known for its aggressive promotion of its own services - including the Mi Browser browser. Many users prefer Yandex.Browser for its speed, built-in translator and adapted to the Runet functions. However, making it the main one on the Redmi 9 is not so easy: the system actively resists replacing standard applications.

In this article, we will analyze all working methods - from basic settings to circumventing restrictions. MIUI. You will know how to set it right. APK-file, set default rights and what to do if the system resets browser selection after rebooting. MIUI, which the manufacturer does not advertise.

Complicating the problem is that Xiaomi blocks the change of standard applications at the firmware level. Even after manually installing Yandex.Browser, the system can automatically open links to Mi Browser or Google Chrome. We tested all methods on Redmi 9 with the latest versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14) and selected only those that work stably.

It's important to understand that some solutions require developer rights or third-party utilities. If you're not ready to experiment, use the first method (configure via the application menu). For advanced users, we've prepared alternative methods using ADB and modified APKs.

1. Preparation: download the correct version of Yandex.Browser

Before installing, make sure you download the official version from the Yandex Browser site. avoid third-party sources - they may distribute modified or outdated builds that won't work properly on the Redmi 9.

For Xiaomi Redmi 9, it is suitable:

• 📱 The usual version is for most users (weight). ~50MB Supports all features including Turbo Mode and Fraud Protection.
• 🔍 Light version – if the phone has critically little memory (weight) ~15MB) Trimmed functionality, but works faster on weak devices.
• 🛡️ Surveillance-protected version – blocks trackers and ads at the browser level (available in post-installing settings).

Critical detail: on Redmi 9s MIUI 12+ Standard installation via Google Play may not make the browser the primary. APK-File from the official website – it bypasses the restrictions of the store.

After downloading APK:

1. Open File Manager → find the downloaded file (usually in the Download folder).
2. Click on APK and confirm installation. If the "Installation locked" warning appears, go to Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications and allow installation for your file manager.

2. Method 1: Configure via the "Default Applications" menu

The simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices is rootless.It is suitable for users who do not want to go into technical details.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser section and select Yandex.Browser from the list.
4. Confirm the choice – the system will offer to use Yandex for all links.

If Yandex.Browser is not on the list:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📥 Remove and install the browser again (sometimes) MIUI Does not recognize freshly installed applications).
• 🛠️ Update. MIUI up to the latest version - in old firmware there may be bugs with displaying the list of browsers.

Install Yandex.Browser from APK| Check for "Default Apps" | Update MIUI to the latest version |Reboot phone after installation-->

Method Limitation: MIUI can reset after a system update or reboot, and if you do, repeat the steps or move on to the next method.

Method 2: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If the standard method doesn’t work, you’ll have to plug in USB debugging and use the ADB command. This is a more reliable way, but requires a computer and minimal technical skills.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Utility. ADB Tools by Google.
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified "You've become a developer"). Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

File transfer

Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.

adb devices

(Your device name should appear – if not, check the drivers)

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

(clears the settings of the standard browser)

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.yandex.browser

(Forcedly installs Yandex.Browser by default)

⚠️

Attention: After use ADB Some system applications (such as Mi Browser) may not work well. If you have problems, reset your browser settings via Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Mi Browser → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Method 3: Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized applications to change standard programs, and we tested two reliable options:

1. App Manager (from Ice Box)

• 🔹 Allows you to freeze the Mi Browser so that the system can’t use it.
• 🔹 Works without root, but requires special access rights.
• 🔹 After freezing Yandex.Browser will automatically become the main one for all links.

2. Default App Manager

• 🔹 Shows all categories of standard applications (including hidden ones) MIUI).
• 🔹 Can be forced to appoint Yandex.Browser for HTTP/HTTPS-reference.
• 🔹 The interface is in English, but intuitive.

How to use:

1. Download one of the apps from APKMirror (avoid Google Play – there may be outdated versions).
2. Install and open the utility.
3. Find the Browser section or HTTP links.
4. Select Yandex.Browser and save the settings.

Warning: Some utilities may conflict with MIUI Optimization, Xiaomi’s built-in service that resets default settings. If the browser is lost again after the reboot, disable optimization via ADB:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.powerkeeper

5. Problem Solving: Why is Yandex.Browser Resetting?

Even after a successful setup, MIUI can return to Mi Browser after:

• 🔄 Phone reboots.
• 📥 System updates.
• 🔧 Cleaning up the app cache.
• 🛡️ Activation of the energy saving mode.

Causes and solutions:

⚠️

Note: If you use dual applications (MIUI function for cloning programs), the second instance of Yandex.Browser will not be the main one.

6. Alternative method: Using Launchers

Some alternative launchers (like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher) allow you to flexibly configure your default applications, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

How it works:

• 🎯 Launcher intercepts intent links and redirects them to the selected browser.
• 🔧 The setup takes 2-3 minutely ADB.
• 🔄 It works well even after updates. MIUI.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Press and hold the free space on the main screen → Settings.
3. Go to Applications and Notifications → Default Apps.
4. Select the Browser and specify Yandex.Browser.
5. Return to the launcher settings and activate the default Use Nova option.

✅ The advantage of the method: launchers do not conflict with Xiaomi system services, so the settings will remain even after the reset. MIUI.

💡

If the launcher has gone, don't panic. Reboot your phone and it'll recover. This is a feature of MIUI when you first launch third-party launchers.

7.Extreme measures: disabling Mi Browser via ADB

If all previous methods failed, you can completely disable the standard Xiaomi browser. This is a radical solution, but it is guaranteed to solve the problem.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and activate USB Debugging (see ADB section).
2. Open the command line and type: adb shell pm hide com.android.browser (hiddens the browser from the system) or adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser (completely removes for the current user).
3. Reboot the phone.

⚠️

Note: After disabling Mi Browser, some system functions (such as opening links from notifications) may not work properly. Make sure Yandex.Browser is installed and configured before this command is executed.

To get it back, use:

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

(Yes, the same command with the --user 0 key restores the application.)

💡

Disabling Mi Browser via ADB is the most reliable way, but it requires caution. Always back up your data before making changes to system applications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Yandex.Browser on Redmi 9