How to put Yandex Browser main on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones use their own Mi Browser or Google Chrome browser by default, depending on the firmware region. However, many users prefer Yandex Browser for its adapted interface, built-in translator, turbo mode and integration with other Yandex services. You can switch the browser by default to Xiaomi in several ways, from standard Android settings to workarounds for persistent versions of MIUI.

In this article, you will find current methods for MIUI 14/13/12 and Android 13/12/11, including solutions for cases where the system blocks the browser change. We will also discuss the nuances of working with firmware for the global and Chinese markets, where the settings may differ. If you encounter an error “failed to set by default” or the browser select button is inactive, here are the answers.

Why is Yandex Browser not becoming the main one on Xiaomi?

The problem with changing the default browser to Xiaomi is related to the features of the MIUI shell and Google’s policy.

🔄 Limitations MIUI: In some firmware versions (especially Chinese ones), the system forcibly returns the Mi Browser as the main one, even if you choose another.
📱 Regional settings: On devices with global firmware (MIUI Global may not have browser selection option due to Google agreements.
🔒 System apps: Mi Browser and Chrome are often protected from shutdown, making it difficult to assign an alternative.
🛠️ Firmware bugs: B MIUI 12.5–14 cases where settings are reset after rebooting.

Before you start setting up, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. If you have Chinese firmware (without Google Services), some methods may not work – you will need additional configuration through ADB or install Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI For the EU (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite) 5G NE) There may be a restriction on changing the browser due to the requirements GDPR. In this case, only manual assignment through Application Settings will help.

Method 1: Standard browser change by default (Android 11–13)

This is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with global firmware. The instructions are relevant for the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and other models on Android 11+.

Install Yandex Browser from Google Play or from the official Yandex website.
Open any application that uses a browser (such as Twitter or VKontakte) and click on the link.
In the window that appears, select Yandex Browser and mark Always (or Use by default).
Confirm your choice in a system dialogue.

If the browser selection window does not appear, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex Browser → Open by default and click Set by default.

Open a link in Telegram → Should start Yandex Browser

Check in Settings → Applications → By default → Browser

Reboot the phone → Settings should be maintained

Try to open a link from SMS → Yandex should open.-->

⚠️ Note: On some devices (POCO F3 GT, Redmi K50) post-refresh MIUI browser settings are reset. To avoid this, disable automatic system updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update.

Method 2: Assignment through application settings (for stubborn firmware)

If the standard method didn’t work, try manual assignments through the application menu, which is suitable for MIUI 12.5-14, where the system ignores browser choices when opening links.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Default.
Find the Browser section and select Yandex Browser.
If there is no Browser section, find Link Opening and manually assign Yandex to HTTP and HTTPS types.

On some devices (Xiaomi 12T Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) the option may be hidden.

Open Settings → All settings → Applications → Yandex Browser → Open supported links.
Activate all switches and click Add for HTTP/HTTPS types.

What if the “Default” button is inactive?

This means that the system blocks the browser change due to security policy.Solutions: 1. Install Google Chrome as an intermediate browser, and then reconfigure it to open links in Yandex through the Chrome settings (Settings) → Opening certain links → Yandex Browser). 2. Use ADB-Command for compulsory appointment (see Method 4). 3. Update MIUI Up to the latest version – in new builds, bugs are often fixed.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If MIUI persistently returns Mi Browser or Chrome, the team will help via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) this method requires connecting the phone to a PC, but is guaranteed to work on any Xiaomi device.

You'll need:

🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

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


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

Reboot the phone.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "http://" -n com.yandex.browser/com.yandex.browser.BrowserActivity

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After completion ADB-commands check the default settings in Settings → Annexes → Yandex Browser → Open by default. If the option is active, manually assign the browser.

Method 4: Bypassing restrictions through developer settings

On some devices (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F4 GT), the browser change blocks the Mi Browser system application. To get around this, you can turn it off via the developer menu, but this will require caution - improper actions can disrupt the system.

Step-by-step:

Activate the developer mode (see Method 3, paragraph 2).
Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
Find the option to Disable Mi Browser (or Turn off system applications) and activate it.
Return to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser and click Disable (if the button is active).
Now assign Yandex Browser by default through standard settings (see Method 1).

⚠️ Warning: Disabling Mi Browser can lead to errors in the work MIUI, For example, you can't open links from system notifications. If you do, return the settings back or reset through Settings. → Annexes → Resetting application settings.

Method 5: Install Yandex Browser as a system application (root)

For advanced users who are ready to get root rights, there is a radical method - replacing the system browser with Yandex Browser. This is guaranteed to solve the problem, but will require unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk.

What needs to be done:

Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi through the official tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
Install custom recovery (TWRP) and get root through Magisk.
Download. APK-Yandex Browser file and move it to /system/priv-app/ right-handed 755.
Remove or freeze the Mi Browser via Titanium Backup or App Systemizer.

This method is suitable for Xiaomi models with unlocked bootloader, such as Redmi K40, POCO F3, Mi 10T. Remember that unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings!

Yandex Browser

Google Chrome

Mi Browser

Firefox

Other-->

Xiaomi browser comparison: which one to choose?

Before you finally switch to Yandex Browser, compare it with the alternatives. Below is a table of key characteristics for popular browsers on MIUI:

Characteristics	Yandex Browser	Mi Browser	Google Chrome	Firefox
Loading speed	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Turbo mode)	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Blocking ads	Yeah (built-in)	No.	Only through expansion.	Yeah (uBlock Origin)
Synchronization	Yandex account	Mi Account.	Google account	Firefox account
Support for extensions	No.	No.	Yes (PC-version)	Yes.
Integration with MIUI	Partial	Complete.	Partial	Absent.

If you care about privacy, look at Firefox with the uBlock Origin extension. Yandex Browser with Turbo Mode enabled is good for maximum speed and traffic savings. And if you use the Google ecosystem (Gmail, Drive, Calendar), Chrome is more convenient.

💡

Yandex Browser is optimal for users who often work with Yandex services (Mail, Maps, Music) and want a built-in translator for foreign sites.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you change your default browser to Xiaomi, users face typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

🔄 Settings reset after rebooting: It's a bug MIUI 12.5-13 Solution - Update the firmware or use ADB-method (Method 3).
🚫 The "Default" button is inactive: So the system is blocking the shift. Try disabling Mi Browser through the developer settings (Method 4).
❌ Failed to Set by Default Error: Remove Updates for Mi Browser in Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → ⋮ → Remove updates.
📱 Links open in Chrome, despite settings: In Google Chrome, turn off the option to Open Supported Links in the app settings.

If none of the methods worked, check if the phone has a device profile (e.g., a corporate one).It can block the default setting change.Delete the profile in Settings → Accounts → Delete the device profile.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Can Yandex Browser be the main one on Xiaomi without root?

Yes, in most cases, standard settings (Method 1 or 2) are enough. MIUI It'll block the shift. ADB-command (Method 3) or disable Mi Browser via the developer menu (Method 4). Root is only required to completely replace the system browser.

Why is the browser resetting to Mi Browser again after the MIUI update?

It's a known problem. MIUI 12.5–14 After the update, the system resets some default settings. Solutions: Disable automatic updates MIUI. Use it. ADB-Install Magisk and Disable Mi Browser (root required).

How to return Mi Browser if the changes stopped opening links?

If you have disabled Mi Browser and encountered errors, follow the following steps: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find Mi Browser and click Enable. Reset your default app settings in Settings. → Annexes → ⋮ → Reset application settings. Then reassign your browser.

Does this work for POCO and Redmi?

Yes, all of the methods described are relevant for POCO and Redmi, as they run on the same MIUI shell. Except for POCO Launcher devices (e.g., POCO X3 NFC), where additional launcher configuration may be required.

Can I install Yandex Browser by default on Xiaomi with Chinese firmware?

On Chinese firmware (MIUI China) without Google Services Yandex Browser will not work as a main one due to lack of support HTTP/HTTPS-Solutions: Install Google Play Services via APKMirror. MIUI (risky, may be blocked IMEI). Use Chrome as an intermediate browser (set it to open links in Yandex).