How to make Yandex.Browser the main one on Xiaomi Redmi 9: full instructions with nuances

Changing the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones is a task that many users face after buying a device. Redmi 9, like other models of the brand, out of the box uses Mi Browser, a branded browser with integrated services of the company. However, its functionality does not always suit the owners: someone prefers synchronization with the ecosystem of Yandex, someone is important extensions or ad blocker, and some are just used to the interface of alternative solutions.

The transition to Yandex.Browser as the main process is simple, but with a number of nuances characteristic of firmware MIUI. In this article, we will not only discuss the basic steps to change the settings, but also consider the hidden limitations. MIUI 12/13/14, You'll learn how to get around common bugs, optimize the app, and even return a standard browser if something goes wrong.

Note that the instruction is relevant for Xiaomi Redmi 9 (model M2003J15SC, M2003J15SS similar, but suitable for other devices of the line Redmi/Poco Android-based 10/11 shelled MIUI. If your smartphone runs on pure Android (for example, after the firmware Pixel Experience), the process will be easier – this too will be discussed separately.

Why is Yandex.Browser better than the standard Mi Browser?

Before we move on to settings, let’s understand how Yandex.Browser compares favorably with the pre-installed solution. Here are the key advantages that users note:

• 🔍 Turbo mode: speeds up page loading on slow internet by compressing traffic on Yandex servers. Especially useful for Redmi 9 with its low-end Helio processor G80.
• 🛡️ Protection from fraudsters: built-in system warns about phishing sites and suspicious links, which is relevant when using mobile banking.
• 📱 Synchronization: if you use other Yandex services (Mail, Disk, Maps), the browser will automatically pick up your bookmarks, history and passwords.
• 🎨 Dark subject: in MIUI It often has to be turned on manually for each application, and here it works out of the box and adapts to system settings.
• 🔄 Adblocker: Unlike Mi Browser, where ads sometimes slip even in settings, here you can turn it off globally.

Of course, the Mi Browser also has advantages – for example, deep integration with the new model. MIUI (Quick access to notes, scanner QR-But if you're more interested in speed, security and the ecosystem of Yandex, the transition is justified.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Especially Chinese versions, standard browser cannot be removed or disabled completely.This does not prevent the default browser change, but can lead to duplicate icons in the application menu.

Preparation: What to do before changing your browser

Before you install Yandex.Browser and assign it to the main one, follow a few preparatory steps to avoid typical problems, such as when the system ignores your choices or returns the settings to the original after rebooting.

First, check the version. MIUI on your Redmi 9:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version line (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.3).
3. Remember or write down this information – it will come in handy if you need to look for solutions for a particular firmware.

Second, free up space in the device’s memory. Yandex.Browser weighs about 100-150 MB, but it will need another 200-300 MB per cache to work comfortably. If Redmi 9 has less than 1 GB of free space, delete the unnecessary files or transfer them to a memory card.

Finally, prepare your Yandex account (if you haven't already done so), without it, bookmark synchronization and some security features will not work, you can register directly in the browser after installation, but it is more convenient to do it in advance on your computer.

Installation of Yandex.Browser on Xiaomi Redmi 9

The most reliable way to install the app is through the official Google Play Store, which guarantees the current version and automatic update.

1. Open the Play Store (Color Triangle Icon)
2. In the search bar, enter Yandex.Browser and select the official application from Yandex LLC.
3. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
4. After installation, open the browser and perform the initial setting (selecting a theme, logging in to your account, etc.).

If for some reason Google Play is not available (for example, on Chinese firmware), download it. APK-file from the official Yandex website:

1. Open any browser and go to the address https://browser.yandex.ru/mobile.
2. Click Download for Android.
3. After downloading, open the file and allow installation from unknown sources (a pop-up will redirect you to Settings). → Security).

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK from unverified sources can lead to infection of the device with malware.Always download files only from official sites (yandex.ru, apkmirror.com).

After installation, we recommend updating your browser to the latest version, even if you downloaded it from the Play Store.

1. Open the Play Store.
2. Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select App and Device Management → Updates are available.
4. Find Yandex.Browser in the list and update it.

The purpose of Yandex.Browser is the main one: step-by-step instructions

Now, to the main thing, changing the default browser. MIUI This process is different from pure Android, so follow the instructions carefully:

Method 1: Through Application Settings (Recommended)

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the upper right corner, tap three points (⋮) and select the Applications by default.
3. Find the Browser section and tap it.
4. In the list of available applications, select Yandex.Browser.
5. Confirm the choice by clicking Ready or OK.

If Yandex.Browser is not listed, you haven't opened it after you installed it. Run it at least once, then repeat the steps.

Method 2: By Opening a Link

This method works if the first option does not help (this happens on older versions). MIUI):

1. Open any app that has links (such as Telegram or WhatsApp).
2. Tap on any link (for example, https://ya.ru).
3. In the window that appears, select Yandex.Browser and tick Always (or Use by default).

After that, all links from other applications will open in Yandex.Browser.However, this method does not change the system settings globally - some functions (for example, opening links from the Internet). SMS) You can still use the Mi Browser.

💡

If, after changing the browser by default, links still open in Mi Browser, try clearing the cache of the standard browser: → Annexes → Mi Browser → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Additional settings for optimal work

Changing the default browser is only the first step. To Yandex.Browser worked quickly and without failure on Xiaomi Redmi 9, perform several optimizations:

1. Set up notifications

By default, the browser can send notifications about news or updates, to turn off unnecessary alerts:

1. Open Yandex.Browser and tap on three points (⋮) lower-right.
2. Go to Settings. → Notifications.
3. Turn off the switches next to unnecessary notification types (such as News or Recommendations).

2. Clearing the cache and data

Over time, the browser accumulates temporary files that take up space and slow down, we recommend clearing the cache every 1-2 weeks:

1. Go to Phone Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Yandex.Browser in the list and select it.
3. Slip the vault. → Clear the cache.
4. If the browser is unstable, you can also click Clear data, but this will remove all saved passwords and bookmarks.

3. Turning on the turbo mode

To save traffic and speed up page loading, activate Turbo Mode:

1. In the browser, open Settings → Turbo mode.
2. Turn on the data compression switch.
3. Select the compression level: Auto (recommended), Maximum (for slow internet) or Disable.

On the Redmi. 9 his 4/64 GB 4/128 GB of memory will help save up to 30–50% Traffic when browsing the web.

Typical problem solving

Even after setting up correctly, Xiaomi Redmi 9 users sometimes face difficulties, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The system ignores the default browser choice

If, after all the manipulations, links still open in Mi Browser, the reason may be:

• 🔄 System cache: clean it through Settings → Memory. → Clear cache (not to be confused with data cleanup!).
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: On some firmware (especially Chinese) the browser change is blocked. ADB and execute the command adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.yandex.browser/.YandexBrowserActivity
• 🔗 Settings of individual applications: some programs (for example, Facebook or Facebook) VK) They have their own settings for opening links. Check them separately.

Problem 2: Yandex.Browser does not save passwords

If the browser does not offer to save logins and passwords:

1. Make sure you are logged in to Yandex’s account.
2. Check the settings: Settings → Passwords. → Save passwords (the switch must be active).
3. If the problem persists, clear the browser data (phone settings) → Annexes → Yandex.Browser → Warehouse → Clear the data) and log in to the account again.

Problem 3: The browser quickly drains the battery

Redmi 9 is equipped with a battery of 5020 mAh, but active use of the browser can reduce battery life.

• 🔋 Turn off background activity: Phone settings → Battery → Choice of applications → Yandex.Browser → Limit background activity.
• 🌙 Enable a dark theme: Browser settings → Appearance → Dark subject.
• 📶 Turn off automatic video playback: Settings → Content. → Auto-reproduction → Never.

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If after all the manipulations the browser still does not become the main one, check if it is installed on your Redmi. 9 modified firmware (e.g. Custom) ROM). In this case, manual editing of the file may be required. default_prop.xml rogue.

How to get Mi Browser back (if something goes wrong)

If you have a problem or change your mind after changing your browser, it is easy to return the standard Mi Browser.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap on three points (⋮) and select the Applications by default.
3. Find the Browser section and select Mi Browser from the list.
4. Confirm your choice.

If the Mi Browser has been disabled or removed (which is unlikely on standard firmware), restore it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) and select Show all applications.
3. Find Mi Browser in the list and click Enable (if it is disabled).

On Chinese firmware. MIUI A standard browser can be deeply integrated into the system, in which case it will require a factory reset to restore it (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting), but this is an extreme measure – use it only if other methods do not help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi