How to make Yandex the main browser on the phone Xiaomi Redmi: all ways

Why is Yandex Browser a popular choice for Xiaomi Redmi?

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face the need to change the standard MIUI Browser browser to an alternative one, such as the Yandex Browser. The reasons range from the familiar interface and synchronization with other devices to unique features like Turbo mode or built-in ad blocker. However, the process of assigning a browser to the default browser to Redmi is not always intuitive - especially given the features of the MIUI shell and the limitations of Android.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to make Yandex Browser the main one on your Xiaomi Redmi, from standard settings to workarounds for stubborn firmware versions, and how to avoid common mistakes (for example, when the system ignores your choices) and what to do if you want the option to Suddenly disappear after an update.

Before you go to the instructions, make sure that your device has the latest version of Yandex Browser installed (you can download it in the official store or through Google Play).

Method 1: Standard Assignment through Android Settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Android tools. It works on most Redmi models (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10, etc.) unless the firmware is modified by the manufacturer.

1. Open Settings on your phone (the gear icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on the Browser line.
5. In the list of available browsers, select Yandex Browser.

If Yandex Browser is not listed, then the application is not installed or updated. Make sure you download it from Google Play (not from third-party sites), otherwise the system may block the default destination.

Install Yandex Browser from the official store|Update the application to the latest version|Close all open tabs in the current browser|Restart your phone (recommended)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (for example, MIUI 13/14 for the global version), the default option of the Application may be hidden, in which case try alternative methods from the following sections.

Method 2: Assignment through Opening a Link

If the standard method didn’t work, try tricking the system into offering a browser choice, a method that is particularly effective for Redmi with MIUI 12.5 and later.

1. Open any application that has clickable links (such as Telegram, WhatsApp or Mail).
2. Click on any link (e.g. https://ya.ru).
3. In the window that appears, select Yandex Browser and tick Always (or Use by default).
4. Confirm your choice.

If the choice window doesn't appear, the system has already "remembered" the other browser.

• 🔄 Clear the current browser's cache by default (in Settings) → Annexes → [browser] → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 📱 Restart your phone and try again.
• 🔗 Use a different link (for example, with a http:// instead https://).

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If links open in MIUI Browser without a request, try sending yourself a message to Telegram with the text "ya.ru" and click on it - sometimes this works.

Method 3: Reset application settings (for stubborn firmware)

On some versions of MIUI (especially Chinese or custom versions), the system ignores attempts to change the browser, in which case, resetting the application settings will help, which will return all permissions to the factory:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).
4. After reset, open any link - the system will suggest choosing the default browser.

This method is also useful if:

• 🔄 You previously assigned a different browser, but now you want to return Yandex.
• 🚫 The system forgets your choice after restarting.
• ⚙️ There is no default section of the App in the settings.

⚠️ Note: Resetting your application settings will also reset the permissions for all programs (e.g., camera, microphone, or geolocation access).

Method 4: Using ADB for Involuntary Assignment

For advanced users willing to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to force Yandex Browser to the core. This is true for Redmi with locked settings (for example, corporate devices or firmware with restrictions).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock Developer Settings, then enable debugging).
• 🔌 USB-plug-in.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
3. Run the command to check the connection: adb devices (should display the serial number of your Redmi).
4. Enter the command to assign Yandex Browser: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.yandex.browser/com.yandex.browser.BrowserActivity
5. Reboot the phone.

This method is guaranteed to work even on blocked firmware, but requires caution - incorrect ADB commands can disrupt the system.

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Use ADB only if other methods have failed. Incorrect commands can cause your phone to crash.

Browser comparison: why Yandex can be better than MIUI Browser?

Before you finally switch to Yandex Browser, it is worth assessing its advantages and disadvantages compared to the standard solution from Xiaomi.

Note that MIUI Browser may be preferable if you are actively using Xiaomi services (such as Mi Cloud or Mi Video), while Yandex Browser benefits in versatility and additional features.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful assignment of Yandex Browser by default, Redmi users sometimes encounter problems. Consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

1.The system automatically returns MIUI browser

This is due to background optimization of MIUI. Solution:

• 🛡️ Disable optimization for Yandex Browser: Settings → Annexes → Yandex Browser → Battery → No restrictions.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone and reassign your browser by default.

2. Links from some applications are opened in MIUI Browser

Some programs (such as Mi Community or Themes) are forced to use a standard browser.

• 📌 Remove updates for the problem application (in Settings) → Annexes → [Annex] → Three points. → Remove updates).
• 🚫 Disable the app if it is not critical.

3. Yandex Browser does not appear in the default browser list

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📥 Remove and install the browser again (maybe files are corrupted).
• 🔧 Check if permissions for the application are disabled in Settings → Annexes → Yandex Browser → Permits.
• 📱 Update your phone firmware (in some versions) MIUI There are bugs with displaying the list of browsers).

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If the problem persists after all the manipulations, try using the lightweight version of Yandex Browser (Yandex Browser Lite) - it is often correctly assigned by default.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions