How to make Yandex.Browser the main one on the Xiaomi phone: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI by default use the Mi Browser browser - a proprietary application with integrated services of the company. However, many users prefer alternatives: Yandex.Browser offers a convenient interface, built-in translator, protection from fraud and synchronization with other devices through the Yandex ID account. In this article, we will discuss how to replace the standard browser with Yandex and make it the main one - taking into account the features of MIUI firmware 12-15 and Android versions 10-14.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi can’t completely remove the Mi Browser (it’s a system application), but it can be disabled and replaced with Yandex.Browser for all default links.The process takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires attention to detail – especially if you’re using Redmi Note, POCO or flagship models like Xiaomi 13/14.

Before you start, check:

  • 📱 Version. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Current instructions are working for MIUI 12 and newer.
  • 🌐 Android Version: See Android Version on the same menu. Android 10–14 has the same algorithm, but different ways of settings may be used.
  • 🔒 Administrator rights: if the phone is corporate, it may have restrictions on changing standard applications.

1. Installation of Yandex.Browser on Xiaomi

The first step is to download and install the app.Yandex.Browser is available from the official Google Play store, but some Xiaomi models (especially for the Chinese market) may require manual installation through the Google Play Store. APK-file.

Methods of installation:

  • 📲 Through Google Play: Open Play Store. In the search box, type "Yandex.Browser." Click Install and wait until the download is complete.

Through APK-file

  1. Download the current version from the official website browser.yandex.ru.
  2. Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Install Unknown Applications → Select a browser (such as Mi Browser) and enable permission.
  3. Open the downloaded one. APK-file and follow the instructions.

Attention! If you download APK from an official site, you risk installing malware. Check the hash file or use antivirus.

📊 What browser do you use on Xiaomi?
Mi Browser (standard)
Yandex.Browser
Google Chrome
Other

2. setting up Yandex.Browser as the main

Once installed, you need to assign Yandex.Browser to the default application to open links. On MIUI, this is done in two stages: first in the system settings, then in the browser settings.

Instructions:

  1. Open the phone settings.
  2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
  3. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select the Applications by default.
  4. Slip on Browser.
  5. In the list, select Yandex.Browser.

If there is no default paragraph of the Annex:

  • 🔍 Try an alternative path: Settings → Additionally. → Standard annexes.
  • 📌 On some firmware (MIUI For the global market, the option may be called Default apps (English version).

Install Yandex.Browser | Check the version of MIUI | Allow installation from unknown sources (if necessary) | Backup bookmarks from Mi Browser-->

3. disable Mi Browser (optional)

Mi Browser can't be removed, but it can be disabled so it doesn't show up in the menu and waste resources. It's safe: browser-dependent system processes will continue to work.

How to turn it off:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Find Mi Browser in the list (you can use the search).
  3. Click Disable (the button will become active if the application is not standard).
  4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) Disabling Mi Browser can lead to malfunctions MIUI Launcher. In this case, just turn it back on.

If after the Mi Browser shutdown, the weather or news widgets on the home screen are gone, restart the phone – they will recover in 1-2 minutes.

4. data synchronization with Yandex.Browser

One of the key benefits of Yandex.Browser is synchronizing bookmarks, history and passwords between devices, and you need to log into your Yandex ID account to use it.

How to set up synchronization:

  1. Open Yandex.Browser.
  2. Tap on the profile icon (👤) lower-right.
  3. Select Sign in to your account and enter data from Yandex (or sign up).
  4. Turn on the switches opposite: 🔖 Bookmarks 📁 History 🔑 Passwords (optional)

Type of dataSynced?Notes
Bookmarks✅ Yes.Available on all devices with Yandex.Browser
History of visits✅ Yes.You can selectively clean it.
Passwords.✅ Yes.Requires confirmation at the first entrance
Open tabs❌ No.Only on Android 12+ devices

💡

If you use Yandex.Browser on a PC, turn on synchronization there too - so bookmarks and history will be available on your phone and on your computer.

5. Addressing possible problems

Changing the default browser can be difficult, so let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Yandex.Browser does not appear in the default application list.

  • 🔄 Solution: Reboot your phone and try again. If it doesn't work, reinstall your browser.

Problem 2: Links from messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) open in Mi Browser.

  • ⚙️ Solution: In the messenger settings, find the section Open links in... and select Yandex.Browser.

Problem 3: After the MIUI update, the settings reset.

  • 📲 Solution: Repeat the default browser assignment steps (Section 2).This is normal behavior after major updates.

What to do if Yandex.Browser is not installed?
If the installation error "Application not installed", try: 1. Clear the cache and data of Google Play Store in the application settings. 2. Remove previous versions of Yandex.Browser (if any). 3. Download APK from the official site and install manually, previously allowing installation from unknown sources.

6. Yandex.Browser optimization for Xiaomi

To make the browser work quickly and not consume an extra battery, configure it to the specifics of Xiaomi:

Savings in traffic and battery:

  • 📶 Enable Turbo Mode in the browser settings (Settings) → Turbo mode. This compresses traffic and speeds up page loading.
  • 🔋 Turn off Background Sync if you want to save charge: Settings → Synchronization → Background synchronization.

Safety:

  • 🛡️ Enable Fraud Protection (Settings) → Security. This blocks phishing sites.
  • 🔍 Use the built-in VPN (Available in some regions for anonymous surfing.

Integration with MIUI:

  • 🤖 Add the widget Yandex.Browser on the main screen: a long press in the free space → Widgets → Find Yandex.Browser.
  • 🔍 Set up Quick Search via Swipe down on the home screen: in Settings MIUI Launcher select Yandex.Browser as a search engine.

💡

On Xiaomi models with Android 12+, you can use the App Pairs function in MIUI Launcher to open Yandex.Browser together with another application (for example, Telegram) with one gesture.

7. Alternative ways to launch Yandex.Browser

If you do not want to make Yandex.Browser the main one, but want to quickly open links in it, use these methods:

Method 1: Contextual menu

  • 🔗 If you click on a link for a long time (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp), select Open to... and specify Yandex.Browser.

Method 2: Quick access widget

    Method 3: Voice assistant

    • 🎤 Activate Alice (Yandex voice assistant) and say, "Open Yandex.Browser." This works even if the browser is not standard.

    Method 4: Automation with MacroDroid

      FAQ: Frequent questions

      Can I remove the Mi Browser from Xiaomi?
      No, Mi Browser is a system application, you can only disable it. Complete removal is only possible with root rights, but this violates the warranty and can lead to unstable MIUI operation.
      Why do some links open in Mi Browser after changing the browser?
      This is due to the settings of individual apps (e.g. Facebook or Instagram have their own built-in browsers) Go to the settings of each app and change the browser by default.
      How to transfer bookmarks from Mi Browser to Yandex.Browser?
      In Mi Browser, export bookmarks to HTML: Open Mi Browser → Bookmarks → Management → Export. Save the file to your device. In Yandex.Browser, go to Bookmarks → Import and select the saved file.
      Will Yandex.Browser consume more battery than Mi Browser?
      Battery consumption is usage-dependent. Yandex.Browser is optimized for Android, but if you have a weak smartphone (like the Redmi 8A), there may be increased consumption.
      Does this manual work on POCO and Black Shark?
      Yes, POCO Black Shark is working on the base. MIUI, The algorithm is identical, except for the Chinese market, POCO X3 GT), where Google Play may not be available. Install Yandex.Browser via APK.