How to make Yandex.Browser the main one on the Xiaomi phone: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) use the built-in MIUI or Google Chrome browser as their default browser. However, many users prefer Yandex.Browser for its features adapted to the runet: built-in translator, protection from fraudulent sites and convenient synchronization with other devices. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to make Yandex.Browser the main browser on Xiaomi in 2026, including bypassing the limitations of MIUI and solving typical problems.

It’s important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the firmware version (MIUI 14 vs MIUI 15), the phone model, and even regional settings. We tested the instructions on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13T – all methods work on current versions of Android (13/14). If you encounter an error “failed to install by default”, there is a separate section with solutions in the article.

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

The problem lies in MIUI’s policy: it actively promotes its own services and limits the change of standard applications, and here are the key reasons why the “Default” button may not be active:

• 🔄 Conflict with MIUI Browser: Built-in browser MIUI Prioritizes and blocks the default shift through the standard Android menu.
• 📱 Regional restrictions: On smartphones for the Chinese market (China) ROM) Browser change function disabled at firmware level.
• 🔒 Google restrictions: on some models (e.g, POCO F5) Google Chrome is installed as a system application and cannot be replaced.
• 🛠️ Version incompatibility: Yandex.Browser older than 23.7.0 may not support API Android 14 for the default change.

Before you start setting up, check:

1. The MIUI version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Firmware Region: If the model name has a CN (e.g. Redmi K60 CN) – you have a Chinese version.
3. Version of Yandex.Browser: Update it through Google Play or the official website.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings (works on 60% of devices)

This method is suitable for most global versions of MIUI (EEA, Global, Russia) and if the default button is active, you are lucky and no further manipulation is required.

1. Open Yandex.Browser and tap on three points in the upper right corner → Settings.
2. Scroll down to the About browser section and select Make the primary browser.
3. The system will redirect you to Settings → Applications → By default. Select Yandex.Browser from the list.

If the item Make the main browser is not in the menu Yandex.Browser:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Yandex.Browser, tap it → Open by default → Add.
3. Select Supported Web Links and confirm the choice.

Update Yandex.Browser to the latest version|Check the firmware region (Global/Russia)|Close all background browsers|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro) after changing the browser by default, links from messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) can open in MIUI Browser, it's a bug. MIUI — The solution is described in the section "Typical problems».

Method 2: Bypassing restrictions through ADB (for power users)

If the standard method doesn't work, you'll have to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer, but it works on all versions of MIUI, including Chinese firmware, and it's important that you reset your system once you upgrade.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🛠️ Google's Platform Tools utility.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the command to reset standard applications: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser This will remove the default settings for MIUI Browser.
5. Now install Yandex.Browser by default: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.yandex.browser/.MainActivity
6. Reboot the phone.

💡

If, after the execution, ADB-Yandex.Browser is not the main one, try to manually open any web link (for example, from Telegram) and select “Always” for Yandex.Browser in the window that appears.

Method 3: Using third-party utilities (without root)

For users who don't want to mess with ADB, there are alternatives, and we tested two robust applications:

1. App Cloner (to create a “clone” of Yandex.Browser)

This method tricks the system by creating a copy of the browser with default rights:

1. Install App Cloner from Google Play.
2. Select Yandex.Browser in the list of applications.
3. In the clone settings, activate the option to Set as the default application.
4. Create a clone and install it.
5. Launch the cloned browser and install it by default through the system menu.

2. SetEdit (for manual editing of settings)

SetEdit allows you to manually change Android system settings, including the default apps.

1. Download SetEdit (registration for XDA is required).
2. Open the app and provide root access (or use ADB to temporarily root through the adb shell).
3. Go to the Settings Storage section → global.
4. Find the parameter. browser_default and change it to com.yandex.browser.
5. Save the changes and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: Applications like SetEdit require caution. Incorrect editing of system settings can lead to a cyclical reboot or reset. → Additionally. → Backup.

Solving typical problems after changing the browser

Even after successfully changing the default browser, Xiaomi users are plagued by bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

1. Links from messengers open in MIUI Browser

This is a well-known MIUI 14/15 bug that is associated with the processing of intention filters.

• 🔄 Reinstall the messenger (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp).
• 📱 Use it. ADB-command to reset link opening settings: adb shell pm clear --user 0 org.telegram.messenger
• 🔗 Manually hold the link in the messenger → Open in the browser → Select Yandex.Browser and select “Always».

2.Yandex.Browser resets after MIUI update

When major system updates (MIUI 14 → MIUI 15) are reset, the default settings are reset to prevent this from happening:

• 🔒 Before updating, back up through Settings → Google → Backup.
• 📋 After the update, re-installe Yandex.Browser by default via ADB (see method 2).
• 🚫 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings → Auto-update.

3. It doesn't open. PDF-file

Yandex.Browser doesn't always process files correctly.

• 📄 Install a separate application for PDF (For example, Adobe Acrobat).
• 🔗 In Android settings (Settings) → Annexes → By default. → Open files: assign Adobe Acrobat to PDF.
• 🔄 In Yandex.Browser, turn off the built-in viewing PDF: Settings → Additionally. → Open up PDF in the browser (uncheck the box).

💡

If after all the manipulations Yandex.Browser still does not become the main one, check whether the phone Google Chrome is installed as a system application. ADB Adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.chrome.

How to check that Yandex.Browser is now the main one?

To make sure that the settings are applied correctly, follow the following steps:

1. Open any messenger (Telegram, VK, WhatsApp) and send yourself a message with a link (for example, https://ya.ru).
2. Tap the link. The browser window should open, and select Yandex.Browser and select "Always."
3. Go to Settings → Applications → By default → Browser and check that Yandex.Browser is selected.
4. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Yandex.Browser → Open by default. The boxes should be displayed in front of the Web link and HTTPS-reference.

If one of the items doesn't work, the settings don't work.

• Repeat Method 2 (ADB).
• Check if MIUI Optimization is blocking changes (disables via Settings → Additional → Special features → MIUI Optimization).
• Install Default App Manager to manually manage default settings.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)