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

Installing Yandex.Browser as the main one on Xiaomi smartphones is a task that many users face after buying a device. By default, MIUI offers built-in Mi Browser or Google Chrome, but their functionality is often inferior to the Russian counterpart in terms of page loading speed, integration with Yandex services and adaptation under the Runet. The problem is complicated by the fact that the manufacturer limits the ability to change the browser “by default” through standard settings – especially on models with global firmware.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for assigning Yandex.Browser to the main one on Xiaomi, including bypassing system restrictions through ADB and hidden MIUI settings. The instructions are relevant for devices based on MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X4/X5, Xiaomi 12/13, etc.), and also take into account the features of firmware for the Russian market (MIUI RU). If you have previously tried unsuccessfully to change the browser through the Default Apps menu, here you will find solutions that are guaranteed to work.

Why does Yandex.Browser not become the main one through standard settings?

The main reason is the policies of Xiaomi and Google, which block free browser change at the system level.

• 🔒 Tied to Mi Browser: on global firmware (MIUI Global) the built-in browser is tightly integrated into the system and does not appear in the default application list for web links.
• 📱 Android Restrictions: Starting with Android 10, Google has tightened the rules for browsers, requiring confirmation through Android App Links (deep linking mechanism).
• 🇷🇺 Regional features: On firmware for Russia (MIUI RU) Yandex.Browser can be pre-installed, but not always assigned to the main automatically.

Also, after resetting or updating MIUI, browser selection is often reset, which is because the system restores factory settings to handle web links (http/https).

Method 1: Assigning via "Default Applications" (for MIUI RU)

If your smartphone is running on Russian firmware MIUI RU (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro RU or Xiaomi 11T Pro RU), try the standard method:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser section and select Yandex.Browser from the list.

If you don't have "Browser" on the menu, your firmware doesn't support this method, in which case you go to Method 2.

Install Yandex.Browser from Google Play or official website

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Turn off Mi Browser in Settings → Applications (optional)

Create a backup of settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup)-->

Method 2: Change browser via ADB (works on all firmware)

This method requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer, but it's guaranteed to work even on global firmware.

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original for stable connection).
• 📦 Utility. ADB (Download Platform Tools from Google).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the phone Developer Mode: go to Settings → About phone and 7 times tap on the item MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect the phone to the PC, select File Transfer mode and confirm debugging permission.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and do:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the driver.)

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


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser




adb shell pm grant com.yandex.browser android.permission.DEFAULT_BROWSER

The first two commands disable the built-in browsers, the third command assigns Yandex.Browser to the main one.

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

If ADB seems complicated, you can use browser change apps without a computer.

Examples of Default App Manager:

1. Install the utility from Google Play.
2. Open it and give permissions to access the settings.
3. Find the Browser section and select Yandex.Browser.
4. Confirm the change and restart the phone.

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If, after changing your browser, links still open in Mi Browser, clear the cache and data of the Settings application (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Clear data).

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Nothing Works?

Even after the instructions are followed, errors can occur.

⚠️ Note: If you change your browser through ADB no links from messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), clear the settings of the Android System WebView application (Settings) → Annexes → Show it all. → Android System WebView → Clear the cache).

• 🔄 Reset browser settings: After the update MIUI browser selection may reset. Repeat the procedure through ADB utility.
• 🚫 Browser does not appear in the list: Delete and reinstall Yandex.Browser, then repeat the setting.
• 🔧 Error "No apps to handle this action": Install Google Messages - it restores link handlers.

Some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) may lose the sound in the video on the sites after changing the browser.

1. Open Yandex.Browser and go to chrome://flags.
2. Find the Override software rendering list and set the Enabled value.
3. Restart the browser.

How to return a standard browser if something goes wrong?

If after the changes there are problems with opening links or working system applications, return the settings to the factory:

1. For cancellation ADB-commands run: adb shell pm enable com.android.browser adb shell pm enable com.mi.globalbrowser
2. Reset application settings: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset application settings.
3. If your smartphone has stopped opening links altogether, install Google Chrome and assign it to the main one through the Default Apps menu.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13 Global) after resetting the settings may require re-activation of the Debugging by USB. Don't forget to turn it on again!

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi

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The most reliable method is a combination ADB-commands and disable built-in browsers. This ensures that Yandex.Browser will remain the main one even after updates MIUI.