How to change the browser on Android-smartphones Xiaomi: 5 ways to save bookmarks

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are equipped by default with the Mi Browser browser, which many users find uncomfortable due to aggressive advertising, limited synchronization features or low speed. Meanwhile, alternative browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Brave offer advanced features: cross-platform bookmark synchronization, built-in VPNs, tracker blockers and optimized page rendering.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods of replacing the browser on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, including models 2020–2026 You will learn how not only to install a new browser, but also to transfer bookmarks, history and passwords from Mi Browser without loss, as well as how to make the selected application the default browser for all links. MIUI 14/15, where the manufacturer has limited certain settings.

Before you start, check your firmware version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. This depends on the availability of some methods. Also note that on devices with Global ROM and China ROM, the process may be different – we will note these points separately.

Why you should change your browser to Xiaomi: 3 key reasons

The branded Mi Browser, though integrated into the Xiaomi ecosystem, loses to competitors in several ways:

• 🚀 Performance: In the Speedometer 2.0 (2026) tests, Chrome and Firefox perform 30-40% better at JavaScript processing than the Mi Browser, especially on budget models like Redmi. 12C or POCO M6 Pro.
• 🛡️ Privacy: Mi Browser collects data about visited sites to personalize advertising in the Internet MIUI, Brave or Firefox Focus block trackers by default.
• 🔄 Sync: Bookmarks and history in Mi Browser are tied to Xiaomi account, while Chrome or Edge sync with Google or Microsoft account, which is more convenient for users of multiple devices.

In addition, Mi Browser does not support extensions (unlike Firefox or Kiwi Browser), which limits functionality for advanced users, such as uBlock Origin for blocking ads or Dark Reader for night mode.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models for the Chinese market (China) ROM) It is not possible to remove the Mi Browser completely, it can only be turned off, and this is due to the manufacturer's policy and local legislation.

Method 1: Install a browser from Google Play (for Global ROM)

The easiest method is to download an alternative browser from the official store. It is suitable for smartphones with Global ROM or EEA ROM (Europe), where Google Play is preinstalled.

Instructions:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. In the search bar, enter the browser name, for example: 🔍 Google Chrome for maximum compatibility with websites; 🔍 Mozilla Firefox – for extensions and privacy; 🔍 Microsoft Edge – for integration with Windows; 🔍 Brave Browser – for blocking ads and crypto rewards.

Install

Google

To make the new browser the default application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on the Browser item and select the desired application from the list.

Download backup of bookmarks from Mi Browser|

Check the vacant space (minimum 200 MB) |

Disable battery optimization for the new browser|

Ensure a stable Internet connection-->

Method 2: Installation APK-file (for China) ROM or without Google Play)

If your Xiaomi doesn’t have Google Play (for example, China) ROM), You can install the browser manually through APK-This method is also useful for installing beta versions or modified builds (e.g. Chrome Canary or Firefox Nightly).

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK-browser file from a verified source: 🌐 Official website: Chrome, Firefox; 📦 APKMirror: Link (check hash amounts of files!); 🛡️ Avoid third-party sites – they may spread malware.
2. Transfer the file to your smartphone (for example, via Bluetooth, Telegram, or USB cable).
3. Enable installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → File Manager. Activate the Switch Install Unknown Applications.

Files by Google

.apk

Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14/15 first-installation APK You may see a warning saying, "This app could harm your device." This is the standard message for all third-party files -- if you downloaded it. APK From the official website, safely confirm the installation.

After installation, we recommend disabling the "Install Unknown Applications" permission for the file manager for security purposes.

Mi Browser (staying on it) |

Google Chrome|

Mozilla Firefox|

Microsoft Edge|

Brave or other-->

Method 3: Transfer bookmarks and data from Mi Browser

When you change your browser, you don’t have to lose your bookmarks, history, and passwords, and most alternative browsers support importing data from the Mi Browser.

Portability options:

If you use Brave or Edge, the import process is similar to Chrome, as they are all based on the Chromium engine. HTML-file.

💡

Before the data penos clear the cache in Mi Browser (Settings → Clear data) to avoid conflicts during synchronization.

Method 4: Disabling or Deleting Mi Browser

If you have switched to a different browser completely, you can disable or delete the Mi Browser so that it does not take up space and consume resources.

• 🔧 On Global. ROM Mi Browser can be disabled but not completely removed (it is a system application).
• 🚫 China. ROM Disconnection can lead to malfunctions in work MIUI, Since the browser is integrated into the system.
• ⚙️ For complete removal, root rights or use will be required. ADB.

Instructions for unsetting:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser on the list and tap it.
3. Click Disable (the button can be gray if the browser is protected by the system).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

To remove via ADB (computer and USB debugging required):

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

This command will only remove the browser for the current user without affecting system files.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Disabling Mi Browser can lead to errors when opening links from other applications (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp). In this case, we recommend simply resetting the default settings for the browser in the Settings menu. → Annexes → Mi Browser → Open by default.

Method 5: Using alternative launchers to change browsers

If MIUI persistently opens links to Mi Browser despite default settings, you can bypass this restriction with a third-party launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion Launcher).

How it works:

1. Install an alternative launcher from Google Play.
2. Assign it as the default launcher in Settings → Home → Default launcher.
3. In the launcher settings, find the "Default Apps" or "Reference Processors" section.
4. Select the browser you want to open web links.

Advantages of this method:

• 🎯 It even works for China. ROM, where MIUI limited;
• 🔄 Allows you to flexibly customize handlers for different types of links (e.g, http:// and https://);
• 🛠️ Does not require root rights or ADB.

Of the popular launchers, we recommend:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – maximum customization and stability;
• 🚀 Lawnchair is lightweight and close to Android stock;
• 🎨 Hyperion Launcher – modern design with gesture support.

Solving problems when changing browser to Xiaomi

Even after installing a new browser correctly, there can be difficulties. Let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them.

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the application settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ → Resetting application settings.
2. Confirm the action and restart the device.
3. Again assign the desired browser to the default application.

adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.app.role.BROWSER com.android.chrome

(Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package).-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi