How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all ways

Changing the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is a challenge that many users face after buying a smartphone. The fact is that the MIUI firmware out of the box installs the Mi Browser branded application as the main browser, which does not always suit owners in terms of speed, functionality or privacy policy. Fortunately, Android allows you to flexibly adjust such settings, but on Xiaomi devices this process has its nuances.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current default browser changes, from standard MIUI 12/13/14 settings to ADB bypassing restrictions (for power users), and focus on common errors, such as when the system ignores changes or returns the Mi Browser after a reboot, and how to check which browser is currently in default and what to do if the desired application is not on the list of available ones.

Important: the instructions below are relevant for the Redmi Note 8 (the ginkgo model) based on Android 10/11 with MIUI 12-14 firmware. On newer versions (for example, HyperOS), the logic may differ - we will also mention this.

Why you should change the default browser to Redmi Note 8

Xiaomi’s signature Mi Browser has several features that not all users seem to have advantages:

• 🔍 Data collection: the app sends telemetry to Xiaomi by default, including your visit history (you can turn off in settings, but not completely).
• ⚡ Performance: Compared to Chrome, Firefox or Brave, Mi Browser often runs slower on weak devices (e.g. when opening 10)+ tab).
• 🛠️ Limited functionality: no sync with Google account, weak extension support, no read mode.
• 📦 Built-in Advertising: In some regions (e.g. India), Mi Browser displays banners on the home screen.

Alternative browsers offer:

• 🔒 Better privacy (e.g. Brave blocks trackers by default, Firefox Focus doesn’t save history).
• ⚡ Speed with optimized engines (Chrome on Blink, Firefox on Gecko).
• 🌐 Sync between devices (via Google, Mozilla or Microsoft accounts).
• 🎨 Flexible interface setting (dark theme, gestures, tab bar below).

According to StatCounter statistics for 2023, Chrome is the largest ~65% of the mobile browser market, and Mi Browser is less than 2%, which suggests that most users prefer alternatives.

Preparation: checking the current browser and installing alternatives

Before you change your browser by default, make sure that the device has an appropriate alternative installed.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type "browser" (or "browser"). The system will show all installed browsers.
3. If you only have Mi Browser on the list, install an alternative from Google Play: 🌐 Google Chrome – universal choice with synchronization. 🦊 Mozilla Firefox is for privacy lovers. 🛡️ Brave Browser – Blocks Ads and Trackers.

To check which browser is currently being used by default:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → By default.
2. Click on the browser app, and the current app will be displayed here.

💡

If the browser you want isn't on the default list, try opening it manually and waiting for the system to request a change. Sometimes MIUI doesn't update the list automatically.

Method 1: Change the browser through standard MIUI settings

This is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices without root rights. MIUI 12–14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. At the top of the screen, select the “Default apps” tab.
4. Click on the browser app.
5. In the window that opens, select the browser you want from the list (e.g. Chrome or Firefox).
6. Confirm the choice by clicking “Set as default”.

Open any link from the message (for example, in Telegram)

Check if the application is running.

Go to Settings → Applications → By default and make sure the change is made

Restart the phone and repeat the check-->

Method 2: Change the browser by opening a link

If the standard method didn't work, try to initiate a browser change through a system request.

1. Open any app that has clickable links (such as Telegram, WhatsApp or Gmail).
2. Find a post with a URL (e.g. https://example.com) and click on it.
3. The system will suggest selecting an application to open. Check "Always" and select the desired browser.
4. Confirm the action by clicking "Open".

This method often works when the browser does not appear in the default settings. However, it has limitations:

• ⚠️ Not all apps support system dialogue, for example, on Facebook or Instagram, links are opened in the built-in browser.
• ⚠️ MIUI It can reset after the system update, and then you have to repeat the procedure.

Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change (for experienced users)

If MIUI ignores your attempts to change your browser, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your phone to your computer, but it is guaranteed to work even on blocked firmware.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on Redmi Note 8 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device appears in the list.
3. Run the command to change the browser (for example, on Chrome): adb shell cmd role add-package com.android.chrome android.support.customtabs.role.CUSTOM_TABS_SERVICE adb shell cmd role add-package com.android.chrome android.support.customtabs.role.DEFAULT_CUSTOM_TABS_SERVICE
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

If after the reboot the browser reset to Mi Browser, use an alternative command:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.browser.global

This will clear the Mi Browser data and the system will prompt you to select the browser again the next time you open the link.

💡

The ADB method is the only reliable way to change your browser on firmware with regional restrictions (for example, the Chinese version of MIUI).

Table: browser comparison for Redmi Note 8

To choose the best browser, compare their key characteristics:

For the Redmi Note 8 with 4GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 665 processor, Firefox or Kiwi Browser are the best option — they consume less memory than Chrome, but support extensions. If privacy is the priority, choose Brave.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change your browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, users experience typical errors.

⚠️ Note: If, after changing the browser, links from some applications (for example, Instagram or TikTok) still open in Mi Browser, this is due to the settings of the applications themselves.

Problem 1: The default list does not have the right browser.

• 🔹 Make sure the browser is installed and updated.
• 🔹 Try opening it manually and wait for the system request.
• 🔹 Clear the cache of Settings → Annexes → [browser] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Problem 2: After the reboot, the browser is reset to Mi Browser.

• 🔹 This is a feature of some versions. MIUI. Use the method with ADB.
• 🔹 Turn off automatic update of Mi Browser in Google Play.

Problem 3: The system says “It is impossible to set by default.”

• 🔹 Check if restrictions are imposed through the Child Regime or corporate policies.
• 🔹 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions