How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro smartphones run on the proprietary shell MIUI, which by default uses the Mi Browser browser. However, many users prefer alternative solutions - Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera - because of their speed, synchronization with other devices or additional features. Changing the default browser to Redmi 9 Pro does not require root rights or complex manipulations, but has its own nuances associated with the features of MIUI.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for replacing a standard browser, including installing alternative applications, setting system parameters and solving possible problems. We will also look at why some versions of MIUI can hide the browser change option in the depth of settings, and how to find it without undue effort. If you have tried to change the browser through the standard menu and did not find the right item, do not worry: there is a solution, and it is simpler than it seems.

Why you should change your default browser to Redmi 9 Pro

The built-in Mi Browser is far from ideal for all users, and here are a few reasons to consider alternatives:

• 🚀 Performance: Chrome and Firefox often run faster on complex sites thanks to optimized engines (Blink and Gecko, respectively).
• 🔒 Privacy: Mi Browser collects data to personalize ads in Xiaomi’s ecosystem, while Firefox Focus or Brave offer enhanced protection.
• 🔄 Sync: If you use your browser on other devices (PC, tablet), syncing bookmarks and history through your Google or Mozilla account will make it easier to work with.
• 🛠️ Extensions: Chrome and Firefox support plugins (such as ad blockers) that are not in the Mi Browser.

In addition, some sites may be more correctly displayed in alternative browsers due to differences in processing JavaScript or CSS. For example, web versions of instant messengers (Telegram Web, WhatsApp Web) often work more stable in Chrome than in the standard Xiaomi browser.

What browsers can be installed on Redmi 9 Pro

On the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro you can install almost any browser from the Google Play Market. Here are the most popular options with their key features:

For most users, Google Chrome is the best choice – it’s pre-installed on many Xiaomi devices (even if it’s not the default browser) and offers the best balance between speed and functionality. If you’re worried about privacy, look to Firefox or Brave.

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Before installing a new browser, check the available space on the device. Some browsers (such as Chrome) can take up to 200 MB, taking into account cache and updates.

Preparation: Installation of an alternative browser

Before you change your default browser, you need to install it on your device. Here's how to do this:

1. Open the Google Play Market. Find it in the app menu or on the home screen.
2. Click "Install" and wait for the download to be completed.

If you prefer a browser that is not in the Play Market (for example, Yandex Browser from the official website), you will need to:

• 📱 Allow installation from unknown sources: go to Settings → Annexes → Special access rights → Install unknown applications and select the browser (or file manager) through which you will install APK.
• 🔗 Download APK: Use the official website of the developer to avoid viruses.
• 📦 Install the file: open the downloaded APK and follow the instructions.

Once you install a new browser, you can start setting it as the default browser, but note that some versions of MIUI may have different processes, more on this in the next section.

Step-by-step: how to change the browser by default

The process of changing the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro depends on the version of MIUI. Below are the current ways for most builds (including MIUI 12/13/14).

Method 1: Through application settings (standard method)

1. Open the settings on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Apps (or All Apps) section.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If the default App item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → System → Additional → Default Applications → Browser

Method 2: By Opening a Link (Alternative Method)

If the standard method did not work, you can “force” the system to offer a browser choice:

1. Open any app that has clickable links (such as Telegram, WhatsApp or Gmail).
2. Click on any link (e.g. in a message).
3. In the window that appears, select Always and specify the desired browser.
4. Confirm your choice by pressing OK.

This method works because Android asks for permission to open links by default at the first click. If the window does not appear, then the browser has already been selected before - in this case, use Method 1 or reset the application settings (more on this below).

Method 3: Reset application settings (if the browser does not change)

If the system stubbornly ignores your attempts to change the browser, try resetting the default application settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action.
4. After resetting, repeat Method 2 (open the link).

Problem Solving: The browser is not changed or reset

Sometimes, after changing the default browser, MIUI will arbitrarily return the Mi Browser as its primary browser, which may be due to:

• 🔄 Automatic reset after system update.
• 📱 Optimize the battery that suspends the alternative browser.
• 🛠️ Conflict with Xiaomi branded services (for example, Mi Security).

Here's how to fix it:

⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI 12.5 or later, disable the Adaptive Battery function for the browser you select. → Battery → Selection of applications and set the browser mode Without restrictions.

Problem 1: The browser is reset after the reboot

This is a typical problem for Xiaomi on some versions of MIUI.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Browser in the list and click on it.
3. Select to Disable (if the button is active).
4. For an alternative browser (such as Chrome), click on Permissions and enable all the options you need.

Problem 2: No way to select a browser in the settings

On some firmware, Xiaomi hides the option of changing the browser.

• 📌 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Use it. ADB-Team (requires PC and debugging by USB): adb shell cmd role remove-role-holder android.app.role.BROWSER com.android.browser adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.app.role.BROWSER org.mozilla.firefox (replace org.mozilla.firefox with your browser package, for example, com.android.chrome for Chrome).

Problem 3: Links open in Mi Browser despite settings

This is because some apps (like Facebook or Instagram) have their own settings for opening links.

1. Open the app where the problem occurs (like Facebook).
2. Go to its settings (usually through the menu in the upper right corner).
3. Find the Link Opening or Browser section and select Open in an external browser.

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If none of the methods worked, try installing your browser through APKMirror (like the older version of Chrome).Sometimes Xiaomi's firmware will block new versions of apps due to conflicts.

Additional settings for optimal browser operation

After changing the browser by default, it is recommended to configure it for maximum performance and convenience:

1. Optimization of productivity

• 🔄 Cache Clearing: Clean your browser cache regularly in Settings → Annexes → [Browser name] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📶 Traffic Saving: In Chrome, enable Traffic Saving in Settings (Settings) → Saving traffic).
• 🔋 Background Limitation: Turn off the background browser if you do not use synchronization (Settings) → System system → Additionally. → Special facilities → Optimizing the battery).

Synchronization setting

If you use a browser on multiple devices, set up sync:

• 🔑 For Chrome: Sign in to your Google account in your browser settings and enable bookmark, history and password sync.
• 🦊 For Firefox: Create a Firefox account and activate sync in Settings → Firefox account.

3. Security and confidentiality

To protect your data:

• 🔒 Turn off password saving in your browser if you use a password manager (such as Bitwarden or 1Password).
• 🚫 Block Trackers: In Firefox, enable Enhanced Tracking Protection (Settings) → Confidentiality).
• 🛡️ Use it. VPN: Opera has a built-in VPN — activate it in the settings.

For Chrome, you can install extensions (if supported by your browser version) through the Settings → Extensions menu. Popular options are uBlock Origin (ad blocker) and Dark Reader (dark theme for sites).

Browser comparison: which one to choose for Redmi 9 Pro

To make the choice easier, we compared the key browsers by the main criteria for Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro:

For most users, Google Chrome remains the best choice due to its speed and integration with Google services. However, if you care about privacy, Brave or Firefox will be preferred. Opera is suitable for those who often use VPN or turbo mode to save traffic.

Frequently asked questions

If you still have questions about setting up your browser on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro, check the relevance of the firmware or contact Xiaomi with the MIUI version in support. Most problems are solved by updating the system or resetting the application settings.