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

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 smartphones running MIUI are known for customizing Android, but sometimes this creates inconveniences, such as the system insists on using the built-in Mi Browser browser instead of alternative solutions such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge. The reason lies in the aggressive integration of branded services: MIUI by default blocks the change of standard applications through normal Android settings.

Unlike pure Android, where it takes 2 clicks to change your browser, Redmi Note 8 will have to go through several menus or even install additional utilities, especially for devices with MIUI 10-12.5, where the swap algorithm differs from the newer versions. But don’t worry: in this article we will analyze all the working methods, from standard to bypass.

It’s important to understand that the problem is not with the firmware curve, but with Xiaomi’s policies: the company is actively promoting its services, including a browser with pre-installed affiliate links, but the user rights have not been canceled, and we’ll show you how to implement them.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings

To begin with, the most obvious method that works on most versions of MIUI (except for heavily stripped down local firmware) does not require superuser rights or third-party applications.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser item (or Web Link Processing in some versions).
4. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If you don't have a Browser item on the menu, your version of MIUI is hiding it, so move on to the next one.

Make sure that an alternative browser is installed

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check for the "Default Applications" option in the settings

Make a backup copy of important bookmarks-->

⚠️ Note: Some firmware for Redmi Note 8 (especially Chinese) may not have a browser change point even after the update. This is not a mistake - this is how Xiaomi's policy for local markets works.

Method 2: Use the Open with Menu

If the standard path doesn't work, try tricking the system through the context menu, which works even on heavily modified firmware.

Algorithm of action:

1. Find any web link (for example, on Telegram, WhatsApp or on your desktop).
2. Keep your finger on the link until the context menu appears.
3. Choose Open with Help → Always → [the right browser].
4. Confirm the choice in the window that appears.

This works 80 percent of the time, but it has the disadvantage of repeating the action for each type of link (HTTP, HTTPS, web addresses from different applications), but it does not require root rights or complex manipulation.

Method 3: Reset application settings (radical method)

If previous methods didn’t work, you can go to extreme lengths to reset all applications to factory settings, which will remove all user preferences, including browser binding.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action (a password may be required).
4. After rebooting the first time you open the link, the system will suggest you to choose a browser.

⚠️ Note: After resetting, some apps (such as Facebook or Instagram) may stop opening links correctly. You will have to manually assign handlers for each of them through Settings. → Annexes → [name] → Open by default.

Method 4: Use ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)

For users ready to dive into the technical details, there is a method through Android Debug Bridge (ADB) that is guaranteed to work, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Activate Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
3. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:

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

Then assign the browser you want to use the standard menu (see Method 1). If you want to force Chrome to be the default browser, use:

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

Method 5: Installation of alternative firmware (for enthusiasts)

If all previous methods failed, the most radical option is to reflash the phone to custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which completely removes the limitations of MIUI, but has its own risks:

• 🔧 Loss of warranty (if the phone is under warranty).
• 📱 Possible bugs with camera or sensors (depending on firmware).
• 🔄 Need for manual data backup.
• 🛠️ Requires an unlocked bootloader and knowledge of fastboot commands.

The advantage of this method is complete freedom: you can not only change the browser, but also remove all pre-installed Xiaomi applications, including Mi Browser, Mi Video and others.

💡

Before firmware, be sure to check the compatibility of custom firmware with the Redmi Note 8 model (codenamed ginkgo).Incompatible firmware can turn the phone into a "brick".

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, Redmi Note 8 users face typical problems.

1.The browser is reset after the MIUI update

This is standard behavior. After every major update, MIUI resets some default settings.

• 🔄 Reassign the browser through Settings → Default applications.
• 📵 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

2. Links from some apps open in Mi Browser

Some apps (such as Mi Community or Mi Store) are tightly tied to Mi Browser.

• 🚫 Remove updates for problematic apps through Settings → Annexes.
• 🔧 Use App Cloner or Island to create a sandbox with an alternative browser.

3. It is not possible to install Chrome as the default browser

If Google Chrome is not listed in the list of available browsers:

• 🔍 Check if it is installed as a system application (sometimes) MIUI Blocks system versions).
• 📥 Remove and install Chrome from APKMirror (not from Play Market).
• 🛠️ Use it. ADB-Team from Method 4 for Forced Assignment.

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The most reliable way to avoid problems is to use browsers that support “open all links within yourself” (for example, Chrome or Firefox Focus), which minimizes conflicts with MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions