How to change the default app on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer users a wide range of customization options, including a selection of standard apps. However, many device owners have difficulty changing their default browser, gallery or messenger. Unlike “pure” Android, where this process is intuitive, MIUI’s algorithm of actions may vary depending on the firmware version and phone model.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to change the default applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, learn how to assign new programs for opening links, processing files, sending messages and other tasks, pay special attention to the nuances of working with MIUI 12, 13 and 14, and also consider alternative methods for cases where standard settings do not work.

Why Xiaomi is Hard to Change Default Apps

MIUI is known for aggressively promoting Xiaomi-branded services, and even if you install a third-party browser or gallery, it can automatically return standard apps after updates or reboots.

• 🔄 Automatic Restore of Settings – Function MIUI Optimization, which resets some parameters to factory after system updates
• 📦 Integration with Xiaomi ecosystem – apps like Mi Browser or Mi Gallery are closely linked to the company’s cloud services
• 🛡️ Security restrictions – some system applications have enhanced rights and cannot be completely replaced

In addition, the path to customizing standard applications can change in different versions of MIUI, for example, in MIUI 12 this section was in one place, and in MIUI 14 it was moved to another menu, and we will look at the current ways for all modern versions of firmware.

Method 1: Changes through basic system settings

The simplest and most versatile method is to use the standard settings section, which works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12 and later.

To change the default application:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen)
2. Go to the Applications section → Application management
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps
4. In the list that opens, select a category (for example, Browser, Gallery, SMS)
5. Tap on the current app and select an alternative from the list

It's important to note that some categories may not be on this menu, for example, on some devices you can't change the standard Phone or Camera app through this section, and in such cases you'll have to use alternative methods, which we'll talk about later.

Check the MIUI version in the settings

Make sure that an alternative application is installed

Close all background processes

Restart the device before changing settings-->

Method 2: Assignment through file opening

If the desired category is not in the settings, you can use an alternative method – assigning by opening a specific file, which is especially useful for changing the default applications for certain types of files (for example, PDF, music, video).

Instructions:

1. Find the file of the desired type in the Explorer or Gallery
2. Tap the file and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds.
3. In the menu that appears, select Open with...
4. Click Always (or Use by default in some versions)
5. Select the desired application from the list

This method works for most file types, but has a limitation: it changes the standard application only for a specific extension. For example, if you assigned a VLC to open MP4, this does not mean that all videos will now open in that player - only files with an MP4 extension.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Change

For power users who are not afraid to work with developer tools, there is a method of changing standard applications through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to bypass the limitations of MIUI and assign any compatible application by default.

Warning: misuse ADB This can cause the system to be unstable. MIUI 14 This method may require a shutdown. MIUI Optimization through the team `adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1`.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the build number in Settings → About phone)
2. Activate debugging over USB in the developer settings
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.example.package/com.example.activity Replace com.example.package with the batch name of the desired application
4. To change the browser by default, use: adb shell pm set-default-browser com.android.chrome

List of popular packet names:

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB Some system functions may not work properly, such as disabling Mi Browser as the default browser can cause errors in the Mi Account and other Xiaomi services.

Features for different types of applications

The process of changing a standard application may vary depending on its type, and let's look at the most common categories and the nuances of their customization.

Browser by default

To change the browser:

• 🌐 Use the method through settings (section "Default Apps")
• 🔗 When you open the link, select “Always” for the desired browser.
• 🛠️ For forced change, use ADB-pm set-default browser

Gallery and photographs

The standard gallery app changes through:

• 📷 Settings → Annexes → Default applications → gallery
• 🖼️ Open any image with the choice of "Always"

Important: Some alternative galleries (e.g. Google Photos) cannot completely replace the standard Mi Gallery due to the integration with Xiaomi system services.

SMS and messengers

To change the standard SMS-applications:

• 💬 Use the "Default Apps" section in the settings
• 📱 Install an alternative messenger (e.g. Google Messages)
• ⚠️ Some devices require you to disable Mi Messages in application settings

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After the shift SMS-Message notification applications do not arrive, check the permissions for the new messenger in the notification and autorun settings.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change standard applications to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

Problem 1: After the MIUI update, standard applications are reset

Solution: Disable MIUI Optimization via ADB:

adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1

Or reset the application settings to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Settings (⚙) → Resetting application settings

Problem 2: Apps are not available in the list

Solution: Check if the application supports this type of file/action. Some programs require additional settings in their settings. For example, in VLC you need to enable the option "Install as default player" in the application settings.

Problem 3: The system automatically returns standard Xiaomi apps

Solution: This is related to the work of the service com.miui.securitycenter.

• 🔄 Disable auto-update system applications
• 🛡️ Freeze Mi Browser or Mi Gallery via Settings → Annexes → Permits → Special access → Background launch
• 🔧 Use applications like App Manager to block system services

⚠️ Warning: Disabling or freezing Xiaomi system applications can lead to unstable device performance, interface errors and update issues.Be sure to back up your data before doing these steps and be prepared for the possible consequences.

Alternative methods for experienced users

If standard methods don't work, you can use more advanced methods, which require certain technical skills and can affect the stability of the device.

Method 1: Use of Tasker or MacroDroid

Automation applications allow you to create rules for forced file openings in certain programs, for example, you can set up a rule that automatically opens all files. PDF-Adobe Acrobat files, ignoring system settings.

Method 2: Editing system files

For devices with unlocked bootloader and root rights, you can manually edit files /system/etc/permissions/default_permissions.xml or /data/system/users/0/package-restrictions.xml. However, this method is extremely risky and can lead to soft-brick devices.

Method 3: Installation of custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS are free of MIUI restrictions and allow you to freely change standard applications. Note that installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and leads to a loss of warranty.

💡

The most reliable way to get rid of the limitations of MIUI is to install custom firmware based on AOSP. However, this method is suitable only for advanced users and requires careful preparation.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions