How to change the default application to Xiaomi: browser, SMS, calls and others

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on the MIUI shell often install their own applications by default: Mi Browser, Messages, Phone or Gallery. But what if you prefer Google Chrome, Telegram for SMS or Files by Google for files? In this article, we will discuss all the ways to change standard applications, from basic settings to hidden MIUI 14/15 features (including HyperOS for new models).

The procedure seems simple, but in practice users are faced with nuances: some applications do not appear in the selection list, and after updating the system, the settings are reset. We will tell you how to avoid typical errors and fix your favorite programs forever.

Important: The instructions are relevant for all modern Xiaomi devices, including Xiaomi 14 flagships, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and budget POCO M6. If your model is older than 2020 (such as Redmi 9 or Mi 10T), check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone – some menu items may differ.

What apps can be made standard on Xiaomi

The MIUI shell allows you to replace standard programs only for certain actions, and here is a complete list of categories where you can choose from:

• 🌐 Browser – Opening web links (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
• 💬 SMS/MMS — Sending and reading messages (Google Messages, Textra)
• 📞 Phone – Outgoing Calls (Google Phone, Truecaller)
• 📷 Photo/video (GCam, Open Camera)
• 🎵 Music – audio playback (Spotify, VLC)
• 📁 File Manager – Opening folders (Files by Google, Solid Explorer)
• 📄 Documents - viewing PDF/XLS (WPS Office, Adobe Acrobat)

❌ You can not replace system utilities:

• ⚙️ Settings (Settings)
• 🔒 Security (Security)
• 📱 Application Manager (App Manager)
• 🔋 Battery and productivity

💡 On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) The list of replaceable applications has been expanded – categories for voice assistant and smart home have been added.

Method 1: Standard change through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI menu, which works on all devices, including the POCO F5, Redmi 12 and older models with MIUI 12+.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Slip on Application Management → Applications by default.
3. Select a category (e.g. Browser or Phone).
4. In the list, mark the desired application (if not, install it in advance from Google Play).

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Note: If the desired application does not appear in the list, check: 🔹 Is it in the main memory (not in the memory)? SD-map). 🔹 Does it have permission to do so (e.g. Google Messages must support the user’s request) SMS). 🔹 Is battery optimization or background activity disabled for this application.

Install an alternative app from Google Play|

Check permissions in Settings → Applications → [Application Name] → Permissions|

Turn off battery optimization for the app |

Restart your phone after installing a new app-->

Method 2: Change from the Open with Menu (for files)

If you want to change the application to open a specific file type (e.g.,.pdf or.mp3), use the context menu:

Algorithm:

1. Find the file in the File Manager or Gallery.
2. Slip the file and hold your finger until the menu appears.
3. Choose Open with Help → Always.
4. Specify the desired application and confirm the choice.

📌 Example: To VLC I opened all the videos, find any.mp4-File, tap it and select it. VLC → Always.

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Note: Some models (Redmi Note 11 and older) may always be notified after selecting, "MIUI limits this choice for security." In this case, use Method 3 (via ADB).

Method 3: Advanced shift through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g. Google Chrome doesn’t appear in the browser list), you can use the ADB command. This method is suitable for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.google.android.apps.nexuslauncher/.NexusLauncherActivity

com.google...

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

(This will reset the current selection, after which you can specify a new browser in the settings).

🔧 List of popular application packages:

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Attention: Incorrect use of ADB can cause system failures. Before executing commands, back up via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can use Google Play apps that make it easier to change standard programs.

• 🛠️ Default App Manager – Shows all categories and allows you to quickly switch between applications.
• 🔄 SetEdit – edits system settings (requires) ADB to unlock the full functionality).
• 📱 App Cloner – creates clones of applications with separate default settings (useful for testing).

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If after using a third-party utility, the settings are reset, clear the Settings app cache (Settings → Apps → Settings → Storage → Clear the cache).

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Note: Applications like SetEdit may require permission WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS, which is only given through ADB. Do not install such programs from unverified sources - the risk of catching a virus!

Why settings are reset after the MIUI update

Many Xiaomi users complain that after a system update (MIUI 13 → MIUI 14 or HyperOS) standard applications are reset to factory ones, the reason lies in Xiaomi’s security policy: in major updates, the shell resets some user settings for stability.

How to avoid this:

• 🔄 Before updating, fix the current settings with the help of ADB: adb shell settings put global default_browser com.android.chrome (replace com.android.chrome with the desired package).
• 📱 Use Default App Manager to back up your settings.
• 🔧 After updating manually return the settings through Settings → Annexes → Default applications.

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Features for HyperOS (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 and later)

The new HyperOS firmware, which debuted on Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70, has made changes to the management of standard applications.

• 🆕 Added the category “Voice Assistant” – you can choose Google Assistant instead of Xiao AI.
• 🔄 Application default option moved to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Application badges.
• 📱 Support for dynamic icons has appeared – standard apps can change icons depending on the topic.

🔹 To change the default assistant:

1. Open the Settings. → Voice assistant.
2. Select the default Assistant.
3. Specify Google or Xiao AI.

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Note: Some system applications (such as the Camera) are now protected on HyperOS MIUI Optimization. Replacing them may require disabling optimization through ADB: adb shell settings put global miui_optimization 0 Then restart the phone.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

When you change standard applications, users face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones.

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If none of these things worked, try resetting your apps to factory settings: Settings → Apps → Resetting your app settings. This won’t delete your data, but it will return all permissions to default.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions