How to change the default app on Xiaomi phone: all the ways

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI They offer users flexible settings, but it's not always obvious how to change standard apps. You may not like the built-in Mi Browser browser, prefer Google Photos over the standard Gallery, or want to use Telegram instead of the standard Gallery. SMS-In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change applications by default, from basic settings to hidden functions. MIUI.

It is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS) and the phone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.). We will look at universal methods, as well as nuances for specific scenarios – for example, when the desired application does not appear in the list or the system automatically resets. If you encounter an error “It is impossible to install as a default application”, here you will find a solution.

Why Xiaomi restricts the change of applications by default

MIUI is initially set up to use Xiaomi’s branded services – part of the brand ecosystem, for example, Mi Browser is integrated with the Mi Cloud, and the Gallery syncs with Xiaomi Photos. However, the restrictions are not absolute: the manufacturer must comply with the rules of the European Union (if your phone is purchased in the EU) and Google for certified devices.

The main reasons why MIUI can block application change are:

• 🔒 Security: Some system applications (e.g, SMS or Phone) require special permissions that third-party programs cannot obtain.
• 📦 Pre-installed services: Xiaomi enters into partnerships with developers (for example, with Facebook or Netflix), so their applications can be “fixed” in the system.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI: After major updates (for example, the transition to HyperOS) default settings can be reset.

In most cases, these restrictions are bypassed through settings or third-party tools, with the exception of Chinese firmware versions (for example, for Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI China), where customization options are severely curtailed due to local legislation.

Method 1: Standard change through MIUI settings

This is the simplest method that works for most categories of applications: browsers, galleries, keyboards, instant messengers, etc. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. In the list, find the category you want to change (for example, Browser or Gallery).
4. Slip on the current app and select an alternative from the list.

If the desired app is not on the list, make sure that:

• 📱 It is installed on the device (check in Settings). → Annexes → All applications).
• 🔧 It supports this feature (for example, not all file managers can become the default for opening documents).
• 🔄 You have updated it to the latest version (sometimes you need to restart it).

Install an alternative app from Google Play|Check the permissions for the new app in Settings|Restart the phone after installation|Update. MIUI last-minute-->

Important! On some models (Redmi 10, POCO M4 Pro), the default App item may be located elsewhere: Settings → System → Additional → Default Apps.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the system does not save the changes)

Sometimes MIUI forgets the default apps you've chosen after a reboot or update, and this is due to the system cache.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action (this won’t delete data, but will reset the default permissions and settings).
4. Re-installing the required applications by default (see Method 1).

This method also helps if:

• 🚫 The application does not open files despite being selected by default.
• 🔄 Settings are reset after the update MIUI.
• ⚠️ Error: "It is impossible to install this application».

⚠️ Note: Resetting app settings will also remove all permissions (camera, microphone, etc.) for all programs, and after the procedure, you will have to reconfirm the rights for Instagram, Viber and other services.

Method 3: Using ADB for forced change (for power users)

If the standard methods do not work (for example, MIUI China or after rooting, you can apply ADB-This method requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic knowledge of working with Android Debug Bridge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command:

adb shell cmd role remove-default


adb shell cmd role add-default <app package> <role>

Examples of roles and packages:

Once you've done the commands, restart your phone. If you have a SecurityException error, your version of MIUI is blocking the kernel level changes, and then you can only unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause a phone reset or data loss.Before experimenting, back up through Settings → The phone. → Backup.

Method 4: Changing the launcher to manage applications by default

If you need to change not only individual applications, but also the appearance of the system, install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher).

• 🎨 Assign default apps for specific actions (e.g., opening links in Chrome instead of Mi Browser).
• 🔧 Hide Xiaomi system applications that cannot be removed.
• 📱 Use gestures and hotkeys to quickly start the desired programs.

How to set up:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. When you first start, select it as the default launcher.
3. In the launcher settings, find the default Application or File Association section.
4. Assign the right programs for each category.

On MIUI 14 and HyperOS, some launchers may conflict with system services (e.g. Mi Share or Game Turbo). In this case, disable the launcher optimization in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.

Special cases: how to change SMS, Phone and System applications

Some categories of applications (e.g. SMS, Phone or Camera) are Android-proof and not always replaceable by standard methods.

1. Replacement SMS-messenger

By default, MIUI uses Messages (com.android.mms) to change it to Telegram, Google Messages or another messenger:

• 📩 Install an alternative app (e.g. Google Messages).
• 🔧 Open it, follow the setup instructions (you may need to make it the default app for the SMS in his own settings).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.

If the option does not appear in the default App list, use ADB (see Method 3) with the role android.app.role.SMS.

2. Replacement of the Phone application

Here, it's more complicated: MIUI blocks the replacement of a system call (com.android.dialer) with a third-party one (such as Google Phone or Truecaller).

• 📞 Use an alternative call as an overlay: it will run on top of the system, but it will not replace it completely.
• 🔧 Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) where there are no such restrictions.

3. Replacement of the Chamber or Gallery

To replace the standard Camera (com.android.camera) with Google Camera or Open Camera:

1. Install an alternative application.
2. Open it and provide all the necessary permissions.
3. In Settings → Applications → Permissions → Camera disable access for the system camera (if not necessary).

For the Gallery, it is enough to select an alternative in the default Applications (see Method 1). However, the Xiaomi System Gallery will still be displayed in the Share menu - this is a feature of MIUI.

💡

If you’re using Google Camera on Xiaomi, install the Magisk module to fully support features (like Night Sight).

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

When changing the default applications, Xiaomi users often face typical problems.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Firmware region: on Chinese versions (MIUI CN) Install global firmware via Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔒 Superuser Rights: System applications can be removed on rooted devices via Titanium Backup.
• 🔄 Android Version: On Android 13/14 Some settings have been moved to Settings → Confidentiality.

💡

On Chinese firmware (MIUI CN), application change is often blocked by default at the system level, with the only way out being to flash the global version or use ADB with superuser rights.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions