How to Remove the Default App on Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete Guide with Hidden Settings

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones based on MIUI automatically assign the default applications to open files, links or perform actions — a browser for web pages, a gallery for photos, a music player for audio. Over time, this can become a problem: the system persistently opens an unnecessary browser, and the favorite messenger is ignored. Worse, some applications (such as Mi Browser or Music) can not be removed by standard methods — they can only be reset or disabled.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including hidden MIUI settings, ADB commands and circumvention of restrictions for system applications. The instructions are relevant for all modern models: Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 11/12, POCO X5 and others on MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions). If your smartphone runs on HyperOS (the new shell from Xiaomi), some methods also apply — we will note these cases separately.

Compounding the problem is that MIUI aggressively protects system applications, for example, even after resetting the default settings, the Mi Browser can become the default browser again after the reboot. This is not a bug, but a feature of the firmware - this is how Xiaomi promotes its services. But you can get around the restrictions, and we'll show you how.

⚠️ Note: Some methods require root rights or PC connection. If you are not sure about your actions, use only standard settings (Settings) → Applications) Wrong commands ADB can cause all applications to be reset by default or system errors.

1. Standard reset via MIUI settings

The safest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most user applications (e.g. Chrome, VLC, Telegram), but does not always work with system ones (Mi Browser, Gallery).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. In the list, find the type of action (for example, Browser, Music Player) and tap it.
4. Select the desired application or click Reset to remove the current assignment.

⚠️ Note: if there is no Reset button in the list, the application is protected by the system.

The standard method works for:

• 🌐 Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
• 🎵 Music players (Spotify, YouTube Music)
• 📷 Gallery (Google Photos, Simple Gallery)
• 📄 File Managers (Files by Google, Solid Explorer)

Close all open applications that may use reset settings|

Check that the new application is installed and ready to use |

Back up important data (e.g., browser bookmarks) |

Reboot your smartphone after resetting so the changes take effect-->

2. Reset all applications by default at once

If you want to remove all default appointments (for example, after resetting your phone or installing a new firmware), use the hidden MIUI function:

Go to: Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ (menu) → Reset application settings

This option will remove:

• 🔄 All default assignments for files and links
• 🚫 Application permissions (you will have to reconfirm access to the camera, microphone, etc.)
• 📱 Notification settings (apps will have to ask permissions again)

⚠️ Warning: After this action, the system can reassign Mi Browser or Music as default when you first open the file.To prevent this, immediately open the desired application (such as Chrome) and select it as standard when you first request it.

Mi Browser|

Google Chrome|

Mi Music|

Gallery Xiaomi|

Other (write in the comments)-->

3. Disabling system applications via ADB

For applications that cannot be reset by standard methods (e.g. com.miui.browser or com.miui.player), you will need to connect to a PC and ADB command.

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Return to the Extra → For developers → Debugging by USB)

Steps:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm debugging on your phone screen.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices Make sure the device appears in the list.
3. Run the command to reset the application by default (replace package.name with a real package): adb shell pm clear package.name Examples of packages: com.android.browser - standard browser com.miui.player - music player Xiaomi com.miui.gallery - gallery Xiaomi

⚠️ Attention: pm clear will delete all application data (cache, settings, bookmarks). For the browser, this means losing history and saved passwords. If you just want to reset the default destination, use it:

adb shell pm clear-defaults package.name

4. Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If ADB commands seem complicated, you can use specialized applications. They do not require root, but some functions may be limited:

🔹 The recommendation is that for most users, Default App Manager is a good fit, it's easy to use and covers 80 percent of the time. ADB or root is not enough.

💡

Before using third-party utilities, check the reviews for the current date - some applications may stop working after MIUI updates. For example, MIUI 14 blocks reset functions for system packages without ADB.

5. Manual editing of settings (for power users)

If you're ready to experiment, you can manually change your MIUI settings through the Settings Provider database, which requires root or access to the ADB with shell rights.

Instructions:

1. Connect to the device through ADB and execute: adb shell settings list global Find options related to the default applications (e.g, default_browser).
2. Reset the value by command: adb shell settings delete global default_browser (substitute default_browser key-wire).
3. Reset the device.

🔹 Example of keys for MIUI:

• default_browser — default
• default_music_player — music player
• default_gallery — gallery

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of the Settings Provider database can result in loss of system functionality or cyclical restart.Before experimenting, make a backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

💡

Advertising with ADB is the most powerful method, but also the riskiest. Use it only if other methods have not worked and you understand the possible consequences.

6. Features for HyperOS and new Xiaomi models

In 2026, Xiaomi began the transition from MIUI to a new HyperOS shell, which changed the default application management interface, but the logic remained the same.

🔹 The path to settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ (menu) → Resetting application settings

(In HyperOS, this may be called Resetting Preferences.)

🔹 Limitations:

• ❌ Blocked reset for Mi Browser and Music without ADB.
• ✅ Added support for dynamic icons for applications by default.
• ⚠️ In some regional versions (e.g. India), system applications are more secure.

🔹 New teams ADB:

HyperOS may require the --user 0 flag:

adb shell pm clear --user 0 package.name

7 What should I do if nothing helps?

If none of the methods worked, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔒 Manufacturer policy: on some models (for example, Redmi for the Chinese market), system applications are rigidly sewn into firmware.
• 🛡️ Protection MIUI: In the latest versions of the shell, even commands are blocked. ADB system-package.
• 📦 Damaged Settings: If the reset doesn’t work, try clearing the system cache in Recovery Mode.

🔹 Extreme measures:

1. Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) requires unlocking the bootloader and root.
2. Using Magisk modules, such as App Systemizer, to “deceive” the system.
3. Reset to factory settings (last option if the problem is caused by an application conflict).

⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware on Xiaomi Redmi can lead to loss of warranty and problems with the company. OTA-Before the procedure, check the compatibility of the firmware with your model in the forum. XDA Developers.

FAQ: Frequent questions