How to install any browser on Xiaomi phones: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones often come with a pre-installed Mi Browser browser, which is not popular due to limited functionality or advertising. Meanwhile, many users want to install alternative solutions like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Brave. However, the installation process can be complicated by firmware features, regional restrictions or the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) in some models.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install browsers on Xiaomi devices, including bypassing possible locks. APK-Manual files, customize access rights, and what to do if an application does not start after installation. 11T Pro+ for the Chinese market) and phones with a locked boot loader.

Important: instructions are current for MIUI 14/15 and newer versions. If you have an older firmware (before MIUI 12), some steps may differ - check the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

1. Installation of the browser through Google Play Market

The easiest way is to download the browser from the official Google Play store, which is suitable for most global versions of Xiaomi, where Google services are preinstalled.

To install the browser:

• 📱 Open the Google Play Market app (Color Triangle icon).
• 🔍 In the search bar, type the browser name (such as Google Chrome or Firefox).
• 📥 Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
• 🔓 At the first start, allow all necessary permissions (access to files, camera for the first time). QR-codes, etc.).

If Google Play is not on your device, it means that you have Chinese firmware (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra for the domestic market).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5 Google Play can be disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Services and click Enable.

Installation APK-hand-file

If Google Play is not available or the desired browser is not in the store (for example, Yandex Browser for some regions), you can install the application through the Internet. APK-This method works on all Xiaomi devices, but requires pre-configuration.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK from the official browser site: 🌐 Google Chrome 🦊 Firefox 🛡️ Brave ⚠️ Attention: Never download APK from unverified sources (such as third-party file sharing sites) this can lead to the installation of malware.
2. Allow installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Browser (or Files). Activate the Toggle Install Unknown Applications.

Install APK.

• Open the downloaded file through Explorer or Files.
• Confirm the installation by clicking Install.

Once installed, it is recommended to disable the permission to install unknown applications back to improve device security.

3. Install your browser on Xiaomi without Google Services (GMS)

Some Xiaomi models designed for the Chinese market (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro) come without Google services. In this case, standard browser installation methods do not work, but there are workarounds.

Method 1: Use of alternative stores

Instead of Google Play, you can use other app directories:

• 🛒 HUAWEI AppGallery – supports many browsers, including Firefox.
• 📱 Mi App Store – the official Xiaomi store, where sometimes there are global versions of browsers.
• 🌍 APKPure – an alternative directory with verified APK.

Method 2: Manual addition of Google Services

For advanced users, it is possible to manually install GMS on Chinese firmware, a process that requires:

1. Unlock the bootloader (bootloader).
2. Installations of custom recavery (TWRP).
3. Google Apps firmware (e.g. NikGapps)

⚠️ Attention: Wrong firmware GMS This method is recommended only for advanced users. For beginners, it is better to consider buying a global version of a smartphone or using alternative browsers from the Mi App Store.

4. Browser setting by default

Once you install a new browser, you need to make it the default application so that all links open automatically.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. In the browser section, select the desired application (for example, Chrome).

If the option is not available, try:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📲 Open any browser and manually select it as the main one when a request appears.
• 🔧 Clear the Mi Browser cache in Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

On some firmware MIUI 15+ The default browser change option may be hidden. ADB-team:

adb shell cmd role add-package android.support.role.BROWSER com.android.chrome

Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package (e.g. org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox).

5. Solving problems with installing and launching the browser

Sometimes, even after successful installation, the browser may not start or work correctly. Consider typical errors and their solutions:

If the problem persists, try to clear the browser data:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Browser Name] → Storage.
2. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
3. Reset the device.

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If the browser is slowing down, try turning off animation in MIUI: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to turn on Developer Mode), then to Settings → Additional → For Developers and set the Animation Scale window on Off.

6.Alternative browsers for Xiaomi: a review of the best options

In addition to Chrome and Firefox, Xiaomi can install less well-known but functional browsers.-5 alternatives:

• 🛡️ Brave - blocks ads and trackers by default, supports Tor mode. Perfect for privacy.
• 🚀 Kiwi Browser – based on Chromium, but with extensions (like on PC) and night mode.
• 🌙 DuckDuckGo Browser – Focuses on privacy, automatically encrypts the connection.
• 🔍 Vivaldi – customizable browser with sidebar and gestures.
• 📱 Samsung Internet – Lightweight and fast, supports extensions (e.g. ad blockers).

For devices with low RAM (for example, Redmi 9A with 2 GB RAM) we recommend:

• 📉 Bromite – Optimized Chromium with Ad Blocking.
• ⚡ Hermit Lite – ultra-light browser (weight) ~2 MB), works even on weak devices.

Before installing, check the browser compatibility with your version of Android (you can find out in Settings → About Phone → Android Version). For example, Firefox Focus requires Android 8.0+, and Vivaldi requires Android 7.0+.

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For maximum performance, choose Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Kiwi, Brave) – they are better optimized for Qualcomm and MediaTek mobile processors used in Xiaomi.

7. Browser optimization to save battery and traffic

Browsers can consume a lot of battery power and mobile traffic to optimize their experience on Xiaomi:

Battery savings:

• 🔋 Turn off background sync in your browser settings (e.g. in Chrome: Settings) → Synchronization → Background synchronization).
• 🌓 Use a dark theme (in Firefox: Settings) → Theme → Dark).
• ⚡ Include energy saving mode in MIUI: Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.

Saving traffic:

• 📶 Enable data compression (in Chrome: Settings) → Data compression).
• 🚫 Block ads with extensions (e.g., uBlock Origin in Kiwi Browser).
• 🔄 Limit automatic video playback (in Brave: Settings) → Site settings → Media → Auto-reproduction → Locked down).

For devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 or Xiao) POCO F4 GT) Dark theme of the browser allows you to save up to 15-20% of charge when using active.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing browsers on Xiaomi