Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi 9 models, often come pre-installed with a set of applications, among which Google Chrome dominates. However, many users prefer alternative solutions such as Yandex.Browser, Opera Mini or specialized tools like DuckDuckGo for increased privacy. The problem is that Android default ignores your preferences when clicking on links from instant messengers or social networks, opening them in the system application.
Changing the standard browser is not just a matter of convenience, but also a way to optimize the device. Owners of Redmi 9, working on the shell of MIUI (or its newer version of HyperOS), face a slightly changed logic of the settings menu compared to the “stock” Android, in this article we will discuss in detail how to force the phone to open links in the application you want, avoiding typical errors.
The setup process takes only a few minutes, but requires careful choice of menu items, and we will look at both standard methods through system settings and the nuances of access rights that can block the change of priorities, understanding these mechanisms will allow you to fully control the digital environment of your gadget.
Why the system ignores your chosen browser
The main reason that links continue to open in Chrome or another app is because of the cached priorities of the operating system. Android remembers your previous choices or choices made when you first activate your device and automatically applies it for all actions like “open URL.” On Xiaomi devices, this mechanism is complemented by aggressive battery optimization, which can limit the background work of alternative browsers.
Often, users are faced with a situation where, after installing a new browser, it does not appear in the list of available options, this is because the application did not pass the initial initialization or received the necessary permissions, the system simply does not “see” it as a full replacement until you explicitly indicate this in the settings.
⚠️ Note: If you previously clicked the Always button when you opened a link in the wrong browser, the system will stop asking you about your choice of application.
MIUI also has its own application management rules, and unlike pure Android, settings can be spread out across different sections, and some system components can be hidden, and understanding the MIUI architecture is critical to successful prioritization.
Preparing the device for changing settings
Before you go into technical manipulation, you need to make sure that your device is ready for changes. On Redmi 9, this implies that you have an alternative browser installed and it works correctly. You should not try to assign an application that was downloaded from an unverified source and did not pass the security check of Google Play Protect.
It is also important to check for updates for the system itself and the target application.Older browser versions may not support new Android protocols, which will lead to errors when trying to make them mainstream.
☑️ Readiness check for Redmi 9
It is also recommended to clear the default cache of the current browser if it is unstable, this will eliminate data conflicts when switching. To do this, go to the application settings, find the current browser and select Clear Data.
Step-by-step instructions through Android settings
The most reliable way to change the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is to use the built-in operating system settings menu.This method ensures that the change applies to all types of links and applications. Follow the action algorithm carefully, as item names may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.
First, open the main settings menu of your smartphone. Usually, the gear icon is on the desktop or in the notification curtain. You need to find the section responsible for managing applications. Depending on the firmware version, it can be simply called "Apps" or "Apps and Notifications."
Inside this section, look for "App Management." This is where all the information about installed programs is stored. However, we don't need a list of all programs, but the default system settings. At the top of the screen or in the three-dot menu (top right), find the "Default Apps" option.
In the list that opens, select "Browser." You'll see a list of all the browsers you've installed. You'll see the browser you want to use as your primary browser. You can request confirmation of an action, you can agree with it.
If the default app list doesn't include "Default Apps," try the alternative path: Settings → Advanced Settings → Default apps. On some versions of MIUI, this is the main path.
Configure through the menu of specific applications
Sometimes the system menu doesn't show the right wholesales or doesn't work properly, so you can go from the reverse, through the settings of the application you want to make the main one, which is often more expensive and allows you to check the browser immediately.
Go to Settings and select Apps. Find your desired browser (like Opera or Firefox) in the list. Click on it to open the app information page. Here you are interested in Default or Open by Default.
Click on this option. If the browser can be used as a primary browser, you will see a default Use or Open Supported Links button. Activate this switch. The system can warn that this application will open links instead of the current browser.
| Action. | Path to the menu (Option 1) | Path to the menu (Option 2) | The result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Searching for settings | Settings → Applications | Settings → Advanced settings | Access to software management |
| Category selection | Application management | Default applications | List of system priorities |
| Browser change | "Browser" item | "Browser" item | Choice from the list |
| Confirmation | Clicking on the icon | Clicking on the icon | Change applied |
It is important to note that some versions of Android, when you try to open a link for the first time after resetting your settings, may pop up with the question “What to open?”. At this point, it is critical to choose not just an application, but to click “Always” or “Always use this application”.
⚠️ Note: If you accidentally select "Just now", the system will remember this choice for only one session. The next click the question will repeat, or the old browser will open again.
Removing problems and resetting priorities
There are times when standard methods don't work: a new browser isn't selected, or links keep opening in Chrome. Most often, the problem is the "stuck" settings of the old application, you have to forcefully reset its status as the main one.
To do this, go back to the Apps menu in your phone settings. Find the current default browser (the one that opens now) in the list. Go to it and find "Open by default" (or "Start by default"). There will be a button "Delete default settings" or "Reset settings".
After pressing this button, the status of the main application will be removed. Now, the next time you click on the link, the system must ask you which application to use, at which point select a new browser and confirm the action with the "Always" button.
What to do if the reset button is inactive?
Another cause of problems may be the limitations of MIUI. The power saving system can block the new browser from working in the background. Go to the battery settings, find a new browser and set the "No Limits" mode so that links open instantly.
Recommendations for choosing a safe browser
The choice of browser for Redmi 9 should be based not only on habits, but also on the specifications of the device. This model has enough power for heavy web pages, but optimization is still important.
First of all, pay attention to the presence of built-in ad blocker, which significantly speeds up page loading and saves traffic, which is important for mobile networks. Many modern browsers, such as Brave or DuckDuckGo, offer this feature out of the box.
- 🚀 Speed: The Redmi 9 is great for lightweight browsers like Opera Mini or Via Browser, which consume less RAM.
- 🔒 Security: Make sure your browser receives regular security updates and supports HTTPS-default-encryption.
- 🎨 Sync: If you use a PC, choose a browser with convenient history and password synchronization (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
- 🌙 Night mode: For comfortable reading at night, the presence of a quality dark theme is a must.
And privacy is not an issue to ignore. Some browsers collect excessive telemetry. If privacy is a priority, consider a focus on protecting user data.
💡
Tip: Check your browser permission list periodically. If a simple browser requires access to contacts, microphone and geolocation without an obvious need, this is an occasion to consider replacing it with a more secure counterpart.