How to install the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10: all ways

Smartphones Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 run on the proprietary shell MIUI, which by default uses its own browser - Mi Browser. However, many users prefer alternatives: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera. Changing the default browser on Android - a simple procedure, but in MIUI there are nuances associated with the features of the shell and the firmware version.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all current versions of MIUI 12/13/14, including solutions to problems when the system does not allow you to change your settings or resets after rebooting. We will also discuss how to completely disable the Mi Browser if it interferes with work, and what restrictions Android 12+ imposes on the management of applications by default.

Why can’t Redmi Note 10 just change the default browser?

Unlike the pure Android, the MIUI shell on the Redmi Note 10 has several features:

• 🔹 System-based application binding: Mi Browser is integrated into firmware and not removed by standard methods.
• 🔹 Limitations MIUI: In some versions of the shell, the "Default Browser" item is hidden or blocked.
• 🔹 Android 12+: Since this version, Google has tightened the rules for choosing apps by default, which affects Xiaomi.
• 🔹 Regional settings: On devices for China (CN ROM) Additional restrictions may apply.

Also, after updating MIUI or resetting, the browser selection may reset. This is not a bug, but a feature of the shell - the system periodically "rechecks" the security settings.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Global ROM (European firmware, problems with changing the browser usually do not arise. ROM You may need to unlock the bootloader or install a patch through Magisk.

Method 1: Change your browser through Android settings (standard method)

This is the easiest way to do it, which works on most Redmi Note 10 devices with MIUI 12.5+ and Android 11/12/13.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list, select the desired application (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not on the list, make sure it is installed and updated to the latest version, sometimes it helps to reboot the device after you install a new browser.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play|Update the app to the latest version|Reboot your smartphone |Check the availability of the "Default Apps" option in the settings-->

For example, in MIUI 14 on Android 13, the default app is moved to Settings → Apps → App settings (cog icon) → Default apps.

Method 2: Configure with MIUI Launcher (if the standard method doesn’t work)

If you can’t change your browser in Android settings, try using the MIUI launcher.This method works on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.0-12.5 firmware:

1. Long press on the free place of the main screen → Launcher settings.
2. Select the Applications by default.
3. Click on the browser and select the desired application.

If this item is not available, then your version of MIUI does not support this option, in which case you can move to Method 3.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+ This method may not work because of Google's limitations. ADB (see method 4).

Method 3: Install the browser by default through opening the link

Sometimes the system suggests choosing a browser when you first open a link.

1. Open any application that has a hyperlink (such as Telegram, WhatsApp or Email).
2. Click on the link (e.g. https://google.com).
3. In the window that appears, select Always and specify the desired browser.
4. Confirm your choice by pressing OK.

If the window with the choice does not appear, it means:

• 🔹 The browser is already selected by default (check in the settings).
• 🔹 The application from which you open the link has its own settings (for example, Telegram can ignore system settings).
• 🔹 China is installed on the device ROM restrictively.

💡

If links open in Mi Browser despite settings, try clearing the Settings app cache (Settings → Apps → Settings → Clear cache).

Method 4: Using ADB to force a browser change (for power users)

If none of the previous methods worked, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for MIUI 13/14 on Android 12/13, where Google has limited the change of applications by default.

You'll need:

• 🔹 Computer with installed ADB and Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔹 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔹 Installed browser (e.g. Chrome with com.android.chrome package).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi Note 10 to your PC and confirm debugging.
2. Open the command line (cmd) and enter:

adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.role.BROWSER com.android.chrome


adb shell cmd role set-default-browser com.android.chrome

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

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB If the command does not work, check if debugging is enabled and if the browser packet is correctly specified.

Method 5: Disable Mi Browser (if it interferes)

If the standard Mi Browser browser is constantly opening instead of the one you chose, it can be disabled or deleted (on some firmware).

• 🔹 Disconnect: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find Mi Browser and click Disable.
• 🔹 Delete (requires root): Install Root Explorer or Titanium Backup. /system/priv-app/MiBrowser/MiBrowser.apk Reset the device and remove it.

Replacement through Magisk (without root)

1. Install the Universal Browser Switcher in Magisk.
2. Select the default browser in the module settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Redmi Note 10