How to install the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all the ways and nuances

Why can’t Redmi Note 8 change its default browser?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 often face a situation where the system stubbornly ignores attempts to change the default browser, returning to the standard Mi Browser or Google Chrome.The reason lies in the features of the MIUI shell, which aggressively protects its preinstalled applications. Even after manually configuring through the Settings → Apps menu, changes can be reset after restarting or updating the system.

Another common problem is that the default Open button is not available in your browser settings, which happens if an application is not registered as a web link handler, for example, Firefox or Opera may not display the option until you have at least once opened a link from another application (such as Telegram or WhatsApp).

Also, consider that on the Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12.5 and later, Xiaomi has implemented a “memory optimization” mechanism that can reset default settings for “unused” applications. If you rarely open an alternative browser, the system will consider it unnecessary and return the standard one.

Official way: through Android settings

The most obvious method is to use the standard Android menu. Here's how to do it:

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, Firefox or Opera).

If your browser is not listed, it does not support link processing. Solution: open the browser, go to its settings and find the option "Make the browser by default" (in Chrome it is Settings → Browser by default).

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Open at least one link through a new browser

Check for MIUI updates

Restart the device before setting up

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⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 13, the "Default Apps" item may not be on the menu, in which case use an alternative method through the settings of a particular browser (see next section).

Alternative method: through browser settings

If the standard method didn’t work, try setting the default browser directly in its interface.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and tap the three dots in the top right corner.

2. Go to Settings → Browser by default.

3. Click Make the default browser and confirm the selection.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Launch Firefox and open the menu (three dots).

2. Select Settings → General.

3. Slip on the line "Browser by default" and follow the instructions.

Opera or Opera Mini

1. In the main Opera menu, select Settings → Browser by default.

2.The system will redirect you to Android settings - select Opera from the list.

If after these actions the browser still does not become the main one, check whether the MIUI optimizer resets its settings.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Memory Optimization.
2. Find your browser in the list and turn off optimization for it.

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Opera/Opera Mini

Mi Browser (standard)

Other-->

Resetting default settings: when nothing helps

If the system persists in returning Mi Browser despite all your efforts, try resetting all default settings. This is a radical method, but it often works:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action (this will reset the settings of all the default apps, including calls, SMS and media).
4. After resetting, immediately set the desired browser by default through its settings.

Important: After reset, do not open links through other browsers until you configure the main one, otherwise the system may again "link" to the Mi Browser.

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi Note 8 firmware (especially custom ones), resetting your settings may result in deleting your application data. Before you do the procedure, make sure that important bookmarks and passwords are synced with your Google account or exported.

MIUI 14: What has changed?

In the latest versions of MIUI 14 (relevant to Redmi Note 8 after upgrading to Android 12), Xiaomi has tightened control over the default applications. Now, when you try to change the browser, the system can display a warning: "It is recommended to use Mi Browser for better performance." This is not a lock, but a psychological technique - the setting can still be changed.

Another innovation is dynamic resetting, and if you don't use an alternative browser for 3-5 days, MIUI can return the Mi Browser as your primary browser, to avoid this:

• 🔄 Open links regularly through your selected browser (at least once every 2 days).
• 📱 Add the browser shortcut to the home screen and use it to search.
• 🔋 Disable battery optimization for the browser in Settings → Battery → Choice of applications.

MIUI 14 also introduced the app cloning feature, which can interfere with the default browser settings, so if you created a browser clone (like a second Chrome account), the system may confuse which of the apps should be the main one.

1. Remove the cloned version of the browser.
2. Reset the device.
3. Repeat the default browser setting.

Solution for custom firmware (TWRP, LineageOS)

If your Redmi Note 8 runs on unofficial firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or crDroid), the default browser change process may be different. Most custom builds use "pure" Android without MIUI restrictions, so:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Applications by default.
2. Select the browser and specify the desired application.
3. If the browser is not in the list, check whether it supports link processing (intents android.intent.action.VIEW).

Some firmware (e.g. Havoc-OS) may require manual editing of the configuration file.

1. Install a file manager with root permissions (e.g., FX Explorer).


2. Go to /data/system/users/0/




3. Open the package.xml file and find the line with your browser.




4. Check that it has the android:default="true" flag.

⚠️ Note: Editing system files without a backup can lead to bootloop ( looped reboot). TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

If you use Magisk for root rights, you can use the App Systemizer module, which integrates the browser into system applications and makes it a priority, but this method is only suitable for advanced users.

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

(Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package).-->

What to do if the browser is reset after the update?

Many Redmi Note 8 users are faced with the fact that after updating MIUI through OTA browser settings reset, this is due to the fact that Xiaomi resets some user settings "for stability" when updating.

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings → Auto-update.
• 📥 Before manually updating, make a backup of settings through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 🔧 After the update, do not open links until you set the default browser again.
• 🔋 Check if the battery optimization settings for the browser have reset.

If the update is already installed and the browser resets, try the following algorithm:

1. Remove updates to Mi Browser via Google Play (if it has been updated).
2. Clear the cache and Mi Browser data in Settings → Apps.
3. Reset the device.
4. Install the alternative browser by default immediately.

On Xiaomi forums, users note that the problem is more common when upgrading from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13. In this case, a full reset can help (but remember to make a backup!).

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If the browser is reset after each MIUI update, the only reliable solution is to disable automatic updates and install firmware manually, pre-configuring the browser by default.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Redmi Note 8