How to install the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways 2026

Why can’t Redmi 9 change its default browser?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face a problem: the system stubbornly opens links in the standard Mi Browser browser, even if you have installed Chrome, Firefox or Opera. The reason lies in the features of the MIUI shell, which aggressively promotes its own services. Unlike “pure” Android, here the browser change by default can be hidden behind several layers of settings or completely blocked at the system level.

Another trap is that after upgrading MIUI to versions 13-14, the default path to settings changed, and what worked on MIUI 12 may not work now, for example, new versions have removed the direct "Default Browser" option from the app menu, and the settings have moved to the "Special Permissions" section, and we'll look at all the current ways, including bypassing the MIUI restrictions.

Method 1: Standard change through MIUI settings

This method works on most Redmi 9 devices with MIUI 12-14, but requires a precise follow-up of the instructions.

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management. Here tap three dots in the upper right corner and select the default Apps. In the list, find the Browser option — if it is not available, then your version of MIUI is using an alternative path (see Method 2).

• 🔍 Step 1. Scroll through the app list to Systems. Find Mi Browser (Blue Globe icon).
• ⚙️ Step 2. Tap it and select Open Supported Links (or Default Settings in older versions).
• 🔄 Step 3. In the window that opens, click Clear Default Settings. The system will prompt you to select a new browser when you next open the link.

If you still open links in Mi Browser after this, check if it has administrative rights. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Application Permissions → Device Administrators and uncheck the Mi Browser box.

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If the browser is not in the default settings, try opening any link in the message or email. The system should suggest selecting the browser in the pop-up window.

Method 2: Alternative path for MIUI 13-14

In recent versions of MIUI, developers have moved the default browser settings to the special permissions section, which works even if the standard method failed.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Dots (menu) → Special Access → Opening Links by Default. Here you will see a list of all the apps that can handle web links. Find the right browser (like Chrome) and tap it. Activate the Open Supported Links switch.

When you change your settings, be sure to restart your phone, which is due to the Android System WebView service, which caches your browser settings, and without rebooting, the changes may not take effect.

Method 3: Reset application settings (if nothing helps)

If previous methods didn't work, the reason could be the system settings cache, in which case resetting all application preferences to factory ones will help. Attention: this action will reset all default settings (not just the browser), but will not affect personal data.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (menu) → Reset application settings. Confirm action. After reset:

1. Open any browser (such as Chrome).
2. Tap the link in any application (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp).
3. In the window that appears, select the desired browser and mark Always.

⚠️ Note: After reset, some apps (such as YouTube or Gmail) may request re-authorization.

If the Mi Browser remains the default browser after the reset, check if it is installed as a system application with increased rights.

1. Install ADB on your computer and connect your phone.
2. Follow the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser This will disable Mi Browser for the current user without deleting.

Problem Solving: Why is the browser not changing?

Even after all the manipulations Xiaomi Redmi 9 can stubbornly ignore your settings.

• 🔄 Update MIUI. After the system update, all default settings are reset. MIUI In Settings → The phone.
• 🛡️ Antivirus or "Security." Xiaomi's Security app can block changes. Go to Settings → Passwords and security → Threats and viruses and temporarily disable protection.
• 📱 Dual applications. If you use the dual application function (MIUI Dual Apps, browser settings can be duplicated.

Another common problem is the Google App conflict, and Google's app sometimes intercepts links to fix this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google.
2. Select Open supported links.
3. Turn off the Open option in this app for http and https link types.

How to prevent Mi Browser from opening links forever

If you're determined to get rid of Mi Browser, you can not only replace it, but also completely disable it, which will prevent accidental opening of links in it, but note that some system functions (for example, checking for updates) can use components of this browser.

Instructions for unsetting:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Browser and tap it.
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, first remove all app updates).
4. Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu, but it will remain in the system.

⚠️ Note: Disabling Mi Browser can cause errors in Xiaomi services such as Mi Cloud or Themes. If you notice a failure, return the application to its original state.

An alternative method is to limit the background for the browser, which will not remove it, but will prevent automatic link opening:

1. Go to the Mi Browser settings (as in the paragraphs above).
2. Choose the Battery. → Background restriction.
3. Set a limit Always. This will block background activity.

Additional settings for experienced users

If you are ready to dive deeper into the settings of Redmi 9, you can use it. ADB-commands or Tasker for automatic browser change. These methods are suitable for advanced users.

The ADB method:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and activate USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Run the command to reset all default settings: adb shell cmd package reset-preferred-activities
3. Restart your phone and reset your browser through the standard menu.

To automatically change the browser when opening certain links, you can use Tasker:

• Create a profile with the condition of opening a link.
• Add the action Open the application and specify the desired browser.
• Set up exceptions for system links (e.g. miui://).

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Using ADB or Tasker requires developer rights and can disrupt system stability.Before experimenting, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing your browser to Redmi 9