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

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with a shell MIUI, which is known for its features in application management. Many users face the problem of how to replace the standard Mi Browser browser with the more familiar Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge as the default browser. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the browser by default, including hidden settings MIUI, and solve typical problems that arise with it.

It is important to understand that the process on Redmi 9 may differ from other Xiaomi models due to the MIUI version and preinstalled services. For example, in some regional firmware, the default browser choice is blocked at the system level. We will consider workarounds, including settings through ADB and third-party utilities, if standard methods do not work.

Why can’t Redmi 9 just choose the default browser?

Unlike pure Android, the MIUI shell imposes default restrictions on the choice of apps.

• 🔹 Xiaomi’s policy: the company promotes its own Mi Browser browser, which is integrated into the ecosystem of services (synchronization with the Mi Account, cloud bookmarks, etc.).
• 🔹 Regional firmware: In some countries (e.g. China), default browser selection is blocked due to local regulatory requirements.
• 🔹 Version MIUI: in older versions (below) MIUI 12) the option to change the browser by default may not be at all.

Also, even if you install an alternative browser (like Chrome), the system can automatically open links to Mi Browser via built-in services – for example, when you click on a link in an SMS or notification – this is because MIUI uses its own link handler (com.android.browser), which does not always correctly interact with Android settings.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

If your Redmi 9 runs on MIUI 12 or later, try the classic method:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on Browser.
4. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If you don't have a Browser option on the menu, your MIUI version will block that option, so move on to the following options.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play|Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.|Open the application settings by default|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the browser does not appear in the list)

Sometimes Mi Browser gets stuck as the default browser even after installing alternatives.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action (this will reset all default settings, including the browser, SMS-messenger.).
4. After reset, re-select the default browser (see Method 1).

This method also helps if the settings are reset after the MIUI update and the system uses the Mi Browser again.

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If the browser still doesn’t change after reset, try temporarily disabling Mi Browser in the application settings (the “Disable” button).

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a computer debugging tool that requires you to turn on Developer Mode and connect your phone to your PC.

Step 1. Enable debugging over USB:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate Debugging on USB.

Step 2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.providers.settings

This command will reset the default application settings. Once done, restart your phone and re-select your browser through Method 1.

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (e.g. Default App Manager)

If ADB seems complicated, you can use apps from Google Play that allow you to manage default settings, one of which is Default App Manager (from developer WindySoft).

Instructions:

1. Install Default App Manager from Google Play.
2. Open the application and grant it ADB rights (if required).
3. In the category list, select Browser.
4. Slip on the desired browser and confirm the choice.

The advantage of this method is the visual interface and no need to manually enter commands. ADB. However, some functions may require ROOT-rights not recommended on Redmi 9 due to risk of loss of warranty.

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Third-party utilities may not work on Chinese MIUI firmware (e.g. China ROM), where the rights to change system settings are limited.

Table: Comparison of default browser change methods

Problem Solving: The browser is not changed or reset

If after all the manipulations Mi Browser continues to open links, check the following points:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: in older versions (below) MIUI 12.5) The browser selection may have been blocked. Update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system.
• 📱 Regional firmware: on Chinese versions MIUI (China ROM) Some settings are limited. The solution is to reflash the phone to the global version. ROM).
• 🔗 Link Processor: Some apps (like Facebook or Twitter) ignore system settings and open links in the built-in browser.

A critical feature of Redmi 9: on some firmware after resetting to factory settings, the default browser again becomes Mi Browser, even if you have previously changed it. To avoid this, turn off Mi Browser in the application settings before reset (the “Disable” button).

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If links from Telegram or WhatsApp are opened in the wrong browser, go to the messenger settings and manually specify the browser to open links (usually the option is hidden in "Settings → Data and memory → Link Processor").

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing your browser to Redmi 9

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If none of these methods worked, check if your Redmi 9 has a corporate policy set (e.g., through Mi Enterprise), in which case the browser change can be blocked by the device administrator.