How to install the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: 3 proven methods

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro often face the need to change the standard browser MIUI Browser to the more familiar Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera. the reasons range from an uncomfortable interface to problems with bookmark synchronization. However, the MIUI system does not always obviously allow this to be done - standard settings can hide in unexpected sections or work incorrectly after updates.

The Redmi Note 9 Pro (M2003J6A1G/M2003J6B2G) is a feature of the manufacturer’s active promotion of its own services, including the browser, which leads to the fact that even after installing an alternative browser, links still open in MIUI Browser. In this article, we will discuss all working ways to change the default browser, including bypassing the system restrictions.

It is important to consider the version of MIUI: in firmware older than MIUI 12.5, the algorithm differs from earlier versions, and the result is also influenced by the presence of Google Mobile Services (GMS) - on Chinese firmware without GMS, some methods may not work. If you use a global or European version of the software, there should be no problems.

Before you start settings, make sure that the alternative browser is already installed on the device. APK-file from an official website (e.g. Chrome or Firefox) without this step, further action is meaningless.

Method 1: Standard Change through MIUI Settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in MIUI settings. It works on most firmware versions, but may require additional action if the system is stubborn.

Open the Settings menu → Applications → Application Management. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select the default Apps. Here you will see a list of categories, including the Browser. Slip on it, the system will suggest you to choose from the installed browsers.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Close all open tabs in the current browser

Reboot your phone (recommended for MIUI 12+)

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If the browser you want is missing despite installing it, try the following:

1. Open the alternative browser manually and wait until it initializes all services (you may need to accept the terms of use).
2. Restart the device – sometimes MIUI doesn’t update the default app list without restarting.
3. Check if browser rights are disabled in Settings → Apps → Permissions.

On some versions of MIUI 13+, the App may not be available as a default option on the menu, in which case use an alternative path: open Settings → Memory → Clean up, then tap three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.

⚠️ Note: If after selecting the browser links still open in MIUI Browser, check the Google App settings (if any). Sometimes the conflict arises because of Google services that intercept links. Go to Settings → Google → Settings for apps and reset the default settings.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the standard method doesn’t work)

If the system ignores your browser choices, it helps to reset all application settings by default, which does not delete data, but returns all bindings to standard values.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, then click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset App Settings. Confirm the action.

• 🔄 All applications will be reset by default, including the browser, SMS-client.
• 📱 You will have to re-select the default browser (see Method 1).
• 🔒 This method also solves the problem when MIUI Browser “sticks” as a default browser after system update.

On MIUI 14+ firmware, resetting application settings may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account if device protection is enabled. If you don't remember the password, use the official recovery service.

After reset, open any alternative browser and when it first starts, it should suggest becoming the default browser. If that doesn't happen, check if MIUI Optimization blocks the change in settings.

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in your phone settings).
2. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Turn off MIUI Optimization (or MIUI Optimization) option.
4. Reset the device.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If the first two methods don't work, the radical way is to change the settings through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to the computer, but it's guaranteed to solve the problem.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Developer Mode and Debugging by USB Redmi Note 9 Pro.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Connect your phone to your PC and execute the following commands in the terminal (command line):

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (should show a serial number) and then type in:

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser


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

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

If you run the command without errors, restart your phone. Now all links must open in your browser, which bypasses the limitations of MIUI, but requires caution - incorrect ADB commands can disrupt the system.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware after use ADB The protection may work, which will reset the browser settings back to MIUI To avoid this, after completing the commands, immediately turn off Debugging. USB developer-setting.

Problem Solving: Why is the browser not changing?

Even after all the manipulations, MIUI can persistently open links in its browser, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to eliminate them.

The problem with Chinese firmware (without GMS) is particularly noteworthy, with MIUI Browser being tightly integrated into the system, and can only be replaced through ADB or custom firmware installation, and if you use this version of software, consider reflashing to a global MIUI with Google Services support.

Another nuance is that Xiaomi apps (e.g. Mi Community, Mi Video) can ignore the system settings of the browser and open links in the built-in web browser. This cannot be fixed at the system level, but you can use the Better Open With app, which allows you to force links to be redirected.

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If you often experience MIUI Browser issues, consider turning it off completely. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Browser → Disable. This will not delete the browser, but will prevent it from automatically starting.

Alternative methods: applications for managing silences

If manual methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, allowing you to flexibly customize opening links and files, bypassing manufacturer restrictions.

Top.-3 silence-management applications:

• 🛠️ Better Open With – allows you to choose a link opening app manually with each click.
• 🔧 Default App Manager – Advanced Silence Manager with Support ADB-team.
• 🌐 Link Bubble Browser – Opens links in a floating window, ignoring system settings.

Let’s look at the Better Open With:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. At the first start, grant it Special Access rights (a sentence window will pop up).
3. Open the application settings and add browsers to the list of allowed.
4. Now, when you click on any link, a window will appear with the choice of the browser.

The advantage of this method is that it does not require root rights or ADB, and also allows you to flexibly manage the opening of links from different applications, for example, you can configure links from Telegram to open in Chrome and from WhatsApp to open in Firefox.

More powerful tools are available for root-right users, such as the Xposed Framework with App Settings, which allow you to change the default settings at the system level, but require deep knowledge and can disrupt the stability of the phone.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to change the default browser, Redmi Note 9 Pro users often make the same mistakes, which are easy to avoid if you know the pitfalls in advance.

Typical errors:

• 🔄 Incomplete reboot – after changing the browser settings, the phone is not restarted, because of which the changes do not apply.
• 📱 Ignoring updates – an outdated version of the browser or MIUI It may contain bugs that prevent the change of silence.
• 🔒 Blocking Optimization – Function MIUI Optimization returns settings to factory after each reboot.
• 🌐 Google App Conflict: Google Services Can Earn Links Even If the Browser Is Changed by Default.

To minimize the risks, follow this algorithm:

1. Update MIUI and alternative browser to the latest versions.
2. Turn off MIUI Optimization in the developer settings.
3. Clear the cache and data of Google App (if installed).
4. Use ADB only as a last resort by backing up beforehand.

On the Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 12.0.2.0 firmware and older, an additional step may be required: after changing your browser, open Settings → Accounts → Mi Account and sync data. This sometimes helps to fix new settings.

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If none of the methods worked, check if the phone has a custom MIUI theme installed. Some themes modify system applications, including the browser, which can block changes to silences. Return the standard theme to Settings → Screen → Themes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions