How to install another default browser on Xiaomi: bypass the limitations of MIUI

Why Xiaomi is hard to change the default browser and what to do about it

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their aggressive policies toward third-party apps, especially browsers: the system is stubbornly trying to bring the user back to their native Mi Browser, even if you have installed Chrome, Firefox or Edge. Unlike “pure” Android, where it takes 2 clicks to change the browser, you have to use workarounds.

The problem is compounded by the fact that MIUI blocks the default default application selection menu for web links. When you click on a link in a messenger or mail, the system ignores your choice and opens Mi Browser even if you explicitly specified a different browser. This is not a bug, but a feature: this is how Xiaomi promotes its services and collects data about user preferences.

In this article, we’ll discuss 4 working ways to change your default browser to Xiaomi (relevant to MIUI 12-15), including hidden developer settings and third-party utilities, and find out why some methods stop working after system updates and how to get around it.

Method 1: Standard settings menu (not working on all models)

To start with, the obvious is trying to change the browser through system settings, which can work on devices with MIUI 14+ (e.g. Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13), but is often ignored by the system.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser section and select the desired application from the list.

If your browser is not listed, MIUI has blocked this option, in which case move on to the following methods.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13 for POCO) This menu item may not be there at all. Don't be afraid, it's not a mistake, it's a deliberate restriction.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play| Update MIUI to the latest version |Check the availability of the "Default Apps" | Turn off battery optimization for the browser-->

Method 2: Use ADB (for advanced users)

If the system settings don’t work, you’ll need to plug in USB debugging and use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that works on all versions of MIUI, but requires a computer and minimal technical skills.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. tap on MIUI Version 7 times until the notification appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

ADB-driver

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

This command disables the system browser, after which Android will automatically prompt you to choose an alternative.

To get it back, use:

adb shell pm enable com.android.browser

⚠️ Attention: After restarting the device MIUI To avoid this, immediately install the other default browser via the standard menu (method 1) after completing the command).

Method 3: Third-party utilities (without root)

If ADB seems too complex, you can use specialized applications that don't require superuser rights, but their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI.

• 🔧 Default App Manager - allows you to manually assign the default browser, bypassing system restrictions. MIUI 12-14, but may require special access.
• 🛠️ SetEdit edits the system settings of applications. After installation, you need to manually find the browser package (com.android.chrome for Chrome) and assign it to the default.
• 🔄 App Cloner creates a clone of a browser with a separate profile, which can be assigned to the main one. It's not the most elegant way, but it works consistently.

Important: Before using such utilities, turn off battery optimization for them in the MIUI settings, otherwise the system may block their operation in the background.

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If your browser doesn’t change after you use the utility, try clearing the cache and data of the Settings app (com.android.settings).This will reset temporary MIUI locks, but will not delete your personal settings.

Method 4: Reset application settings (radical method)

If nothing works, you can try resetting all applications to factory ones, which will remove all default user assignments, including the browser, and allow you to choose it again, and minus the method - you will have to reconfigure other applications (for example, messengers or maps).

How to do this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm action. After the reboot, the system will prompt you to re-select the browser when you first open the link.

⚠️ Note: This method will only work if you have already installed an alternative browser, MIUI Re-assign Mi Browser by default.

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Resetting app settings is the most reliable way to regain control of your browser, but it also removes all permissions for applications (camera, microphone, etc.) after the procedure, check the privacy settings for key programs.

Why MIUI blocks browser change and how to get around it in the future

Xiaomi is not just making it harder to change the default browser, but here are the main reasons:

• 📊 Data collection: Mi Browser is integrated with Xiaomi services and transmits anonymous usage statistics (including browsing history, unless manually disabled).
• 💰 Monetization: Built-in browser displays ads and affiliate links, bringing the company additional revenue.
• 🔒 Ecosystem Control: Xiaomi aims to keep users in its ecosystem by offering branded services instead of third-party ones.

To avoid problems in the future:

1. Check your default settings regularly after MIUI updates – the system often resets them.
2. Use browsers with the “open links in yourself” function (e.g. Chrome or Firefox have this option in the settings).
3. Install a launcher from a third-party developer (like Nova Launcher) that allows you to flexibly manage link opening.

If you plan to stay on MIUI for a long time, consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).This is a radical solution, but it will permanently remove Xiaomi's limitations.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to change browsers, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• ❌ "No 'Browser' item in default settings"} → That means that MIUI I completely blocked this option. ADB third-party.
• ❌ "After the reboot, the Mi Browser opens again"} → The system restores the settings. Go to Settings. → Battery and performance → Optimize the battery and disable it for your browser.
• ❌ "Links from some apps ignore the browser by default"} → Some programs (such as Facebook or Instagram) have their own built-in browsers.

Another common mistake is trying to change the browser through Google’s settings (under Accounts → Google → App Settings). This won’t work because MIUI overrides these settings at the system level.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions