How to install Google Chrome by default on Xiaomi Redmi: detailed instructions

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones run on the proprietary shell of MIUI, which often imposes its own applications on users - including the Mi Browser browser. If you prefer Google Chrome and want to make it the main browser by default, there are several nuances to consider. Unlike "pure" Android, where it takes a couple of clicks to change the browser, Redmi can be complicated by the limitations of the shell or the lack of explicit settings.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can go from standard Android settings to workarounds for stubborn MIUI versions, and learn how to not only designate Chrome as your default browser, but also disable the intrusive system prompts that try to get you back to the Mi Browser, and why settings are sometimes reset after an update and how to avoid that.

If you just bought a Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or another smartphone in the series and you find that all links open in an unnecessary browser, do not rush to remove the Mi Browser. In some versions of MIUI, this can lead to crashes.

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi?

The fact is that MIUI is not just a shell, but a deeply modified version of Android with its own rules.

• 🔹 Some Redmi models (especially budget) do not have the explicit “Default Browser” clause in the settings.
• 🔹 The system can automatically reset browser selection after updates or reboots.
• 🔹 V MIUI 12-14 Added “smart tips” that suggest returning to Mi Browser when opening links.

In addition, Xiaomi sometimes blocks the change of standard apps for apps from third-party sources (not from Google Play). APK-file, the system can ignore it when choosing the default browser.

But the good news is that with Android 10+ and MIUI 13/14 updates, it's easier, and now, in most cases, a few steps are enough to set up, if you know where to look.

Method 1: Standard configuration through the application menu

This is the most obvious and safe method that works on most Redmi models (from Redmi 9 to Redmi Note 13 Pro+).

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. Select Google Chrome (if not, install it from the Play Market).

If your version of MIUI does not have the "Default Apps" option, try an alternative path:

1. Press any link (for example, in a message or email).
2. In the menu that appears, select Open with...
3. Check Always and select Chrome.

Install Google Chrome from the Play Market|Update. MIUI last-minute|Close all open tabs in Mi Browser|Check for free memory (minimum 500 MB)-->

Important: On some Xiaomi firmware (especially Chinese ones), this method may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case move on to the following methods.

Method 2: Reset app settings (if Chrome doesn’t appear in the list)

Sometimes Google Chrome is installed, but it doesn't appear in the default browser list, because it's due to a cache or a conflict of rights.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots at the top and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action (this won’t delete the data, but will reset all default settings).
4. Reboot your smartphone.
5. Repeat Method 1 – Chrome should now be on the list.

If that doesn’t work, check if Chrome has been disabled:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Google Chrome → Rights.
2. Make sure all permissions (especially "Open Links") are included.
3. In the section Additional check whether the restriction on work in the background is not worth it.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If standard methods don't work, you'll have to use ADB, which is a debugging tool that allows you to manually change system settings, which is only suitable for power users and requires a PC connection.

Here's what we need to do:

1. Turn on the Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect Redmi to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Download ADB Tools and unpack into any folder.
5. Open the command line in this folder and type: 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

After you execute the commands, restart your smartphone. Chrome should now become the default browser. If there is a No such file or directory error, then the Mi Browser package has a different name (for example, com.miui.browser - try substituting it for the first command).

💡

Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. In rare cases, incorrect commands can cause the system to crash.

Method 4: Disable Mi Browser via settings (for MIUI 13/14)

If you don't need Mi Browser at all, you can turn it off, which will force the system to automatically use Chrome for all links.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Browser (may be called simply the Browser).
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
4. Confirm action – the system will warn that some features may stop working (this is normal).

Once you disable the Mi Browser, all links will automatically open in Chrome, if installed.

• 🔸 On some firmware, disabling the system browser can lead to errors in the work MIUI (For example, no links will be opened in the messages).
• 🔸 After the system update, Mi Browser can be activated again.

💡

Disabling Mi Browser is a radical but effective way, but before you do, make sure you have Google Chrome installed and updated, or the links may not open at all.

Table: Compatibility of methods with different versions of MIUI

If your version of MIUI is not listed in the table, try the standard method first, and then reset. ADB leave for an emergency.

What to do if the settings are reset after the update?

Many Xiaomi Redmi users are faced with the fact that after the MIUI update, the default browser again becomes Mi Browser. This is due to Xiaomi's policy, which resets some settings to factory.

• 📌 After each update manually check the browser settings by default.
• 📌 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update.
• 📌 Use applications like Default App Manager (available in Play Market) that capture user choices.

If the problem is repeated too often, you can try rolling back the firmware to an older version of MIUI, which does not have such restrictions, but this is risky and can lead to data loss.

💡

Before rolling back the firmware, make a full backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. This will save your contacts, messages and application settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi