How to Install the Default App on Xiaomi POCO: The Complete 2026 Guide

On Xiaomi POCO smartphones with MIUI shell, the default application installation has its own features – especially if you use non-standard launchers or third-party programs. Unlike “pure” Android, the path to settings here can differ depending on the firmware version, device model (POCO F5, X6 Pro, M6 Pro, etc.) and even regional build. For example, in MIUI 15, the menu was moved to the “Special features” section, and in older versions it was in “All settings”.

Many users have a problem when, after installing an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox, WhatsApp), or a gallery (Google Photos, Simple Gallery), the system continues to open standard Xiaomi applications. This is due to the aggressive MIUI policy that blocks changing certain types of applications by default. In this article, we will examine all possible ways, from standard settings to workarounds for stubborn cases.

We will focus on four key types of applications that most often require manual configuration:

• 🌐 How to make Chrome or Edge the main browser instead of Mi Browser;
• 📷 Gallery – Replacement of the standard Mi Gallery with Google Photos or Aves;
• 💬 SMS/Calls – Messages by Google or Truecaller;
• 🎵 Music/video – changing the player to VLC or musicolet.

If you use a POCO Launcher or a third-party launcher (Nova Launcher, Hyperion), some of the settings can be hidden – we will show you how to return them. Also consider the unique problem of POCO with “gray” buttons in the default application menu, which arises due to the limitations of MIUI for European and global firmware.

1. Standard method: through MIUI settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in MIUI menu. However, its layout has changed in different versions of the firmware, below is the current instruction for MIUI 14/15 (including the POCO F5, X6 Pro, M6 Pro and other models from 2023-2026).

Open the Settings. → Annexes → App management. In the upper right corner, click three dots (⋮) and select the default Apps. Here you will see a list of categories:

• 📱 Launcher – Selection of a Standard Home Screen;
• 🌐 Browser – the main browser for links;
• 📞 Phone - call app;
• 💬 SMS — messaging;
• 🎵 Music player - audio playback;
• 🎬 Video Player - Watching Video.

Select the desired category and select the preferred application from the list. If you do not have the right option, make sure that it is installed and not disabled in the settings.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (Especially with global firmware, Browser and Gallery points may be blocked, due to Xiaomi's policy of using its services for compulsory use.

2.Why are some apps not listed?

If you’re trying to make Google Chrome or Firefox the default browser, but they don’t appear on the menu, the reasons may be:

1.The application does not support intent processing. Some programs (such as Kiwi Browser or Brave) require additional permissions. Check that the application settings have enabled the option to Open supported links (usually in the Settings → Open links by default section).

Limitations MIUI For European firmware. MIUI EU (EEA) Some system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Gallery) are blocked from replacement. GDPR, This restriction can be avoided (see section 4).

3. App is disabled or frozen. Go to Settings → Apps → App Management, find the right app and check it is not disabled. Also make sure it is not hidden in the Show All Apps menu.

3. Circumvention of restrictions MIUI: ADB-force-shift

If the standard method does not work (for example, the browser select button is inactive), you can use the ADB-This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer, but it is guaranteed to work even on blocked firmware.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with ADB-tools installed;
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on POCO (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers);
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Connect your phone to your PC, open the command prompt (or Termux on your phone) and do:

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified. Then use commands to change the default app, such as making Google Chrome the primary browser:

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

For other types of applications, use similar commands indicating the package:

• 📷 Gallery: com.google.android.apps.photos;
• 💬 SMS: com.google.android.apps.messaging;
• 📞 Phone: com.google.android.dialer.

⚠️ Attention: After completion ADB-commands may require a device reboot, and some system applications (Mi Browser) may automatically reset after the update. MIUI.

Install ADB on PC|Enable USB debugging on POCO|Connect phone with original cable|Contact connection with adb devices |Download packages of required applications-->

4. Alternative methods: launchers and third-party utilities

If ADB seems complicated, you can use workarounds:

1. Use third-party launchers. Install Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher, which allows you to flexibly configure link and file opening. For example, Nova has the option of Settings → Applications and notifications → Default applications where you can override system settings.

2. Intent management applications: Utilities like Default App Manager (available on Google Play) allow you to manually assign handlers to different file types and links. They bypass MIUI restrictions, but require ADB or root rights.

3. Reset application settings. if after the update MIUI settings reset, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ → Reset application settings. This will bring all permissions back to factory, and you can reselect the default apps.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Problem 1: The browser/gallery select button is inactive (grey).

Solution: This is a limitation MIUI for European firmware. Use it. ADB-method (Section 3) or install custom firmware (xiaomi.eu).

Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the settings reset.

Solution: Reassign the default applications through settings or execute ADB-To avoid resetting, turn off automatic updates. MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⋮ → Update settings.

Problem 3: The app opens in two instances (e.g. Chrome and Mi Browser).

Solution: Clear the Mi Browser cache and data in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Storage. Also check if intentions are duplicated in the launcher settings.

Problem 4: You can’t change the call app (Truecaller, Google Phone).

Solution: In MIUI, calls are tied to the system application com.android.dialer. To use Google Phone, install it via APKMirror and assign it by default via ADB:

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.google.android.dialer/com.google.android.dialer.extensions.GoogleDialtactsActivity

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If you often experience problems after updates MIUI, Back up your app settings via Swift Backup (root required) or save the list ADB-text-file.

6. Features for different POCO models

The settings may vary depending on the model and firmware version, with key differences below:

POCO F5 / X5 Pro (MIUI 14/15):

• The App menu is hidden by default in Settings → Special Options → Application Management;
• ADB-Teams work without additional rights;
• Restrictions on changing the browser and gallery (solved through ADB).

POCO M6 Pro / X6 Neo (MIUI 14 for budget models)

• There are no restrictions on changing the browser, but the gallery is tied to the Mi Gallery.
• To change the music player, you need to turn off Mi Music in the settings;
• It supports Default App Manager without ADB.

POCO with custom firmware (xiaomi.eu, PixelExperience):

• No MIUI restrictions – all settings are available through the standard menu.
• You can use Tasker to automatically change your intent.
• It is recommended to disable Mi Browser and Mi Gallery completely.

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On the POCO F5 and X6 Pro with MIUI 15, the path to customization has changed — now it is in the Special Features section.

FAQ: Frequent questions