How to install the default application on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways and nuances of MIUI

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with a proprietary shell MIUI, which sometimes behaves illogically when working with the default applications. You downloaded a new browser, but the system persistently opens links in the standard Mi Browser? Or photos automatically run in the Xiaomi Gallery, although you prefer Google Photos? In this article, we will analyze all the ways to change standard applications, from obvious to hidden.

The problem is that MIUI limits choice more than pure Android. For example, some system applications (like Calls or Messages) can’t be replaced completely, while others require a workaround through the developer’s settings. We’ve tested all methods on Redmi 9 with MIUI 12, 13 and 14 versions — and are ready to share working solutions.

Why Xiaomi Redmi 9 can’t change the default app?

If you tried to change the standard app through the Settings menu → Apps → Default apps, but nothing came of it – the reasons could be:

• 🔹 Systemic constraint MIUI: Some applications (such as Calls or Camera) are rigidly tied to firmware and cannot be replaced without root rights.
• 🔹 No alternative: If you haven’t installed a second browser or messenger, the system simply won’t offer an option to change.
• 🔹 Cache error: Sometimes settings are reset after updating MIUI or clean up the application data settings.
• 🔹 Regional restrictions: in firmware for China (China) ROM) Some functions are blocked at the software level.

It’s also worth considering that MIUI 14 (unlike older versions) has made the process a bit easier but left pitfalls. For example, when choosing a default browser, the system can request a confirmation every time a link is opened – a security feature that can be turned off (more on this below).

Method 1: Standard change through MIUI settings

This is the simplest method that works for most applications (browsers, galleries, music players).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. In the list, find the category you want to change (for example, Browser or Gallery).
5. Select the desired application from the proposed options.

If the category you want is not listed, you can't change it in the standard way (see Method 3). Also note the confirmation pop-up: in MIUI 14, it can appear every time you open a link, even if you've already selected the default app.

Open Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun

Find your browser (such as Chrome) and enable permission

Reboot your smartphone

Check if the confirmation window has disappeared.-->

Important: After changing the application by default, do not clear the system settings cache (Settings → Apps → Settings → Storage → Clear the cache), otherwise the selection may reset.

Method 2: Change through the menu "Open with..."

If the application you want is not in the default list, try changing it on the fly when you open the file:

1. Find the file you want to open (such as a photo or link).
2. Slip on it and hold your finger until the context menu appears.
3. Choose to open with the help of...
4. In the list of applications, tap on the desired and tick Always (or Use by default).

This method works for:

• 📷 Photos and Videos (replacing Xiaomi Gallery with Google Photos or QuickPic).
• 🎵 Audio files (replacing Mi Music with Spotify or VLC).
• 📄 Documents (replacement) WPS Office on Microsoft Word).

MIUI 14 may ignore the choice of Always for some file types (e.g. APK), in which case only manual assignment via ADB (see Method 4) will help.

Method 3: Using Developer Mode (for system applications)

Some applications (such as Calls or Messages) cannot be replaced by standard methods, but MIUI 13/14 has a hidden feature that allows you to reset system applications.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Enter the Mi Account password if required.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Resetting application preferences by default

Confirm the action.

After reset, the system will request a default application selection the next time a file or link is opened.Limitation: This method does not allow you to assign a third-party call app or SMS - only reset the current settings.

Method 4: ADB-Forced change commands (advanced method)

If the previous methods didn't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but gives you full control over the applications by default.

1. Install. ADB-PC drivers.
2. Enable USB debugging on Redmi 9: Go to Settings → Additional → For developers. Activate USB debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

Command line.

Terminal

adb devices

The name of your device should appear.

Chrome

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

For other types of apps, use similar commands with the package specified (e.g. com.google.android.apps.photos for Google Photos).

Warning: improper use of ADB can cause system failures. Make a backup before experimenting.

💡

To find out the name of the app package, install the App Inspector from Google Play. It will show the exact packet names (for example, com.miui.gallery for a standard gallery).

Table: What applications can be replaced with Redmi 9

Not all system applications are replaceable, and the table below shows current data for MIUI 12-14:

What if notifications stopped working after the application change?

One of the common bugs when replacing standard applications is the disappearance of notifications (for example, for SMS or calls).This is because MIUI binds system alerts to native applications.

• 🔔 Check the permissions: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Select the new application by default (e.g. Messages instead of Mi Messages). Tap Permissions and enable all necessary (especially Notifications and Messages). SMS).
• 🔔 Reset the notification settings: adb shell cmd notification allow_all True (requires) ADB and developer rights).
• 🔔 Reverse to the standard app if the problem is critical.

⚠️ Note: if you have replaced Messages with a third-party messenger (such as Textra) but have stopped coming SMS From banks or services, return the standard app. Some operators send back the service. SMS Only in the system application Mi Messages.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the default apps to Redmi 9