How to make the application standard on Xiaomi: 3 ways for MIUI and HyperOS

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI or the new HyperOS offer flexible default settings, but it’s not always obvious how to change them. Are you tired of having links open in an unnecessary browser and photos open in a standard gallery with limited features? Or do you want calls to automatically pass through WhatsApp instead of a standard application? In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to change applications by default, from basic system settings to hidden features for power users.

It's important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the firmware version and the device model. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with HyperOS, the path to settings will be different from on the POCO F5 with MIUI 14. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that cover 90% of the current devices of the brand, and you will learn how to circumvent the system limitations if the desired application does not appear in the list of available to choose from.

Why Xiaomi limits the choice of applications by default?

The manufacturer initially integrates its own services into firmware - Mi Browser, Gallery, Music and others.

• 🔹 Monetization: Pre-installed apps often contain ads or affiliate links (e.g. in a browser).
• 🔹 Ecosystem: Xiaomi aims to keep users in its ecosystem (cloud services, data synchronization).
• 🔹 Security: Some system applications have extended access rights that are reluctantly granted to third-party programs.
• 🔹 Optimization: Standard applications are tested for compatibility with firmware and hardware of a particular model.

But these limitations are not absolute. Android provides mechanisms to change standard apps, and Xiaomi can't block them completely without violating Google's policies.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings

This is the simplest method that works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the firmware version, suitable for changing the browser, calling apps, SMS and some other categories.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop or in the application menu).
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. In the list of categories (Browser, Phone, SMS, etc.) tap the desired.
5. Select the app from the list, and if you don't, install it from Google Play and go back to that menu.

Restriction: Some categories (e.g. Gallery or Camera) may not be included in this list, and these will require the use of alternative methods described below.

Make sure the right application is installed|Check the version. MIUI/HyperOS customized|Close all background applications|Connect to a stable Internet (for downloading alternatives)-->

Method 2: Change through the settings of a particular application

Some apps (e.g. Chrome, Google Photos, VLC) allow you to assign yourself to a standard right from your interface, a method that often works where Xiaomi’s system settings limit your choice.

Here's how to do it:

1. Open the app you want to make standard (like Google Photos).
2. Go to its settings (usually through the profile icon or three dots on the menu).
3. Find an item like Make the Default App, Settings by Default, or Open Supported Links.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The system will redirect you to the Android menu, where you need to confirm the choice.

Important: On some models (e.g., Xiaomi 13T with HyperOS), this method may not work for system categories like calls or SMS due to MIUI security policies.

Method 3: Using ADB for advanced settings

If the app you want isn't on the list of apps you can choose from, you'll need to use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer, but gives you full control over your default settings.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (or HyperOS Build Number). Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).

ADB Tools

Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, the connection is successful.

Google Photo

adb shell cmd role add-role-holder android.role.GALLERY com.google.android.apps.photos

Replace com.google.android.apps.photos with the application package you want (you can find it through the App Inspector in Google Play).

⚠️ Attention: misuse ADB This can cause system failures. Before executing commands, back up your data through Settings. → Memory. → Backup. This is especially true for HyperOS devices, where recovery mechanisms differ from those of the other devices. MIUI.

Features for HyperOS: What has changed?

The new firmware HyperOS, which debuted on Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70, has changed the logic of the default application assignment.

• 🔸 Simplified interface: the default App menu is now directly in Settings → Appendices, without additional submenus.
• 🔸 System Application Restrictions: Changing a Standard Camera or Phone is Harder – These Categories Are Now Protected by Security Policies.
• 🔸 Integration with Google: on devices with Google services (global versions), when you first run an alternative application, the system automatically prompts you to make it standard.
• 🔸 New categories: it became possible to assign default applications for Voice Assistant and Smart Home.

If you upgrade from MIUI to HyperOS and lose the default apps you previously configured, you'll have to reconfigure them, and unfortunately, you don't have to migrate those settings when you upgrade.

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On HyperOS, you can quickly open your default application settings through search: swipe down the desktop, enter a “default apps” request, and select the desired item.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you set it up properly, users are confronted with bugs, and here are the most common scenarios and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If, after changing the browser by default, links still open in Mi Browser, check the Open Supported Links settings in the alternative application itself. Sometimes you need to manually disable this option in a standard browser.

If none of these methods worked, check to see if your device has enterprise software installed (such as on work phones), which often blocks the change of standard applications through Android Enterprise policies.

Alternative methods for experienced users

If standard methods don't work, you can go further and use advanced tools, which require technical skills and can affect the stability of the system.

• 🛠️ Using Tasker: Automating the default application assignment via scripts. For example, you can set up a rule that will reset your browser settings every 24 hours (actually if you have a default application assignment). MIUI drops).
• 🛠️ File editing default_permissions.xml: Root rights are required. The file is on the way. /system/etc/permissions/default_permissions.xml. We need to add a line of view. <default role="android.role.GALLERY" package="com.google.android.apps.photos" />.
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware: firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience does not have the limitations of Xiaomi and allows you to freely assign any application by default.

⚠️ Note: editing system files without backup can lead to bootloop. On HyperOS devices, this risk is higher due to the changed partition structure. /system.

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Before using root methods, check to see if this will void the warranty on your device. On most Xiaomi models, unlocking the bootloader resets warranty obligations.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions