How to install the default application on Xiaomi: full instructions for MIUI

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer flexible settings for selecting default apps, but finding these options isn’t always easy. If you want to replace a standard browser on Chrome, make Telegram the primary messenger, or assign Google Maps instead of Mi Maps, you’ll need to set up the system correctly. In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to change default apps on Xiaomi devices, including hidden settings and solutions for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14).

The MIUI feature is that some settings may vary depending on the phone model and regional firmware, for example, on global versions, the path to settings may differ from the Chinese, and we have taken these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will work for most devices, from the Redmi Note 10 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Why Xiaomi can’t change the application by default?

Many users face the problem of MIUI ignoring user choices and continuing to open links or files through standard applications.

• 🔄 Application cache not cleared – the system keeps the old settings.
• 📱 Limitations MIUI for certain types of files (for example, APK Always open through the Mi Browser).
• 🔒 Administrator rights for standard applications (e.g. Mi Security blocks changes).
• 📲 System update resets default settings.

In some cases, the problem lies in duplicate settings, for example, if you are trying to make Google Chrome the default browser, but the system has already assigned Mi Browser as the main one for the browser. HTTPS-The solution is to reset all default settings and reset the default settings.

How to change the default application through MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the standard settings menu, which works on all versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and is suitable for most types of applications (browsers, instant messengers, maps, etc.).

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
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, find the category you want to change (for example, Browser, SMS, Phone).
5. Slip on the current app and select an alternative from the list.

If the application you want isn’t listed, make sure it’s installed and supports this type of file/links. For example, VLC won’t appear in the default player settings unless you’ve opened any video files through it.

Install an alternative app from Google Play|Open it at least once (for example, open Chrome and open any page)|Check the permissions for the application in Settings → Annexes|Clear the cache of a standard application (e.g., Mi Browser)|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

Setting up the default browser on Xiaomi

Replacing the standard Mi Browser with Google Chrome, Firefox or another browser is one of the most popular tasks, but MIUI often returns settings to the original settings after updating or rebooting. To avoid this, follow the extended instructions:

Steps to change the browser:

1. Install an alternative browser (such as Chrome) and open it at least once.
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Applications → Browser.
3. Select the browser you want from the list.
4. Open Settings → Memory → Clean up and remove the cache for Mi Browser.
5. Reboot the phone.

If after the reboot the settings reset, try the additional method:

• 📌 Open any link in a message or email.
• 🔗 In the window that appears, select the desired browser and mark Always.
• 🔄 Repeat the action. 2-3 time-to-time (HTTP, HTTPS).

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

This method requires unlocking the bootloader and the developer mode enabled.-->

How to make a messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp) the default application

The default messaging setting on Xiaomi works differently than it does for browsers. MIUI doesn't allow you to assign Telegram or WhatsApp as the main SMS application, but you can redirect notifications and calls.

What can be customized:

• 💬 Opening of links (for example, t.me/... or wa.me/...) messenger-wise.
• 📞 VoIP calls (e.g., Telegram Calls instead of a standard number).
• 📎 Opening files (images, documents) in the messenger.

Instructions for reference:

1. Open the message with a link to Telegram or WhatsApp.
2. Slip on the link and in the window that appears, select the desired messenger.
3. Check the box Always (or Only Once if you want to choose each time).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Especially in Chinese), the choice of the messenger by default can be blocked by the security system, in which case only the installation of global firmware or the use of the service will help. ADB.

Special cases: launcher, cards, music player

Some types of applications require a separate approach, for example, you can only replace the standard MIUI Launcher with Nova Launcher through the home screen settings, and Google Maps will need to disable Mi Maps.

On Chinese firmware (CN ROM) devices, some default settings are locked without the option of changing, with the only way out being the global or European version of MIUI firmware.

Problem solving: resetting settings and ADB-team

If the standard methods don't work, you'll have to use advanced tools, and one of them is resetting all default settings via MIUI:

How to reset your settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action.

After resetting, all applications will return to factory-based defaults, and you can reconfigure them. If that doesn't work, use ADB (requires developer mode enabled):

adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.settings


adb shell pm reset-preferred-apps

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They will reset all application settings, including permissions and cache.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When changing apps by default, users often make the same mistakes, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🔄 Cache not cleared – after changing the settings, be sure to clear the cache of a standard application (for example, Mi Browser), otherwise the system may ignore the new settings.
• 📵 Lack of rights – some apps (e.g. Mi Security) block changes. Try temporarily disabling protection in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup → Settings (cog icon) → Disable the protection.
• 📲 Incompatible firmware on Chinese firmware (CN ROM) Many settings are blocked. The solution is firmware for the global version.
• 🔒 System restrictions – some actions (for example, changing the launcher) require unlocking the bootloader.

Another common problem is automatic resetting after the MIUI update, and to avoid this, before the system update:

1. Make a backup of settings through Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Remember or write down the current applications by default.
3. After updating manually restore the settings.

💡

If Xiaomi persists in returning standard apps after all the manipulations, check for MIUI updates. Newer versions often fix bugs with default settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions