How to install Yandex Browser by default on Xiaomi: a complete guide with solutions to typical problems

Installing Yandex Browser as the main web browser on Xiaomi smartphones often raises questions among users. Despite the fact that MIUI offers its own Mi Browser browser, many prefer alternatives because of the familiar interface, synchronization with a Yandex account or additional features like protection from fraudulent sites. However, the standard Android settings do not always work here: the manufacturer modifies the system, adding restrictions.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to make Yandex Browser the default browser, from basic settings to bypassing the system limitations of MIUI. We will focus on typical errors (for example, when the “Default” button is inactive) and nuances for different versions of the firmware. If you encounter a problem after updating the system or buying a new Redmi/POCO, here you will find a solution.

Why is Yandex Browser not installed by default on Xiaomi?

The problem lies in Xiaomi’s policy of actively promoting its own services, including Mi Browser.

• 🔄 Automatic reset: After the MIUI update, the system can return to the factory browser.
• 🚫 Block alternatives: On some models (e.g., the Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13), the default browser select button is not in the menu.
• 📱 Regional restrictions: On devices for the Chinese market (China ROM), changing the default browser is often impossible without additional manipulation.

Also, since MIUI 14, Xiaomi has implemented a Secure Applications mechanism that can prevent standard software from changing, not a bug, but a deliberate decision by the manufacturer to encourage the company to use the Mi ecosystem.

Before proceeding to the instructions, check:

• 📌 Version MIUI (in Settings → About Phone).
• 🌐 Firmware region (Global ROM or Chinese China ROM).
• 🔄 Availability of updates for Yandex Browser in Google Play.

Method 1: Standard settings via Android menu (for MIUI 12-15)

This method works on most global firmware (Global ROM) and does not require superuser rights.

1. Open Yandex Browser and wait for the main page to load.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the default browser section and tap it.
4. In the window that opens, select Yandex Browser from the list.

If the button is inactive or not:

• 🔹 Make sure your browser is updated to the latest version (check for updates on Google Play).
• 🔹 Reboot the device — sometimes it helps reset the system cache.
• 🔹 Check if the Mi Browser is installed as a "Secure App" (more on this below).

Update Yandex Browser in Google Play|

Reboot your smartphone |

Check the MIUI version in the settings |

Disable protection for Mi Browser (if any)-->

On some models (e.g. POCO X3 Pro) the path may be different:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Dots (⋮) → Applications Default → Browser

⚠️ Warning: On devices with China ROM (e.g., Xiaomi 12T Pro for the Chinese market), this method often doesn't work.

Method 2: Change through application settings (alternative path)

If the standard method didn’t work, try changing your browser by default via the system menu:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner → select the Default Applications.
3. Slip on the Browser line.
4. In the list, select Yandex Browser. If it is not available, click Clear default settings for Mi Browser and try again.

On MIUI 14+, the path can look like this:

Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Browser

If Yandex Browser is not on the list:

• 📥 Reinstall the app from Google Play.
• 🔄 Open it at least once before setting it up.
• 🚫 Make sure there are no employer or parental controls restrictions on the device (check in Settings → Accounts and Sync).

💡

If after selecting Yandex Browser, the system still opens Mi Browser, try clearing the cache for both applications in Settings → Applications → Storage.

Method 3: Bypassing the China ROM Restrictions (Advanced Method)

On Chinese ROM devices, the default browser change is often blocked, and one of the following methods will help:

Method A: Using ADB (without root)

This method requires a computer and enabled debugging over USB:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command in ADB: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.yandex.browser

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell am start -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS

Method B: Installation through a third-party launcher

Some launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) can bypass system limitations.

• 📱 Install an alternative launcher from Google Play.
• 🔧 In the launcher settings, find the "Default Apps" or "Default Actions" section.
• 🌐 Select Yandex Browser to open links.

⚠️ Warning: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro), even these methods may not work due to deep integration of the Mi Browser into the system, in which case only the flashing on Global ROM or the use of Magisk to modify system files is left.

Method 4: Disabling "Secure Applications" in MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi added the Secure Apps feature, which can block the default browser change, to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account.
2. Select Secure Apps (or Mi Protect on some models).
3. Find the Mi Browser list and turn off the protection (swipe left or click on the lock icon).
4. Repeat the attempt to change the default browser (see Method 1).

If the item "Secure applications" is not:

• 🔍 Check Settings → Privacy → Special Permissions → Application Protection.
• 📌 On some firmware, the function is hidden - try searching by settings (the magnifier icon at the top).

After the protection is disabled:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📥 Update Yandex Browser to the latest version.
• 🔧 Reassign it to the default browser.

💡

Disabling protection for Mi Browser is the easiest way to fix the problem on MIUI 14+ if standard methods don’t work.

Typical problem solving

Even after a successful browser change, users are faced with errors.

Problem 1: Links still open in Mi Browser

Causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Cache settings: Clear the cache for settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Storage → Clear the cache).
• 📌 Launcher Conflict: If you use POCO Launcher, try changing it to a standard one.
• 🔗 Link settings: In Yandex Browser, check Settings → Link Opening → Open supported links (should be enabled).

Problem 2: The “Default” button is inactive

Possible causes:

• 📦 Browser not updated: Delete and install Yandex Browser again.
• 🔒 Firmware restrictions: China ROM requires ADB (see Method 3).
• 📱 Mode for Children: Check if parental controls are included in Settings → Accounts and Sync.

Problem 3: After the MIUI update, the settings reset

This is typical MIUI behavior, so you don't have to re-set it.

• 📥 Before updating, back up the settings through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 🔧 After the update, repeat the steps from Method 1, but clear the Mi Browser data beforehand.

💡

If you often encounter setting resets, consider installing custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) where there are no such restrictions.

Yandex Browser vs Mi Browser: Which is Best for Xiaomi?

Before you finally switch to Yandex Browser, compare it with the native Mi Browser:

Yandex Browser wins in:

• 🔒 Privacy: There is no binding to the Mi Account that collects data.
• 🌍 Localizations: better adapted for Russian-speaking users.
• 🛡️ Protection: Actively blocking fraudulent sites.

Mi Browser may be preferable if you:

• 📱 Use other Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Cloud).
• 🎨 Appreciate a single design with firmware.
• 🔋 Want maximum optimization for MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions