How to Change the Default Browser to Xiaomi: 5 Ways to Work for MIUI 14 and 15

Xiaomi smartphone users often face a problem: the system persistently opens links in the standard Mi Browser browser, even if Chrome, Firefox or another alternative browser is installed, the reason lies in the MIUI policy, where the default priority is given to branded applications. But there is a way out!

In this article, we’ll look at all the current default browser changes on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from official settings to workarounds for stubborn firmware. We’ll focus on the hidden limitations of MIUI 15 that block standard apps from changing through menus. You’ll learn how to reassign the link handler to http/https, fix the “No browsers available” error, and even force prioritize through ADB.

Important: instructions are relevant for Android 12-14 devices with MIUI 14/15 firmware (including global and Chinese versions). If you have an older version of the system, some methods may not work - check the updates in Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.

1. Official method: the Default Applications menu in MIUI

The easiest method is to use the built-in system settings, but in recent MIUI versions, this path is often blocked or hidden.

Open the Settings. → Annexes → App management. In the upper right corner, click three dots (⋮) and select "Default Apps." If that's not the case, your firmware version limits the function (go to the following ways).

If the item is available, follow the steps:

1. Put it on the "Browser" line.
2. In the list, select the desired application (such as Chrome or Firefox).
3. Confirm the choice with the OK button.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi) 13T) After changing the browser, the system can automatically reset when you restart. MIUI 15 – the decision is described in the section about ADB.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check for the "Default Applications" option in the settings

Make a backup of important bookmarks from Mi Browser-->

2. circumventing restrictions through "Open supported links"

If the default app menu is missing, try reassigning the link handler manually, which works on MIUI 14 and partially on MIUI 15 (except for Chinese firmware):

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management and select the browser you want (like Chrome).

1. Slip on the item "Open by default" (or "Open supported links").
2. Activate the Open Supported Links switch.
3. In the "Web Links" section, select Open in this application.

After that, all links from messengers and other applications will open in the selected browser, but links from system notifications (for example, from Mi Account) can still open in Mi Browser.

💡 Useful tip: If after these actions links still open in a standard browser, clear the cache and data of the Mi Browser application in Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → It'll reset his priority.

3. Using ADB to Force Browser Change

Since MIUI 13, Xiaomi has blocked the ability to change the default browser via the GUI, the only reliable way to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a connection to a computer, but is guaranteed to work on all versions of firmware.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Steps to change the browser:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Follow the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Find out the name of your browser package (for example, for Chrome it is com.android.chrome).
5. Follow the command to reset standard applications: adb shell cmd package clear-defaults com.android.browser Replace com.android.browser with your current browser's default package (usually com.mi.globalbrowser for Mi Browser).
6. Set the new browser by default: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (POCO F5, Xiaomi 12 Pro after use ADB protection may work MIUI, Resetting settings the next system update. To avoid this, disable automatic firmware updates in Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI → ⋮ → Update settings.

4. Reset application settings (radical method)

If none of these methods worked, you can try resetting all the app settings to factory ones, which will remove all user priorities, including the default browser, but will not affect personal data.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Put three points on it (⋮) top-right.
3. Select "Reset application settings."
4. Confirm the action.

When you reset the link, you'll be asked to select a browser, and it's important that you don't always click "Always" for Mi Browser, or you'll have to repeat the procedure.

⚠️ Note: This method will also reset:

• Permissions for all applications (you will have to reconfirm access to the camera, microphone, etc.).
• Notification settings.
• Background restrictions for applications.

5. Alternative solutions: Launching links through "Share"

If you can't change your browser by default because of the limitations of MIUI, you can use a workaround to open links through the Share menu, which doesn't change the system settings, but allows you to quickly redirect links to the right browser.

How it works:

• 🔗 Long click on the link → Select "Open in..." or "Share".
• 📱 In the list of applications, select your browser (for example, Chrome).
• 🔄 In some applications (for example, Telegram) you can fix the browser in the quick access panel.

For convenience, create a browser widget on the main screen:

1. Long press on the free screen space → "Widgets".
2. Find your browser widget (e.g., Chrome → “App Label”).
3. Drag him on the screen.

💡 Useful tip: Chrome and Firefox have a “Copy Link” feature in the context menu. The copied link can be inserted directly into the browser address bar, bypassing the system handler.

Problems and Mistakes: What to Do When Nothing Works

Even after all the manipulations, Xiaomi users may encounter common mistakes, including the most common ones:

If your problem is not described in the table, check:

• 🛠️ Version MIUI: Some bugs have been fixed in the latest updates.
• 📱 Model of device: on POCO Black Shark may have other restrictions.
• 🔒 Firmware region: Chinese versions MIUI Often block changes to standard applications.

💡

If none of the methods worked, the only reliable way to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) is to unlock the bootloader and void the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi