How to install Yandex browser by default on Xiaomi: all ways

Changing the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge many users face after installing Yandex Browser. Despite the fact that MIUI offers its own Mi Browser browser, its functionality is often inferior to alternatives: from lack of synchronization with Russian services to intrusive advertising. However, the process of assigning Yandex to the main browser is not always obvious - especially on new versions of the firmware, where the settings are hidden deep in the menu.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to make Yandex the default browser on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including bypassing typical errors. You will learn how to set up link opening in Yandex through system settings, why the option is sometimes unavailable, and what to do if the browser is reset to the standard after updating MIUI. We will also look at the hidden developer options that will help to fix the choice even on the most stubborn versions of the firmware.

Why Yandex Browser is not becoming the main one: common reasons

Before we get to the instructions, it is important to understand why Yandex Browser may not appear in the default browser list or why its choice is not saved.

🔄 Automatic update MIUI: After installing the update, the browser settings can be reset, which is due to Xiaomi’s policy of forcibly returning some settings to factory settings.
📱 Model restrictions for the Chinese market: Global firmware devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Global) are more likely to allow default browser changes than Chinese versions (China) ROM).
🔧 No rights to change settings: On some versions MIUI 13/14 Browser change option blocked due to Android restrictions 12+ third-party.
🛠️ System Application Conflict: If the Mi Browser is disabled or removed (e.g., via a ADB), The system can ignore the user’s choice.

Another common problem is that Yandex Browser does not appear in the list of available browsers when you try to change. This happens if the application does not register itself in the system as a web link handler. The solution is to reinstall the browser or manually clean its cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex Browser → Storage.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13, some menu items may be called differently. For example, instead of "Default Browser," you'll see "Link Opening Apps." Don't be alarmed, they're the same thing.

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

This is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with global firmware. MIUI 12–14:

Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps (or Default App Settings).
Slip on the Browser item (or Open Links).
In the list, select Yandex Browser. If it is not available, go back to the reason section and check the application installation.

If after these actions links still open in Mi Browser, try to force the standard browser to stop:

Go back to Application Management.
Find the Mi Browser in the list and click on it.
Select Forced Stop, then Clear the cache.

Install Yandex Browser from the official source (Google Play or APK)

Check that the app is updated to the latest version

Clear the Mi Browser cache in the application settings

Restart the device before changing settings-->

Method 2: Configure through developer settings (for MIUI 13/14)

On newer versions of MIUI, the standard method may not work due to the limitations of Android 12+, in which case activation of the developer mode and manual configuration will help:

Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.
Go back to the basic settings and open a new Developer section (usually at the end of the list).
Find the option Reset the default application selection and click on it.
Now repeat Method 1 – Yandex Browser should appear in the list.

If that doesn’t work, try manually asking the link handler through ADB (you’ll need a computer), a method that’s detailed in the next section.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI China) the "Developers" section can be hidden even after activation. ADB Or install a global firmware.

Mi Browser (standard)

Yandex Browser

Google Chrome

Another (write in the comments)-->

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

If system settings ignore your choice, you can force Yandex Browser to be assigned via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a computer and USB-cable, but guaranteed to work even on "locked" firmware.

Step 1: Preparation

🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
📱 Turn on Debugging. USB on the phone (Settings) → For developers).
🔌 Connect the device to the computer and confirm a trusted connection.

Step 2. Follow the commands:

adb shell pm clear com.android.browser # Clean up Mi Browser settings


adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.yandex.browser # Default browser appointment of Yandex

If the first command doesn’t work, try the alternative:

adb shell am start -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS

This command will open the default app settings menu directly, where you can choose Yandex.

💡

If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers or using another USB-cable (preferably original).

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have collected the key pros and cons of each method in the table:

Method	Difficulty	PC required	Works for MIUI China	Retained after update
Standard settings	⭐ (simple)	❌ No.	❌ No.	⚠️ Partially.
Developer mode	⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)	❌ No.	⚠️ Sometimes.	✅ Yes.
ADB	⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.
Removal of Mi Browser	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (riskyly)	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.

For most users, the first two are enough. The ADB method is useful if you use Chinese firmware or encounter a bug in MIUI 14. Deleting Mi Browser via ADB is a last resort, as it can disrupt system services.

💡

On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13, the standard way may not work due to Google’s new restrictions on link processing, in which case use ADB or developer mode.

What to do if the browser is reset after the update?

Many users complain that after updating MIUI, the browser defaults again to Mi Browser, which is due to the fact that the system resets some settings "to factory."

🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update system. Tap three points in the corner and select Update Settings. Turn off Autoboot via Wi-Fi.

Use the Magisk modules.

The MIUI Default Browser Changer module allows you to block a browser reset. Install it via Magisk Manager.

Create a task in Automate

The Automate (or Tasker) application can automatically assign Yandex to the default browser after a reboot.

If you don’t want to opt out of updates, check your settings regularly after you install them, and you can also create a shortcut on your desktop with a direct link to your browser’s selection menu:

Intent:


Action: android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS




Category: android.intent.category.DEFAULT

How to create a shortcut for quick access to browser settings?

1. Install the Shortcut Maker app from Google Play. 2. Select Activity and find com.android.settings.Settings$ManageDefaultAppsSettingsActivity. 3. Create a shortcut on your desktop. Now you can tap the browser change menu in one tap.

Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If none of these methods worked, consider alternative approaches:

🌐 Use Yandex as a wrapper: Some applications (e.g. Link Bubble) allow you to redirect all links to your browser, even if it is not designated by default.
📲 Install custom firmware: Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience has no restrictions MIUI allow you to freely change the browser.
🔄 Reset application settings: In Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Reset application settings reset all preferences. After that, reset the browser.