How to change the default browser on Xiaomi phone: all ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their functionality, but sometimes standard apps like the Mi Browser browser don’t suit users. The default browser was not immediately available: in the early versions of MIUI, this option was hidden or absent. Today, things have changed, but the process still has nuances depending on the phone model and firmware version.

In this article, you will find current ways to change the default browser to Xiaomi, including bypassing the limitations of MIUI, if they persist. We will analyze the official methods for the latest versions of the system, alternative solutions for older devices, and give recommendations for choosing the optimal browser.

Why is it difficult to change the default browser in Xiaomi?

MIUI has historically limited users’ freedom of choice by integrating its own services, including the Mi Browser browser.

• 🔒 Monopolization policy: Xiaomi, like many manufacturers, seeks to keep users in its ecosystem by offering pre-installed apps with advertising and partner services.
• 📱 Fragmentation of versions MIUI: On different devices (for example, Redmi Note 10 vs. POCO X3 Pro) even in one firmware version may have different settings.
• 🔄 Android Updates: In older versions (Android 9 and below), browser change was often blocked by default at the system level, and in newer versions (Android 12)+) Standard selection tools have been introduced.

Also, after resetting or updating MIUI, users often find that the browser has reset to a standard one, due to the Default App Reset mechanism, which returns some settings to factory settings when critical system changes occur.

Official method: change the browser in the settings MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12.5 (based on Android 11+) and later, the default browser change process has become easier.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Scroll to the Browser section and tap it.
4. In the list of available browsers, select the desired one (for example, Chrome or Firefox).

If there is no alternative browser on the list, make sure it is installed and updated to the latest version. Some apps (such as Brave) may not appear in this menu until the first launch.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A s MIUI 12.0.8) The default App section may not be available, in which case use the alternative methods described below.

Alternative methods for older versions of MIUI

If your Xiaomi is running MIUI 11 or older (Android 9-10), the standard way may not work.

1.Use of ADB (for advanced users)

This method requires connecting the phone to a computer and using Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

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


adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package (e.g. org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox).This method can reset the default settings of other apps, so use it carefully.

2. Resetting application settings

Sometimes it helps to completely reset application settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on three points → Reset application settings.
3. After the reboot, try to set the default browser again.

Compatibility table: methods for different versions of MIUI

Please note: on devices with POCO Launcher or custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) may be different. in some cases, manual file editing is required. default_app_restrictions.xml Root Explorer, but it's risky and requires superuser rights.

How to prevent automatic resetting of the browser?

Many users complain that after updating MIUI or restarting the browser again becomes Mi Browser.

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and disable the option of booting via Wi-Fi.
• 📵 Freeze Mi Browser: Using apps like App Freezer (rights required) ADB) You can turn off the standard browser so that it does not interfere with.
• 🔧 Use Tasker: Automate the default browser re-installation after rebooting with scripts.

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If you frequently experience a setting reset, back up your configuration via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This won’t save your default settings, but will speed up the recovery of other settings.

⚠️ Note: Freezing or deleting Mi Browser may cause errors in system services such as Mi Account or Themes. TWRP (if established).

Best Alternative Browsers for Xiaomi

If you decide to change the standard browser, here are the best options, taking into account the features of Xiaomi:

For devices with low RAM (such as Redmi 8A or POCO C31), Firefox Focus is a lightweight browser with a focus on privacy, but no tab support. If you want integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem, try Mi Browser Pro (an improved version of the standard browser without ads).

Frequent mistakes and their solution

When you change your default browser, you're going to have a problem, and we're going to look at some of the most common ones.

1. The browser selection button is inactive

Reason: The device has a work profile (e.g., Mi Work or Android Enterprise) that blocks the change of settings.

Solution: Disable your work profile in Settings → Accounts → Delete your work profile.

2.The browser is reset after the update

Reason: New versions of MIUI use the Default App Protection mechanism, which returns system applications to factory settings.

Solution: After updating, reset your default browser manually or use ADB to fix the settings:

adb shell settings put global default_browser_package org.mozilla.firefox

3. The alternative browser does not open links

Reason: Intent Filter Conflict – System application intercepts links.

Solution: In the alternative browser settings, enable the option to Open supported links (located in Application Settings → Open by default).

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If none of these methods work, check if your device has regional firmware installed (e.g. China) and many of the settings are locked at the system level in these versions of MIUI, and you will need to flash it to the global version.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions