Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI or the new HyperOS, offer users a wide range of tools for personalization. One of the first steps after buying a device is often to replace standard software with more functional counterparts. This is especially true for web browsers, which many users find insufficiently convenient or overloaded with advertising. The question of how to change the default browser in Xiaomi becomes relevant immediately after installing an alternative application from Google Play or GetApps.
Changing a default application can be confusing because of the deep nesting of the menu in Chinese firmware. However, once you understand the logic of how Android works in conjunction with the proprietary shell, you can easily manage startup priorities. This action does not require root rights or complex manipulation of system files.
In this article, we will discuss the algorithm of actions for different versions of firmware, consider possible access problems and offer solutions. You will learn how to force the system to open links in the application that is convenient for you, whether it is Chrome, Firefox, Opera or any other web browser.
Why Change the Standard Browser on Xiaomi
The standard Mi Browser, which is preinstalled on most Xiaomi devices, has been criticized by advanced users. Despite having an ad blocker built in and traffic saving mode, it can run unstable or contain an excessive amount of news feed that cannot be completely turned off. Users prefer to install third-party solutions such as Brave or DuckDuckGo, which are focused on maximum privacy and page load speed.
The main reason for the replacement is in the service ecosystem: If you use sync through a Google account, then it makes sense to use Chrome to instantly access history, bookmarks and passwords on all devices. Xiaomi’s standard application may not support some extensions or specific web standards, leading to incorrect display of sites. In addition, third-party browsers often offer more flexible interface and control gestures.
⚠️ Note: When installing a browser from an unknown source, the system may issue security alerts. Make sure you only download the app from official Google Play or GetApps stores to avoid getting malicious code on the device.
Another important aspect is performance: heavy web pages with a lot of scripts can load the processor of a smartphone, causing heat. Optimized browsers are able to manage RAM more effectively, which is especially important for models of the middle price segment. Changing the main surfing tool is an easy way to speed up the response of the system when clicking on links from messengers or social networks.
Preparation for the installation of a new observer
Before you start changing system settings, you need to make sure that the alternative application is already installed on your device. Without the second option, the system will not offer you a choice, and the default browser change point may be hidden or inactive. You can download the desired file through the built-in application store or the official developer website.
After installation, take your time to change the settings immediately. It is recommended to initially launch a new browser, accept the terms of the license agreement and, if necessary, log in to your account.This will allow the Android system to correctly index the application as ready to go, and it is also worth checking whether the application has the necessary permissions to access the network and storage.
☑️ Preparation for the browser change
It is important to consider the operating system version, as in Android 11, 12 and later, the default application management mechanisms have been slightly changed to improve security. In older versions of MIUI based on Android 9 or 10, the path to settings may be different. So before starting the procedure, you should update your smartphone firmware to the latest available version through the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version.
Instructions: how to assign a default browser in MIUI
The MIUI shell interface has its own specifics, so finding the right item can take time. Most often, the default application settings are hidden in the security section, rather than in the general system settings, as is customary in pure Android. To change the browser, follow the following steps:
First, open the Security app (green zipper icon), which is system on all Xiaomi devices. At the bottom of the screen, find and tap the gear icon or go to the Permissions section. Here you will need to find the Default Apps or Other Permissions item. This is where you hide the management of startup priorities.
If you can't find a sign-in through the security menu, you can use a global search. Pull down on your desktop to open the search bar, and type in the phrase "default" and the system will prompt you to go to the appropriate settings menu. In the list that opens, find the "Browser" and click on it. You will be offered a choice of all the web browsers installed on the device.
Once you select a new app, the changes take effect immediately. Now, when you click on any link in Telegram, Viber or other programs, pages will open in the window you choose. If the system still offers a choice each time you run, make sure you tick Always or Default in the pop-up window that appears.
Setting Priorities in HyperOS and Android 13-14
With the release of the new HyperOS shell and the upgrade to Android 13 and 14, Xiaomi has unified the settings menu to make them more like stock Android. The path to managing applications by default has become more logical, but still has its own features. In new versions of the OS, the emphasis is on transparency of user actions.
To change your browser, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. In the upper right corner of the screen, click on the three menu dots and select “Default Apps.” Alternative path: Settings → Applications → Default Apps. In the list that opens, find the category “Browser App”.
Unlike the older versions, it may require biometric or pin confirmation if Change Protection is enabled, a new security measure that prevents malware from swapping system applications without the owner's knowledge. Once confirmed, select the browser from the list.
| MIUI/HyperOS version | The path to settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 / 13 | Security → Permissions → By Default | Hidden in the Security app |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Applications → By default | More direct access through settings |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings → Applications → Applications by default | Identity confirmation required |
| Android 14 (Stock) | Settings → Applications → Applications by default | Google's Standard Path |
| All versions. | Search in settings | Enter “by default” in the search |
Importantly, HyperOS also introduced a Smart Recommendations feature, which may periodically suggest returning a standard browser if the system thinks it is faster or more stable in the background.Ignore these notifications if you have deliberately chosen another tool.
How to Reset Browser Default Settings
There are times when you need to return the same as before or fix an error when links stop opening at all. Resetting your browser by default does not delete your browsing history or bookmarks, it only returns the system to choose the application each time you run a link.
To reset, go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the browser that is currently installed as the primary browser (like Chrome). Click on it to open the app information page. At the bottom of the screen or in the three-dot menu, find the Open Default or Default Start button.
On the page that opens, you'll see a button called "Delete default settings" or "Reset preferences." Clicking on it will return the state to factory status: the next time you click on the link, the system will ask again what to open it. This also helps if you accidentally chose "Always" for an inappropriate application.
⚠️ Note: Resetting default settings may affect other file types if you choose the general option to reset all application preferences. Be careful and reset your browser-specific settings if you want to change only your browser priority.
In some cases, especially on older versions of MIUI, it may be necessary to clear the Settings cache. To do this, search for Settings in your application search, go to the application information, and select Clear → Clear Cache. Don't confuse it with Clear All so you don't mess up your own system settings.
Problem Solving and Frequent Errors
Users often find themselves in a situation where, after choosing a new browser, links still open in the old one, which can be caused by the aggressive operation of Xiaomi’s energy saving system, which “kills” the background processes of the new application, and to avoid this, you need to go to the battery settings, find a new browser and set the “No restrictions” mode.
Another common problem is that you can't choose a browser when you click on a link in some specific applications, such as bank clients or corporate messengers, which may have a hard-to-register internal web view (WebView) that uses a system component rather than an external browser, so changing the browser by default will not affect the content displayed inside these applications.
If none of the browsers open, the Android System WebView system component may have been damaged, and you can find it in the app store and try to update or uninstall the updates, and check if Call Only or Flight Mode is enabled, which can block network requests.