How to make the application by default on Xiaomi: browser, messenger, gallery and others

Why Xiaomi can’t change the application by default?

Did you download a new browser, but do links still open in Mi Browser? Or are photos automatically saved to a standard gallery, even though you prefer Google Photos? The problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. The fact is that the MIUI shell aggressively promotes branded services, sometimes blocking user choices.

In this article, we will discuss how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI and assign any application by default – whether it is Chrome instead of Mi Browser, Telegram for calls or VLC for videos. And also tell you what to do if the desired option is gray and does not click (this is a common problem on Xiaomi with preinstalled software).

Important: the instructions are current for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 (including global and Chinese versions). On older versions (MIUI 11 and below), the path to settings may differ.

What apps can be made by default on Xiaomi

On Xiaomi smartphones, you can assign default apps for the following actions:

• 🌐 Browser – Opening links from messages, mail, QR-code.
• 📞 Phone – outgoing calls (including VoIP services like WhatsApp or Skype).
• 📧 Mail - processing of email links (mailto:).
• 🎵 Music - playback of audio files.
• 📷 Gallery – viewing photos and videos (including screenshots).
• 📽️ Video player - opening video files.
• 📱 Launcher – Home screen (only for alternative launchers like Nova or Action Launcher).
• 💬 Messengers – opening links to chats (tg://, wa.me/ etc.).

Please note: some systemic actions (e.g, SMS By default or contacts, you can not change Xiaomi — MIUI It blocks this ability for third-party applications, and it's impossible to assign an alternative application to the application. NFC-Payments (only Mi Pay or Google Pay, depending on the region).

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (for most applications)

This is the simplest method that works for browsers, galleries, video players and other applications.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. In the list, find a category (such as the Browser or Gallery) and tap it.
4. Select the app you want from the list. If you don't have one, install it from Google Play first.

If the category you want is not listed (e.g., Phone or Mail), try an alternative method:

1. Open the app you want to make the main one (like Chrome).
2. Go to its settings (usually through three points on the menu).
3. Find the Default or Default Assign option and follow the hints.

Make sure that an alternative application is installed|Check the version. MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI)|Turn off battery optimization for new app (Settings) → Battery)|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

Method 2: Through application-specific settings (for instant messengers and email)

Some applications (e.g. Telegram, WhatsApp, Gmail) require separate settings to handle specific links.

1. Open Telegram and go to Settings → Open links by default.
2. Activate the switches for: 🔗 References tg:// (link-opening) 📞 Calls (if you want to call via Telegram)

Confirm your choice in the system window.

For Gmail or other email clients:

1. Open Gmail → Click on the avatar → Settings → General.
2. Select Make by default and confirm.

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If after changing the settings, links still open in the old application, clear the cache and Settings data (Settings → Apps → Settings → Storage → Clear cache / data).

Method 3: For home screen (Launcher)

If you have installed an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher) but still opens the standard MIUI Launcher after pressing the Home button, do the following:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on three dots → Default Apps → Home Screen.
3. Select the desired launcher from the list.

If the screen is not available or is grey:

• 🔧 Install the launcher as a system application through ADB (requires unlocking the loader).
• 📱 Reboot the phone and when you first click Home, select the desired launcher.

Table: Compatibility of methods with MIUI versions

*In MIUI 14, the Chinese firmware has a system-wide lock on the launcher change, the solution being to install a global or European version of the software.

What to do if the “Do by default” button is inactive (gray)

A common problem on Xiaomi is the inability to change the default app because of a gray (inactive) item in the settings.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Chinese firmware MIUI (without Google services, some system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Video) can not be replaced without a full flashing on the global version.

• 🔒 App protected MIUI: Some system applications (such as Mi Browser or Gallery) are protected from removal. Solution is to disable them: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find a system application (like the Browser) and click Disable. After that, the default list will allow you to select an alternative.

The application does not support the default role:

Not all apps can be assigned by default. For example, Instagram can't open links like a browser. Check the app description on Google Play.

Resetting application settings:

If the settings are lost, reset:

Settings → Applications → Three Points → Resetting App Settings

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On Chinese firmware. MIUI Some system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Music) cannot be replaced without flashing to a global version. ADB-commands (requires unlocking the loader).

ADB-commands for forced change of application by default

If the standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for power users and requires:

• 🖥️ Computers with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (for some commands).