How to change the default browser to Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 12-14

Why Xiaomi is hard to change the default browser and what to do about it

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a problem: the system stubbornly returns the Mi Browser as its primary, even after an explicit choice of alternatives, because MIUI aggressively promotes its own services, blocking standard Android mechanisms.

In this article, we will discuss all the working methods for changing the default browser to Redmi, POCO, Mi and Black Shark (relevant to MIUI 12-14). From official settings to workarounds for stubborn versions of firmware. Importantly, some methods require administrator rights or disable system applications, we will warn about the risks in advance.

So let's start with the simplest and end with radical measures, and if you're a POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 user on the latest firmware, the first two methods should work without any further manipulation, and older models like the Mi 9T may need to be manually tuned.

Method 1: Standard Change through Android Settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in tools, which works on most devices with MIUI 13+ and the latest Android (11-14).

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the browser and select the desired application from the list (for example, Chrome or Firefox).
4. Confirm the choice - the system will offer to open the link in the new browser.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 10C) This item may be missing or reset after rebooting. If you have changed your browser to Mi Browser again after you have selected, move on to the next method.

For reliability after changing the browser:

• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes helps to fix the changes.
• 📱 Open the link manually through a new browser (for example, from Telegram or mail).
• 🔒 Disable auto-run for Mi Browser in app settings.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the first method didn’t work)

If the system ignores your choices, try resetting the default application settings. This method doesn't delete the data, but returns all the bindings to the factory values.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots at the top and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).
4. After reset, re-select the default browser (see Method 1).

💡 Useful tip: After reset, check if other settings have reset (for example, default rights for calls or calls) SMS). This is not usually critical, but it is better to check again.

If that doesn't work, go for radical measures, but first check if the changes are blocking MIUI Security (more on that in the next section).

Method 3: Disable Mi Browser through Security Settings

MIUI is actively protecting system applications, including the Mi Browser, and to turn it off, you have to temporarily weaken the protection:

1. Open Settings → Password and Security → Autostart.
2. Find the Mi Browser in the list and turn off auto-start.
3. Go back to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
4. Find the Mi Browser, tap it, and select Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications may cause malfunctions MIUI, Especially on older models (Mi 8, Redmi Note 7). → The phone. → Backup.

After the shutdown:

• 🔄 The system will prompt you to select a new default browser when you first open a link.
• 📌 If Mi Browser doesn’t turn off, try removing it first, then disable it.
• 🔧 On some firmware you will also need to disable Quick applications in browser settings.

Method 4: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

For advanced users, there is a way through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). He works even where he works. MIUI It blocks manual changes. You'll need a computer and USB-cable.

Steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command in the terminal (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package):

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

List of packages of popular browsers:

• 🌐 Google Chrome: com.android.chrome
• 🦊 Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• 🅿️ Microsoft Edge: com.microsoft.emmx
• 🎭 Opera: com.opera.browser

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you're not sure about the commands, you'd better go to Method 3 or use specialized tools like App Inspector to check the packages.

Once you have completed the command, restart the device. If the browser has not changed, check if the settings have reset after the reboot (this happens on some versions of MIUI 12).

💡

ADB-The method is the most reliable for MIUI, If you're not ready to work with the command line, use workarounds (Methods 1-3).

Method 5: Install custom firmware (for experienced users)

If none of the methods worked, there is a radical solution – firmware alternative version of MIUI (for example, Xiaomi.eu) or custom build based on AOSP. This completely removes the limitations, but has risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔧 Possible bugs in the work of the camera or sensors.
• 🔄 Need for manual updates.

Popular firmware for Xiaomi:

💡 Useful tip: Before firmware check the support of your model in the forum XDA Developers or 4PDA. For example, for POCO F3 There are stable builds Xiaomi.eu, and for Redmi 9A choice.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, users are faced with nuances.

1.The browser is reset after the MIUI update

This is a typical problem for MIUI 12-13 devices.

• 🔄 After the update, re-select the default browser.
• 📵 Turn off Mi Browser Auto Update on Google Play.
• 🛠️ Use it. ADB for forced binding (see Method 4).

2. You can't turn off Mi Browser - button is inactive

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔒 Device with locked bootloader - unlock through Mi Unlock Tool.
• 📱 Global Stable firmware – try to upgrade to Xiaomi.eu.
• 🛡️ Active Defense. MIUI — Turn it off in the security settings.

3. Links open in Mi Browser despite settings

This is because of the system's interception of links.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Open by default.
2. Click Clear the default settings.
3. Re-select the browser you want the next time you open the link.

💡

If links from a particular application (for example, Telegram) open in Mi Browser, try in the settings of this application to find the item "Open links in..." and change the browser there.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions