How to Choose Another Xiaomi Default Browser: The Complete Guide

Owning a modern Xiaomi smartphone is often accompanied by a clash with the aggressive policies of the manufacturer’s ecosystem. Immediately after activating a new device or updating the MIUI firmware, users find that all links from messengers and applications open in the pre-installed Mi Browser. This decision can annoy those who are used to the functionality of Google Chrome, Yandex Browser or Opera, and want to keep a single browsing history between devices.

The problem is not just aesthetic preferences, but privacy issues as well. The built-in browser collects a significant amount of telemetry, and its traffic compression algorithms don't always work correctly in our latitudes. Fortunately, the Android operating system that runs the HyperOS shell allows you to flexibly manage application priorities. You don't need to be a programmer to reconfigure the system to suit yourself.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions for changing the default browser on smartphones Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi. We will look at the differences in the menu of different versions of firmware, eliminate possible errors and answer frequent questions that arise from owners of Chinese equipment.

Why the system imposes Mi Browser and whether it is worth changing

Xiaomi is actively developing its own services, seeking to create a closed ecosystem similar to Apple products. Mi Browser is an integral part of this strategy, providing a platform for news feeds, PUSH-This is why, when you first set up, the system insists on choosing it as the primary tool for web surfing, sometimes hiding alternatives in the depths of the menu.

Using a third-party browser often offers advantages in page rendering speed and extensions. For example, ad blockers built into Brave or Firefox save traffic and increase security when visiting questionable resources. The standard Xiaomi app lacks support for full add-ons, limited to basic functionality.

Third-party solutions are often better synced with desktop versions. If you’re running a Windows or macOS computer, using the same engine on your phone will allow you to instantly open tabs, saved passwords and bookmarks. Integration with the Google or Yandex ecosystem makes the transition seamless.

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Before changing your browser, make sure you are logged in to your account in the new app – this will instantly restore all your bookmarks and passwords.

Preparation: Installation and configuration of an alternative application

Before you change system priorities, you need to set the alternative itself. Unlike some manufacturers, Xiaomi does not block the installation of applications from third-party sources, but can warn about the dangers. Download the APK distribution of the desired browser or find it in the official Google Play store.

When you install the app, launch it. Often when you first start, Android will suggest you choose the default browser. If that doesn't happen, don't panic. You need to give the system time to index the new software. Go to the new app's settings and make sure that all the permissions (network access, notifications) are activated.

It is important to check whether the browser itself has enabled Traffic Saving Mode or Turbo Mode if you are using mobile Internet. IP-Address and compress images, which sometimes leads to incorrect display of versions of sites.

Some users prefer to use modified versions of browsers, such as Vivaldi or DuckDuckGo, which are privacy-oriented. Install such applications is standard, but they may require additional permissions for the security mechanisms to work. MIUI may request confirmation of installation from unknown sources — allow this action for the manager or store file.

Browser change algorithm in MIUI 12, 13 and 14

The MIUI shell interface is changing, but the logic of managing applications remains similar. To change priority, you'll need access to advanced system settings. In recent firmware versions, the path may be slightly different from classic Android.

Follow the step-by-step instructions:

• 📱 Open the main menu and find the Settings icon (cogs).
• 🔍 In the search bar at the top, enter the word "Applications" or "Browser".
• ⚙️ Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
• 🌐 Find the default browser (sometimes hidden in the three-dot menu in the corner of the screen).
• ✅ Choose from the list the browser you need, for example, Chrome.

In some versions of MIUI, the selection option may be in the Additional Settings → Privacy section. If the search does not yield results, try to enter the settings of the Mi Browser itself, find the default browser there, and click on "Default Clear", after which the system will ask you about the choice the next time you click on the link.

Once you select a new app, the system will remember your choice, and now all hyperlinks from Telegram, Viber or WhatsApp will automatically open in the selected window, and this applies to weather widgets or news if they use a web engine.

Features of the configuration in the new shell HyperOS

With HyperOS, Xiaomi unified the menu structure to look more like pure Android, but with its own features. The algorithm became more logical, but the layout of the elements could shift. The new system has increased the emphasis on security, so confirmation can be requested more often.

To change the browser in HyperOS:

• 🚀 Go to Settings. → Annexes.
• 🏆 Select the Application Management section.
• ⚡ Click on the menu icon (three dots) in the upper right corner.
• 🛠 Find the Application's default string.
• 🌍 In the list "Browser" tap on the current version and replace it with the desired one.

HyperOS also allows you to customize link behavior in more detail. You can specify that certain types of links (such as http only) open in one browser and others (https) open in another, although this is difficult to do with standard means. The main advantage of the new system is that it can react faster to changes in settings without the need to reboot.

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In HyperOS, application priority settings are placed in a separate submenu within Application Management, making navigation easier compared to MIUI 12.

Note that HyperOS has introduced the "Protection against random changes" feature, and if after changing your browser, the system constantly returns Mi Browser, check the security settings, and perhaps activated mode that blocks the change of system parameters by third-party optimizer utilities.

Comparative table of popular browsers for Xiaomi

The choice of a reviewer is a personal matter, but Xiaomi owners have their favorites. Below is a comparison of key characteristics that will help determine the choice.

As the table shows, Google Chrome benefits from the ecosystem, but can be a bit heavy for Redmi's budget models. Opera Mini will be a lifesaver for devices with little RAM. Yandex is traditionally good for Russian users thanks to its integration with search and maps.

Solving problems: if settings are reset

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where after a reboot or system update, the default browser selection is reset to Mi Browser. This can be caused by system optimizers or version conflict. First of all, make sure that you have the latest version of MIUI or HyperOS installed.

⚠️ Warning: If after each screen turn on, the phone suggests you choose a browser again, you may have a damaged preference file. Try clearing the Settings app cache through the application management menu without deleting the data.

Another common reason is the work of the “Security” function from Xiaomi. Built-in antivirus can consider changing the system application a suspicious action. Go to the Security → Permits app and check if the ban on changing the system settings for your new browser is worth it.

It's also worth checking for hidden profiles on corporate devices or phones with installed ones. MDM-The administrator can force the default browser to change the settings without deleting the profile.

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Resetting the Security app settings often solves the problem of compulsively returning to the Mi Browser without losing personal data.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions