Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer flexible settings, but the choice of default apps often raises questions among users, especially after a system update or new software is installed. Why is it important to set the default apps correctly? This affects file opening speed, usability, and even data security.
Many people face situations where, after installing an alternative browser or gallery, the system continues to use standard applications, or when MIUI automatically resets after updating. In this article, we will examine everything from basic settings to solving typical problems, and you will learn how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI if the system does not allow you to choose the desired application.
Special attention will be paid to the hidden MIUI 14/15 settings, which allow you to manually specify handlers for rare file types (for example,.mkv or.flac), these features are not obvious, but greatly expand the customization capabilities.
Why Xiaomi limits the choice of applications by default
MIUI is known for its aggressive approach to integrating its own services, and it's not just a marketing ploy, it's technically motivated.
1. Performance optimization: Xiaomi’s standard applications (Browser, Gallery, Music) are tightly integrated with the system and consume fewer resources in the background. For example, the MIUI browser uses shared cache memory with other system components.
2.Security of data: Xiaomi applications are internally certified to meet security standards, and third-party programs (especially from unverified sources) can access sensitive information.
3. Monopolization of the ecosystem: The company encourages users to stay in its ecosystem by offering bonuses to Mi Account for using branded services.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) after-reset to factory settings MIUI It automatically returns standard applications by default. It's not a bug, it's a planned behavior.
However, these limitations are not absolute: the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 have added additional options for power users, which we will discuss later.
Basic settings: browser, gallery, SMS
Let's start with the most popular categories, and change the standard applications.
1. Open Settings → Applications → Default Apps
2. Select a category (e.g. Browser)
3. from the list of available programs select the desired
For SMS-Apps path slightly different: Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⚙️ (three-point) → Default applications → SMS
Important: If the desired app does not appear in the list, check:
- 📱 Is it in the primary memory (not in the SD-map)
- 🔄 Updated to the latest version (via Google Play)
- 🛠️ Are the permissions in the settings disabled? → Annexes → Permits
The POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T models with MIUI 15 have a “Allow Change” option for system applications, which allows you to completely disable the MIUI browser and use only Chrome or Firefox.
Advanced settings: file and protocol handlers
For experienced users, Xiaomi offers advanced processing management options:
1. Set up by file types:
Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
Select an application (e.g. VLC)
- Click Open supported files
- Include switches for the desired formats (.mp4,.mkv, etc.)
2. Protocol management (e.g. mailto: or tel:):
- Path: Settings → Applications → Additional → Link Processors
Here you can specify which application will open mail links or phone numbers
On models with MIUI for POCO (e.g., POCO X6 Pro), these settings are placed in a separate Settings menu → Special Features → Advanced Application Settings.
How to reset all the settings of handlers to the factory
Another level of customization is available for developers through ADB:
adb shell cmd role add-package android.app.role.SMS com.whatsappThis command is forced to assign WhatsApp as the default SMS handler.
Typical problem solving
Even after setting up correctly, users face typical problems:
1. “Settings reset after reset”
Cause: conflict with MIUI optimization function
Solution: Turn it off in Settings → Battery → Optimize MIUI
“The required annex is not displayed in the list”
Check if it supports processing of this type of file
Google Photos may require manual adjustment in the app itself
3. "The system asks you to select an application each time"
This happens if the selected application has been deleted or its data reset.
Solution: Reinstall the program and reconfigure the settings
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Stable (e.g. Redmi) A2+) Some of the handlers' settings may be blocked due to regional restrictions. MIUI Europe or Xiaomi.eu.
To diagnose problems, use the system event log: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → (Press "Version" 5 times MIUI") → Additionally. → Book of errors
Comparison of Standard and Third-Party Applications
Before you change the applications by default, evaluate their characteristics:
| Category | Standard (MIUI) | Party of alternatives | Advantages of alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| browser | MIUI browser | Chrome, Firefox, Brave | PC sync, expansion, better performance |
| gallery | MIUI Gallery | Google Photos, Simple Gallery | Cloud Backup, Best Editing Tools |
| SMS | MIUI messages | Google Messages, Textra | RCS support, dark theme, advanced settings |
| Music. | MIUI Music | Spotify, Poweramp, VLC | Large libraries, equalizer, support for rare formats |
On Xiaomi Pad 6 and POCO Pad devices, the standard MIUI Gallery is optimized for larger screens and supports a stylus, which can be an advantage over alternatives.
Features for different versions of MIUI
The configuration process depends on the shell version:
MIUI 12/13:
Limited choice of applications by default
- No way to disable system applications
File handler settings are hidden in the developer menu
MIUI 14:
- The option "Allow change" for system applications appeared
- Added support for dynamic handlers (e.g. for.apkm)
Improved integration with Google Apps
MIUI 15 (2026):
Full support for Android 14 processors
Ability to assign different applications to different types of the same format (e.g..jpg and.png)
- Option to export/import processing settings
On Xiaomi 14 Ultra with HyperOS (the successor to MIUI), the process is even easier – the handler settings are brought to the main application settings screen.
Make a backup copy of important data|Check the compatibility of the alternative application|Turn off optimization MIUI for the selected application|Update all applications to the latest versions-->
Security when changing standard applications
Replacing system applications with third-party applications can affect security:
Permits:
Check what permissions the alternative application requests.
Google Photos requires location access to organize albums
Updates:
Standard MIUI applications are updated through system updates
Third-party – only through Google Play, which can create vulnerabilities when updates are delayed
Integration with the system:
Some features (such as Quick Gallery Access from the Lock screen) may stop working
To improve safety:
- 🔒 Use only apps from Google Play or the official Mi App Store
- 🛡️ Turn on Google Play Protect in your security settings
- 🔄 Check regularly for updates to installed alternatives
💡
If you use Google Messages as a SMS-the default app, turn on the Message Verification function in its settings. This will help protect against phishing SMS, which are often slipped through the standard app MIUI.
On Knights Security Chip (Xiaomi 13 Pro, MIX Fold 3) devices, replacing system applications can lead to hardware encryption conflicts.