Xiaomi’s default app: how to choose and configure in 5 minutes

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer users flexible settings, but it’s not always obvious how to change the default apps. Have you ever encountered a situation where, after installing a new browser or messenger, the system persistently opens old programs? Or would you like photos to automatically open in Google Photos instead of the standard Gallery?

In this article, we’ll look at all the defaults you can set up on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from basic menu options to hidden features for power users, how to change standard programs for browsers, SMS, calls, media, and even system actions (such as voice assistant), and we’ll also reveal a unique method for resetting all default settings via ADB, which is not documented in the official instructions.

Important: the procedure may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS) and the model of the smartphone, but the basic principles remain unchanged, and we will consider them.

Why does Xiaomi automatically select standard apps?

The MIUI shell is originally set up to use Xiaomi's branded services: Mi Browser, Gallery, Music and others.

• 🔹 Integration with the ecosystem: synchronization with Mi Account, Mi Cloud and IoT devices (e.g. smart lamps or speakers).
• 🔹 Performance Optimization: Branded apps are tested for compatibility with Xiaomi hardware and consume fewer resources.
• 🔹 Monetization: Some standard applications (e.g. browser) display advertising or promotional content from partners.

But you don't have to put up with these settings. Android lets you manually select the default apps for most actions -- and MIUI is no exception. The key is to know where to look for these settings.

How to Change Default Apps Through MIUI Settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in settings menu, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. And the list that opens up will show you categories: Browser, Phone, SMS, Gallery, and more. Stick to the right one.
5. Select the app from the list (e.g. Chrome instead of Mi Browser).

If the desired application is not in the list, it does not support the processing of this type of action (for example, not all messengers can replace standard SMS).

Make sure that an alternative application is installed|Check permissions for a new app (e.g. access to contacts for calls)|Close all background processes of the standard application|Reboot your smartphone after the changes (recommended)-->

Hidden Settings: How to Reset All Apps by Default

If, after experimenting with settings, the system behaves unstable (for example, constantly asking which application to use), you can reset all the default settings.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm action. The system will return all applications to the factory settings (for example, the Mi browser instead of Chrome).

This method does not remove user data from applications, but only resets their priority when opening files or performing actions.

ADB-Teams for experienced users

For those willing to dive deeper, there’s a way to manage the default apps via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

• 🔧 You need to massively change the settings (for example, for several devices).
• 🔧 Standard menu MIUI Does not offer the desired application in the list.
• 🔧 Automation of the process (for example, to set up new smartphones).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer installed ADB (The instructions are available on the Android Developers website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-plug-in.

Examples of teams:

# View current applications by default


adb shell dumpsys package | grep "preferred activities"




Install Chrome by default browser



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




Reset all default settings



adb shell pm clear-defaults

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB For example, a set-home-activity command for an incompatible application will result in a reboot cycle.

Table: Default application compatibility on Xiaomi

Not all applications can replace standard MIUI services. The table below shows proven combinations for popular categories:

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change your default apps, Xiaomi users encounter common errors. Here's how to fix them:

• 🚫 "No App in the List: Make sure the App is installed and supports this type of activity. For example, Telegram cannot replace the standard ones. SMS, VLC — not all video formats.
• 🔄 "The system is constantly asking which application to use": This happens if the default settings are reset. Select the application and tick Always.
• 📱 "After updating MIUI Reset settings": This is normal system behavior. Reset manually or use ADB auto-recover.
• 🔒 "You can't change the call app": "On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) this option is blocked due to operator policy. Try resetting the network settings to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

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If it doesn't open files after changing the application, check its permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions Management. For example, the gallery needs access to the Warehouse and Camera to work with photos.

How to return standard MIUI applications

If you decide to return to Xiaomi branded solutions after experimentation, do the following:

1. For browser, gallery or music: Repeat the steps in the section "How to change the default applications through the MIUI settings", but select the standard application (for example, the Mi browser).
2. For SMS and calls: sometimes you need to reset your phone or Messages to Settings → Apps → Delete data (without deleting the cache!).
3. For a full return to factory settings: reset via Settings → About Phone → Reset settings (remove all data!).

If a standard application has disappeared from the list (for example, after an update), it can be returned via MIUI Hidden Settings:

1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
2. Find com.miui.home and run Default App Settings.
3. Manually select hidden system applications.

⚠️ Note: Removing or disabling standard applications MIUI (For example, the Mi browser or the Gallery through ADB Root can cause system errors, including the inability to update by air (OTA). They can be restored only through a complete reset or reflashing.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

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Changing the default apps doesn’t require root rights or unlocking the bootloader.All settings are available via the standard MIUI or ADB menus, but be careful with commands – incorrect settings can disrupt the system.