Installing an alternative web browser on MIUI or HyperOS smartphones is often not just a desire for comfort, but a necessity for full-time operation. The standard Mi Browser, pre-installed on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, is often overloaded with news feeds and advertising, prompting users to look for cleaner and more functional solutions. Yandex is one of the most popular choices thanks to its built-in traffic saving mode, quality page translator and integration with ecosystem services.
However, the process of assigning it to the main tool for opening links can be faced with aggressive Android security policies and specific firmware restrictions. Users often notice that even after choosing the settings, links from messengers or mail continue to open in the system application. This is due to the fact that MIUI tries to keep the user in its ecosystem, ignoring standard preferences. In this guide, we will analyze all the nuances so that you can forget about the intrusive behavior of standard software forever.
To do this successfully, you'll need to not only find the menu you want, but you'll probably need to do a few extra steps to clear the cache or reset the settings. Understanding how the priority of apps works on the Android operating system will help you avoid the typical mistakes. Let's look at the full algorithm of actions that is guaranteed to make Yandex the browser the main tool for surfing the Internet.
System preparation and application update
Before you try to change the default system settings, you need to make sure that the application itself is installed correctly and has the current version. Older versions of programs may not contain the necessary manifests to register as the main link handler. Go to Google Play Store or Yandex.Store and check for updates. If the application is already installed but is not working correctly, it is better to delete it and download it again to eliminate errors in the configuration files.
An important step is to provide all the necessary permissions immediately after installation. Without basic rights, the application will not be able to fully function as the default browser. When Yandex first starts the browser, the system will request access to memory, location and microphone. Failure of critical permissions can lead to the system to consider the application unprepared for operation as the main one.
- 📱 Make sure that the Android version is at least 10, as in older versions the mechanism of linking is implemented differently.
- 🔄 Check that the device is not activated mode "Energy Saving", which can block background browser activity.
- 🔒 Make sure that the security settings do not include locking the installation from unknown sources if you are placing APK-hand-file.
⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware or superuser rights (Root), standard methods may not work due to modified system files.
☑️ Ready to set up
Basic configuration through the application menu
The most direct way to change the settings is through the standard application management menu. In the MIUI shell, the configuration structure may vary depending on the version, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for managing installed programs. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. In this list, find Yandex browser and tap it.
Inside the app menu, you're interested in "Default" or "Open by Default." Here, the system shows the current status: it's likely to say "Not Installed" or the name of another browser. Click on this button. The system will offer a list of available actions for which you can select this application. Select the "Open Supported Links" option. This is a key point that users often miss when trying to find one common "Main" button.
Once you have selected the link opening option, you will be offered several options for the system behavior: select "Always open in this application" or a similar item confirming your choice for all types of system behavior. URL-If the system requests confirmation for specific domains (e.g., google.com or yandex.ru), agree with all the offers. This will cement the priority of Yandex browser over system utilities.
- 🔍 Look for the “Default” item at the bottom of the menu of a particular application.
- 🔗 Activate the “Open Supported Links” switch manually if it is turned off.
- ✅ Confirm the choice for all the proposed file types and protocols (http, https).
💡
If the default option is not in the app menu, try to clear the standard Mi Browser browser first so that the system “forgets” its priority.
Configure through the system parameters of Android
If you can't change your settings through the menu of a particular application, you should use the global operating system settings. This method is more reliable, since it addresses directly to the system preference registry. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. In the upper right corner of the screen, find the three-dot menu and select "Default Apps".
In the list that opens, you will see the categories of applications that the system uses for various actions: calls, messages, browser, etc. Find the "Browser" line. When you click on it, you will open a list of all installed browsers. Select Yandex. From this point on, the system must redirect all common web queries to the selected application. However, in MIUI, this item is sometimes hidden or inactive if the system believes that preferences have already been set in another way.
Some versions of the firmware may have different paths. Try searching by settings. Type the word "default" or "browser" into the search bar. The system will prompt you to go to the desired section. This is especially true for newer versions of HyperOS, where the menu structure has been significantly redesigned. If the search does not yield results, make sure that you have installed device administrator rights, although this operation usually does not require them.
| Parameter | Standard value | Required importance | Where to change |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP handler | Mi Browser | Yandex | Default applications |
| HTTPS handler | Mi Browser | Yandex | Default applications |
| Opening of links | Always ask | Open in annex | Menu of a particular application |
| Voice search | Yandex (optional) | Settings Google / Yandex |
Solving Link Redirection Problems
Often, there is a situation where the settings seem to be exposed, but links from Telegram, WhatsApp or Viber still open in Mi Browser. This is because the system application has a priority of the “hardware” level, which is prescribed in the factory settings, To circumvent this limitation, you need to force reset the settings for opening links for all browsers at once.
Go to the settings of each browser installed (Chrome, Mi Browser, Opera) and find the option "Open by default." Click "Delete default settings" or "Reset preferences." This action will not delete the history or bookmarks, it will only erase the information about which application should open links. After that, the first click on the link, the system will ask you again than to open the URL. At this point, it is important to select Yandex browser and click "Always".
⚠️ Note: When resetting the default settings for all applications at once, you will have to re-select your preferences for opening files of different types (PDF, JPG, DOC). Be prepared for this.
Another reason could be the Safe Browse feature or built-in antiviruses that redirect traffic through their engine. Check the security settings in Security → Scan. Make sure there is no forced link opening in secure mode through the system browser. Disabling this feature can increase the vulnerability, but solve the redirect problem.
- 🗑️ Reset the “Open by Default” settings for all browsers on your phone.
- 🔔 When you first start a link, carefully monitor the selection pop-up window.
- 🚫 Turn off the “boot acceleration” options in third-party antiviruses if they intercept traffic.
What to do if the "Default Apps" menu is missing?
Specifics of MIUI 13, 14 and HyperOS
The MIUI 13, 14 and the new HyperOS shells have enhanced protection against changing system settings. In these versions, the action algorithm may require additional steps. Often, temporarily disabling the Mi Browser itself helps. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Mi Browser and click “Disable.” If the button is inactive, try “Delete Updates” and then disable.
After disabling the system browser, launch Yandex browser and try to open any link. The system, having no other option, will have to use the available browser. After successfully opening several links from different sources, you can try to turn on Mi Browser again. In most cases, the priority will already be assigned to Yandex, since the system will "remember" the user's choice in the absence of alternatives.
Also worth paying attention to the function "Task Manager" or "Memory Protection". Make sure that Yandex browser set a limit to background activity "No restrictions". If the system will aggressively unload the browser from memory, it will not be able to instantly respond to requests for opening links from other applications, and intercept them will be a standard application.
⚠️ Note: Complete removal of the Mi Browser system without root rights is not possible. ADB without understanding the consequences, as it can disrupt widgets and system search strings.
💡
Temporary shutdown of the system browser is the most effective way to make MIUI "remember" the new default choice.