Why Xiaomi users want to change the standard browser
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are equipped by default with the Mi Browser browser, an application with integrated services, ad units and specific design. Despite optimizing for the MIUI ecosystem, many users prefer alternative solutions, from Google Chrome to Firefox Focus with a focus on privacy.
The main reasons for changing the default browser to Xiaomi:
- 🚫 Advertising inserts in Mi Browser (even in incognito mode)
- 🔍 Lack of synchronization with accounts Google/Mozilla
- 🛡️ Doubts about the protection of personal data (collection of telemetry)
- ⚡ Slow work on budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3)
This article provides current ways to change the default browser for MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14), including bypassing system constraints, comparing alternative browsers and solving common bugs. Importantly, on some firmware for the Chinese market (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), the path to settings may differ - see the "Features for custom firmware".
Preparation: what browsers can be installed on Xiaomi
Before changing the browser, you need to install an alternative application by default. There are dozens of options available on Google Play, but not all work equally well on MIUI. Here are proven solutions based on Xiaomi's specifics:
| browser | Advantages | Deficiencies | Compatibility with MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Sync with Google account, expansion, high speed | High RAM consumption, data collection | ✅ Complete. |
| Mozilla Firefox | Open code, add-on support, "Enhanced Protection" mode | Sometimes brakes on weak chips (Snapdragon 4xx) | ✅ Complete. |
| Brave Browser | Ad/tracker blocking, built-in VPN, ad review rewards | No Russian-language support | ✅ Complete. |
| Opera | Built-in VPN, traffic saving mode, sidebar with messengers | Chinese version collects data (use Opera Touch) | ⚠️ Partial (problems with notifications) |
| Kiwi Browser | Chrome extensions, Night Light mode, open source | Less known, rare updates | ✅ Complete. |
🔹 Advice for owners POCO: If you want to play the game, pay attention to Opera. GX — browser with limited CPU/RAM usage and built-in tools for gamers (for example, integration with Twitch).
Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings
On most Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12-15, the browser is changed by default through system settings, this method works on the Redmi Note 11/12, Xiaomi 13/14, POCO X5/F5 and other models with official firmware.
Install an alternative browser from Google Play
Close all open tabs in Mi Browser
Connect to Wi-Fi (recommended for downloading browser updates)
Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.-->
📌 Step-by-step instruction:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Find the Browser item and tap it.
- In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).
- Confirm your choice by pressing OK.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI (For example, 13.0.6 for Redmi 10) the "Default Apps" item may not be on the menu.
What to do if the browser is not on the list?
Method 2: Alternative method through application settings
If the standard path didn’t work, try changing the default browser directly through the settings of the target application.This method is especially relevant for MIUI 14 on Xiaomi 12T and POCO F4, where the settings interface has been redesigned.
🔹 Instructions:
- Open the browser you want to make the primary (for example, Firefox).
- Tap the menu icon (⋮ or ☰) and select Settings.
- Scroll down to General or Additional section.
- Find the default App (in Chrome, it’s the default settings).
- Tap Open the default settings – the system will redirect you to the MIUI menu.
- Select your browser from the list and confirm the choice.
💡 Useful tip: If after changing the browser, links still open in Mi Browser, clear the Settings app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. This will reset the temporary system preference data.
💡
On smartphones with MIUI 15 (Android 14), after changing the browser, a notification may appear: "Some settings are managed by the administrator of the device." This is normal - just click "Cancel" and restart the phone.
Features for custom firmware (Xiaomi.eu, PixelExperience)
Users of custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu, LineageOS or PixelExperience) may experience nuances when changing the default browser, with the main problem being the lack of a pre-installed Mi Browser, but alternative browsers are sometimes not displayed on the list.
🔧 Solutions for custom firmware:
- 🔄 Install the browser through ADB (If Google Play is not available: Adb install chrome.apk
- 📱 Use App Cloner to duplicate browser with default rights.
- 🔧 In Xiaomi.eu, turn off optimization MIUI for the browser: Settings → Special facilities → Optimization MIUI → Shut down.
⚠️ Note: On firmware such as PixelExperience (based on pure Android), the browser is changed through the standard Android menu: → Annexes → Default applications → browser.
If the item is missing, update the firmware to the latest version - in older builds (Android 12), this section could be hidden.
Problem Solving: Why the browser doesn’t change
Even after the instructions are followed, the default browser may not change. Consider the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The browser is not displayed in the list | The application does not support the processing of links | Update your browser or install a different version (e.g. Chrome Beta) |
| After the reboot, it is reset to Mi Browser. | MIUI Limitations for System Applications | Turn off Mi Browser Auto Update on Google Play |
| Links open in both browsers | Conflict of Intent (Intent) | Clear the Settings app data (Settings → Apps → Settings → Storage → Clear data) |
| The OK button is inactive when selecting a browser | Restrictions of the device administrator | Turn off Settings → Password and Security → Device Administrators |
🔹 Radical solution: If none of the methods worked, disable Mi Browser via ADB (requires an unlocked loader):
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browserWarning:
💡
On smartphones with MIUI 14+ after changing the browser, it is recommended to turn off background activity of the Mi Browser in the battery settings (Settings → Battery → Application Selection → Mi Browser → Limit background activity).
Browser comparison: what to choose for Xiaomi in 2026
The choice of browser depends on the priorities: speed, privacy, functionality or traffic savings. MIUI:
📊 Tests on Xiaomi 13 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 12 GB of RAM):
- 🏆 Fastest: Google Chrome (1.2 seconds download Google.com) and Kiwi Browser (1.3 seconds).
🔹 Recommendations on models:
- Redmi 10A/POCO M4 Pro: Firefox Lite or Chrome Go (resources saved)
- Xiaomi 12T/POCO F5: Brave or Kiwi Browser (support for extensions)
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Opera One (AI-Integration, modular design).
⚠️ Note: On Android Go devices (e.g. Redmi) A1) Many browsers can run unstable, in which case use Chrome Go or Firefox Lite – they are optimized for weak chipsets (Helio). A22, Snapdragon 425).