Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI firmware by default use the branded Mi Browser browser, which many users find uncomfortable due to intrusive advertising, limited features or low speed. Despite the fact that the system allows you to install alternative browsers (Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera), changing the standard application for opening links is not so easy - MIUI actively blocks this ability at the system level.
In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to change the default browser on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including bypassing system restrictions without root rights.Relevant for versions of MIUI 12, 13 and 14 (Android 10-14). If you are faced with the fact that after installing Chrome or another browser, links still open in Mi Browser – here you will find a solution.
Why Xiaomi does not allow you to change the browser by default?
The reason lies in the policy of Xiaomi and the features of the MIUI firmware:
- 🔒 System services binding: Mi Browser integrated into the kernel MIUI and is used to open links from notifications, messengers and even some system menus.
- 💰 Monetization through advertising: Branded browser shows banners and promotional content, which brings the company additional income.
- 🛡️ Android restrictions for Chinese firmware: China has its own rules for the distribution of software, so Xiaomi blocks the free change of standard applications.
On the global versions of MIUI (MIUI Global), some restrictions are removed, but even there users face problems, for example, after choosing Chrome in the settings, links from Telegram or WhatsApp can still open in Mi Browser.
⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (MIUI China) to change the default browser without root rights is almost impossible, in this case, you will need to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU).
Method 1: Standard change through Android settings
On some Xiaomi models (especially with global firmware), you can try the classic method:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Slip on the browser and select the desired application (for example, Chrome or Firefox).
If this item is missing or after the choice, nothing changes - go to alternative methods.
| Model of the device | MIUI version | Does the standard method work? | Is ADB required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | MIUI 14 (Global) | Yes (partially) | No. |
| Redmi Note 12 | MIUI 13 (Global) | No. | Yes. |
| POCO F5 | MIUI 14 (Global) | Yes. | No. |
| Xiaomi 12T | MIUI 13 (China) | No. | Yes + unlock. |
Method 2: Using ADB to Force Browser Change
If the standard method didn’t work, the most reliable way is to use ADB commands. This doesn’t require root rights, but you’ll need a computer and an Android Debug Bridge debugging bridge.
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Enable Developer Mode (7 taps by build number in Settings → About Phone)|Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers | Download Platform Tools from Google|Plug your phone to your PC and confirm debugging permission-->
Next, execute the following commands in the terminal (command line) of the PC:
adb devices(Checks the connection of the device. The serial number should appear.)
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser(Switches off the Mi Browser system browser.)
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.browser(Switches off the browser shell in MIUI.)
adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main(Installs Chrome as the default browser. Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package if you use another.)
After completing the commands, restart the phone. Now all links must open in the selected browser.
⚠️ If after the reboot Mi Browser again became standard, then MIUI It automatically resets. In this case, only completely removing the system browser through Magisk (requires root rights). Method 3: Remove Mi Browser via Magisk (for rooted devices) If you have root rights, you can completely delete Mi Browser and avoid conflicts. Install Magisk and App Systemizer. Download APK-In App Systemizer, select De-bloat and find com.android.browser and com.miui.browser. Delete both packages and restart the phone. 💡Before removing system applications through Magisk, make a backup in TWRP Or OrangeFox. In case of an error, you can restore the original firmware. Method 4: Using third-party launchers Some alternative launchers (e.g. Nova Launcher, Lawnchair) allow you to bypass restrictions MIUI To do this, set up a launcher from Google Play. Click on the empty space on the home screen and select Launcher Settings. Find the default App section or Link Processing. Specify the browser you want to open web links. This method does not work on all models, but it can help if you ADB-What if links still open in Mi Browser? If none of them worked, check out the following points: 🔄 App cache: Clear the cache and Mi Browser data in Settings → Annexes. 📱 Update MIUI: Some versions have the bug fixed. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system. 🛠️ Reset: In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (but this will delete all data!). If the problem persists, there are two options: Install custom firmware (e.g., Xiaomi.EU or LineageOS). Use a browser with a link interception feature (like Kiwi Browser or Bromite). MIUI When updating the firmware, Xiaomi often restores system applications, including Mi Browser.To avoid this, before updating, follow the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser This will delete the browser for the current user, but will not affect system files. MIUI Not all alternative browsers work correctly on Xiaomi. Below is a list of proven options: Browser Support MIUI 14 Support for links from messengers Features of Google Chrome ✅ Yes. ✅ Yes, after. ADB) Can slow down on weak Mozilla Firefox devices ✅ Yes. ⚠️ Partially supports extensions, but slower than Chrome Opera/Opera GX ✅ Yes. ❌ No (often opens Mi Browser) Good for saving traffic Kiwi Browser ✅ Yes. ✅ Yes Supports Chrome Extensions, Fast Bromite ✅ Yes. ✅ Yeah, no ads, tracker blocker. 💡The most stable results are obtained by the combination. ADB + Kiwi Browser or Bromite. These browsers are best integrated into the browser. MIUI less likely to cause conflict. FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Can you return Mi Browser after deleting via ADB? Yes, do the command: adb shell pm enable com.android.browser or reinstall firmware via Fastboot? It's a feature. MIUI — It restores standard applications. To avoid this, use Magisk to completely remove your browser or install custom firmware. POCO? Yes, devices. POCO (for example, POCO F5, POCO X5 Pro) run on the same firmware MIUI, So all the ways are relevant. The exception is the models with POCO Launcher, where you might need to customize it. Can you change your browser without a computer? Some devices are supported by installing Nova Launcher or using the Default App Manager app from Google Play. ADB. Will this work on Xiaomi with Chinese firmware? MIUI China most methods are blocked. You will need to unlock the bootloader and install global or custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU).