Browser default in Xiaomi: which is installed and how to change in MIUI

When you buy a new Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, one of the first questions is: which browser is the default here? The answer is not as obvious as it seems. Depending on the model, region of sale and version of MIUI (branded shell Xiaomi), the preinstalled browser may differ. Moreover, in recent versions of firmware, the company is actively experimenting with alternatives to the standard Google Chrome, which causes confusion among users.

In this article, we will look at which browsers are installed out of the box on Xiaomi devices in 2026, how they differ from competitors, and how to change the default browser if you do not fit the standard version. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different regions (global, Chinese, European firmware) and versions of MIUI 14/15, and also consider hidden settings that are not written in the official instructions.

What browsers Xiaomi sets by default in 2026

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has been promoting its own browser, the Mi Browser (formerly known as Xiaomi Browser), but its availability and default status depend on several factors:

• 🌍 Firmware Region: in the Global (EEA) In Indian versions, Google Chrome is often preinstalled, while in Chinese versions, it is exclusively preinstalled by Mi Browser.
• 📱 Model of the device: flagship series (Xiaomi 14, 13T Pro) may have a different set of pre-installed applications than the budget Redmi Note 12 or POCO M6.
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: into MIUI 15 (2026) A browser selection option appeared when first launched, which was not the case in earlier versions.

It's important to understand that even if the Mi Browser is installed by default, it's not always the only option.

• 🔍 Mi Browser (branded, with integration into the Xiaomi ecosystem)
• 🌐 Google Chrome (in global versions)
• 🦊 Mozilla Firefox (rarely in some regions)
• 🛡️ DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser (in firmware for Europe due to the GDPR)

Interestingly, the Chinese versions of MIUI do not have Google Chrome in principle because of the ban on Google services in China, instead using Mi Browser with proprietary search algorithms Baidu or Sogou.

Mi Browser vs Google Chrome: Comparison of Built-in Browsers

If you're lucky enough to get Mi Browser as your default browser, should you change it? Let's compare it to Google Chrome in key terms:

Mi Browser: It blocks downloading files from some sites (for example, the main feature of the Mi Browser is the fact that it blocks downloading files from some sites, APK-files) if they are not certified by Xiaomi.This is done "for security" but often interferes with users.

On the other hand, the Mi Browser has several unique features:

• 📱 Built-in read mode with text adaptation under the screen (useful for devices with AMOLED display).
• 🔒 Protection against phishing at the level MIUI (Blocks fraudulent websites before they open).
• 🌙 Dark theme that automatically adjusts to system settings.

💡

If you need to download APK-File via Mi Browser, try adding the site to the "White List" in the browser settings (Settings) → Confidentiality → File downloading).

How to Check Which Browser Is Defaulting on Your Xiaomi

Not all users know that the default browser can not only be changed, but even deleted (in the case of Mi Browser – only disable).

1. Open the settings of your smartphone.
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. Find the Browser item - here will be the current default browser.

Alternatively:

1. Open any link (for example, from a message on WhatsApp or Telegram).
2. If a window with a browser choice appears, then none is assigned by default.
3. If the link opened immediately, look at the app icon in the top notification bar.

How to change the default browser to Xiaomi (step-by-step instructions)

If you are not happy with your current browser, you can change it in a few steps. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 (2026):

Install an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)|Close all open tabs in the current browser|Connect to Wi-Fi (recommended for downloading)|Check the free space on the device (minimum 200 MB)-->

Now let's start changing:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Apps.
2. Press Browser.
3. In the window that appears, select the browser you want from the list (for example, Google Chrome or Firefox).
4. Confirm the choice by clicking Ready or Install by default.

If the list does not contain the browser:

• 📲 Make sure it is installed (download from Google Play or APKMirror).
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes MIUI Does not update the default list of applications without restarting.
• 🛠️ Chinese firmware may require manual installation of Google Mobile Services (GMS).

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On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5 s MIUI 14) the browser change is blocked by default by security policies, in which case only root or ADB-team.

Problems with changing the browser by default and their solutions

It doesn't always go smoothly. Here are the typical mistakes and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If links still open in Mi Browser after changing your browser, check the settings of specific applications (for example, Telegram or Gmail may ignore global settings). MIUI and use your browser).

Especially often problems arise on devices with Chinese firmware (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra CN), where Google Chrome is not in principle.

1. Install Google Installer (e.g. Googlefier for MIUI).
2. Swipe GMS through Fastboot (requires an unlocked bootloader).
3. Use alternative browsers from APK (e.g. Bromite or Kiwi Browser).

How to remove Mi Browser completely (if you don’t need it)

Since Mi Browser is a system application, it cannot be removed by standard methods, but there are a few workarounds:

⚠️ Warning: Disabling or removing system applications may lead to unstable operation MIUI, Especially if the browser is integrated into other services (for example, Mi Cloud or Xiaomi Pay!

Deactivation/removal methods:

• 🔧 Through settings MIUI: Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management. Find Mi Browser in the list. Click Disable (will not update and launch).

Through ADB (no root):

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser


adb shell pm hide com.android.browser

These commands will hide the browser from the menu and disable it for the current user.

Complete removal (requires root):

su


mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/app/MiBrowser*




rm -rf /system/priv-app/MiBrowser*




mount -o ro,remount /system

⚠️ This method can break down some functions. MIUI!

If you don’t want to take risks, it’s easier to leave Mi Browser disabled and use an alternative browser by default.

Best Alternatives to Default Browsers in Xiaomi

If you decide to abandon the standard browser, here is the top-5 Alternatives with the specifics of Xiaomi:

• 🌐 Google Chrome is a universal choice with synchronization on a Google account. minus: high RAM consumption on weak devices (Redmi) 9A, POCO C50).
• 🦊 Mozilla Firefox is the best balance between speed and privacy. Supports extensions (e.g. uBlock Origin for blocking ads in your browser). MIUI).
• 🛡️ Bromite is a Chrome fork with built-in ad and tracker blocking. Perfect for devices with ad-locking features. 4/64 GB memory.
• 🌙 Kiwi Browser is a lightweight browser based on Chromium with support for extensions and night mode optimized for the user. AMOLED-screen.
• 🔒 DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser is the best choice for privacy (blocks Xiaomi and Google trackers), but slower than the rest.

Some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro CN) may require unlocking the bootloader.