Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer users flexible settings, including the ability to choose standard apps for key actions: opening links, viewing photos, making calls or sending messages. However, not everyone knows where these parameters hide — especially after interface updates. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the default applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 15).
Why does it matter? Standard MIUI applications (like the Browser or the Gallery) don't always suit users in functionality or design, and some system utilities may conflict with popular alternatives like Google Chrome or Google Photos, and we'll show you how to safely reassign these settings to avoid crashing your phone.
Attention! Some changes may require permission to install from unknown sources or even unlock the bootloader (for deep modifications).If you are not sure about your actions, skip sections marked "For advanced users."
1. Where to find default application settings in MIUI
In the latest versions of MIUI 14/15, the path to customizing standard applications has changed, and it's now hidden deeper than before.
- Go to Settings → Applications.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
- A list of categories will open before you: Browser, Phone, SMS, Gallery and others.
In MIUI 12/13, the path was simpler: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Cogs icon → Default apps. If you have old firmware, use this route.
Important: On some models (such as POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12), the item may be called Default Settings or Standard Apps. If you don't find it, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top).
2. How to change the default browser
The standard MIUI browser is often inferior to Google Chrome or Firefox in speed and functionality.
- Install an alternative browser from Google Play.
- Open any link (e.g. in a message or email) and the system will prompt you to select an application to open.
- Always tick and select the browser you want.
If the system does not offer a choice:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Browser.
- Slip on the current browser and select an alternative from the list.
On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro) after changing the browser, you may need to reboot for the changes to take effect.
Download an alternative browser from the official store |
Check permissions for the new browser (access to files, camera)|
Clear the cache of the standard browser (Settings → Applications → Browser → Clear the cache)|
Reboot your phone after the changes-->
3. Reassign applications for calls and SMS
Standard Phone and Messages in MIUI are integrated with Xiaomi services, which is not always convenient. For example, many prefer Google Messages for SMS because of RCS support.
To change the call app:
- Install an alternative (e.g. Truecaller or Google Phone).
- Go to Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Phone.
- Select a new app from the list.
For SMS algorithm is similar, but there is a nuance:
⚠️ Note: When changing the application for SMS MIUI It can block access to messages for third-party programs. To avoid this, open a new one before changing the settings. SMS-App and allow it to access messages manually (a pop-up will appear when you first start).
If after changing the application, messages stopped coming:
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
- 📱 Check if it's blocking. MIUI background activity of the application (Settings) → Battery → Choice of applications → [name] → No restrictions).
- 🔧 Reset the application settings by default (Settings) → Annexes → Resetting application settings).
4. Change the gallery and file viewer
The standard MIUI Gallery offers basic functionality, but many lack cloud sync or editing tools. Popular alternatives are Google Photos, Simple Gallery or QuickPic.
To change gallery:
- Install a new app from Google Play.
- Open any image from the file manager.
- In the window that appears, select Always and specify the desired gallery.
If the system ignores your choice:
- 🛠️ Clear the cache and data of the standard gallery (Settings) → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the data).
- 🔗 Check if there are multiple image viewers installed on the system (for example, QuickPic and Google Photos may conflict).
For advanced users: If you use custom firmware (like Pixel Experience), you may need to manually assign apps via ADB:
adb shell cmd role add-package android.app.role.SMS com.google.android.apps.messagingcom.google.android.apps.messaging
What to do if the gallery does not open RAW-file?
5. Problems and errors when changing applications by default
Sometimes, when standard applications are changed, they fail, and let's look at typical situations and their solutions.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The application does not appear in the selection list | No necessary permits are provided | Open the application manually and grant all the rights requested |
| Resetting settings after MIUI update | System reset during upgrade | Reconfigure the applications by default again |
| Notices do not work in the new SMS-annex | Restrictions on battery or background activity | Add the app to the exceptions (Settings → Battery → Applications selection) |
| The browser opens links in the standard application | Conflict of Intent filters | Clear the data of the standard browser or use ADB for forced assignment |
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro) after changing the launcher (for example, on Nova Launcher) can reset the default application settings. This is due to the features of the shell. To avoid the problem, first set up standard applications, and then change the launcher.
6.Alternative methods: ADB and third-party utilities
If the system settings do not allow you to change the application by default (for example, on devices with MIUI for the European Region), you can use ADB or specialized programs.
Method 1: Through ADB (requires a PC and enabled USB debugging):
- Connect your phone to your computer and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Settings, then Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB).
- Open the command line and type: adb shell cmd role set-default-browser com.android.chrome (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package).
Method 2: Default App Manager (from Google Play)
- 📱 Install the utility and give it the rights ADB (instruction).
- 🔧 Select a category (such as Home for Launcher) and assign a new app.
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
Warning: Using ADB or third-party utilities can cause system instability if you assign an incompatible application, for example, trying to make Telegram an SMS application will lead to error sending messages.
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Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. This will help you restore your settings if something goes wrong.
7. Features for different Xiaomi models
Some Xiaomi devices have unique limitations or features when changing standard apps:
- 📱 Xiaomi 13T/14 Series: Supports dynamic application assignment through MIUI Optimization. To disable automatic switching, do: adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1
- 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+: It has duplicate settings for Gallery and View Files.
- 📱 POCO F4/F5: Requires additional permission for third-party SMS-applications (Settings) → Password and security → Permits → Auto-start).
- 📱 Xiaomi Pad 6: On tablets, the default app list is extended (for example, you can choose a standard Drawing app).
On devices with MIUI for the global market (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), some system applications (e.g. Phone) cannot be replaced completely, only to reassign individual functions (e.g. outbound calls).
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On devices with MIUI China ROM (e.g. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3), the standard applications can be blocked without unlocking the bootloader, in which case you will need firmware of the global or European version.