How to change your browser to open links: the full guide

On Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI, all web links are opened by default in the Mi Browser browser. However, many users prefer alternative solutions — Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera — because of the greater speed, synchronization with other devices or lack of advertising. The problem is that MIUI does not always obviously allow you to change the browser by default, and in some versions of the firmware this option is completely hidden.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the browser to open links – from standard Android settings to hidden features. MIUI You'll learn how to tie Chrome to links from instant messengers, how to remove intrusive Mi Browser pop-ups, and what to do if the system ignores your settings. POCO base MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t make it easy to change the default browser?

The Mi Browser is integrated into the Xiaomi ecosystem and generates revenue through:

• 📢 Built-in advertising (banners, push notifications, promo pages when you launch).
• 🔍 Collecting data about user preferences for targeted advertising.
• 🛒 Partner programs (for example, redirects on AliExpress or Mi Store).

So MIUI often forgets user settings and returns Mi Browser as its primary, and in some regional firmware (such as India or China), the option to change the browser is not on the menu at all, but you can get around these restrictions — more on that.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

On most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12+ or HyperOS, you can change your default browser through system settings.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on Browser.
4. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not listed, install it from Google Play and run it at least once, and then it will appear in the selection menu.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play|

Launch it and complete the initial setup |

Close all background apps (especially Mi Browser)|

Check for MIUI updates

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⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI For China or India, the default Appendix may not be available. In this case, proceed to Method 2.

Method 2: Forced browser change through application settings

If the system method didn’t work, try setting up link opening directly in the target browser. For example, for Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and tap the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Select Settings → Application settings.
3. Activate the option to open supported links.
4. Turn on the Open switch in this app.

For Firefox, the path will be similar: Settings → General → Open links in Firefox. After that, try to open any link from the messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp) – it should be redirected to the selected browser.

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If links still open in Mi Browser, clear the cache and data of the Settings app → Apps → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear cache / Clear data. This will reset the browser's default settings.

Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change (for advanced ones)

If MIUI stubbornly ignores your settings, you can use the commands ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but is guaranteed to work even on “locked” firmware.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi: go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command:

adb shell pm set-default-browser com.android.chrome

For other browsers, replace com.android.chrome with:

• 🦊 Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• 🌐 Opera: com.opera.browser
• 🔍 DuckDuckGo: com.duckduckgo.mobile.android

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB Some system functions (such as Mi Browser push notifications) may not work properly. To get it back, run adb shell pm clear com.android.browser.

Method 4: Bypassing restrictions through the MIUI Lab (hidden menu)

MIUI firmware has a hidden menu called MIUI Lab, where you can turn off forced link openings in Mi Browser to get there:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5 times on the MIUI version (not to be confused with the developer mode!).
3. You will be notified that you have become a MIUI developer.
4. Go back to Settings → Additional → MIUI Lab.
5. Find the option to Open links in Mi Browser and turn it off.

After that, the system will stop redirecting links to the branded browser. Please note that in some versions of MIUI this item may be called otherwise, for example, Forced Opening of Web Links.

Table: Compatibility of methods with different versions of MIUI

Frequent problems and their solutions

If, after all the manipulations, links still open in Mi Browser, check the following points:

• 🔄 Update the firmware: In older versions MIUI (below 12.5) browser bugs are more common. Check the updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧹 Clear the Mi Browser data: Sometimes it is enough to reset the application settings as described in Method 2.
• 🔒 Check Administrator Rights: Make sure Mi Browser does not have device administrator rights (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Administrator rights).
• 📱 Reboot your phone: After changing your browser ADB or settings require a reboot.

If the problem persists, try installing your browser via an APK (like Chrome Beta) rather than Google Play. Sometimes system restrictions don't apply to apps installed manually.

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The most reliable method is a combination ADB-team + This method works even on "hidden" firmware for China/India.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions