How to change the default apps on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer users flexible settings, including the ability to select the default apps, but finding these options isn’t always intuitive — especially if you’ve recently switched from another manufacturer. In this article, we’ll detail how to assign a browser, messenger, phone, or any other application to the mainstream on Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices.

It is important to understand that default settings affect which application will automatically open certain types of files or perform specific actions (such as calling or browsing the web). In MIUI, this process may differ depending on the firmware version and device model, but the general logic remains similar. We will look at universal methods, as well as nuances for different scenarios.

Why it is important to set up applications by default

Using apps by default makes everyday tasks easier: you don’t have to choose which browser to open a link with or which player to play a video with. However, standard MIUI applications (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music) don’t always suit users in functionality or performance.

Key reasons to change settings:

• 🚀 Performance: Third-party apps (such as Chrome or VLC) They often work faster than standard ones;
• 🔒 Privacy: Some users prefer browsers with improved data protection (e.g. Firefox Focus);
• 🎨 Design and UX: standard-app interface MIUI It may seem outdated;
• 🔄 Sync: If you’re using the ecosystem of Google or other vendors, it’s more convenient to assign their apps to the top of the list.

Also, some apps (like instant messengers) can automatically set themselves by default when they first start up, which isn’t always convenient, especially if you prefer a different service.

How to change the default applications in MIUI

There are several ways to assign an application to the primary one in MIUI, the main method is through system settings, but there are alternatives (e.g., through the app menu itself), and let's take a look at them in detail.

Method 1: Through System Settings

This is the most reliable and versatile way to work on most Xiaomi devices:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.
4. In the list, select a category (for example, Browser, Phone, SMS) and specify the desired application.

If the desired application is not listed, make sure it is installed and supports this type of action (for example, not all players can play video by default).

Make sure the alternative app is installed | Check the version of MIUI (settings may vary) | Close all background apps before changing |Reboot your smartphone after settings are applied-->

Method 2: Through the application menu

Some apps (e.g. Chrome or Telegram) offer to set themselves by default when you first start or in their settings.

1. Open the application you want to make the main one.
2. Go to its settings (usually through the icon) ⚙️ or three dots on the menu).
3. Find a clause like Make by default or Settings by default.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen – the system will redirect you to the MIUI settings.

This method is useful if you don't want to search for the partition manually, but it doesn't work for all applications.

Method 3: Through settings for a specific file type

If you want to change the application to open a certain type of file (e.g.,.pdf or.mp3), do the following:

1. Find the file of the desired format in the Explorer or Gallery.
2. Click on it and hold it, then select Open with help.
3. In the list of applications, select the desired and tick Always (or Use by default).

This method is useful if you want to assign different applications to different formats (for example, one player for music, another for video).

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If the desired application does not appear in the Open with Help list, try opening the file through this application manually first – after that it will appear in the menu.

Features for different versions of MIUI

The MIUI interface is updated regularly, and the settings may change, and the key differences for popular firmware versions are as follows:

If your version of MIUI is not listed in the table, try searching by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner) and enter the application request by default.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change the default applications, Xiaomi users sometimes face difficulties, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Settings are reset after the update

After the MIUI update, some applications may default, because the system restores the standard settings to stability, to avoid this:

• 📱 Before updating, record the current settings (take screenshots or write down selected applications);
• 🔄 After the update, reassign the desired applications by default;
• 🚫 Avoid resetting to factory settings - this will return all parameters to standard.

Problem 2: You can’t change your call app or SMS

On some Xiaomi devices (especially with HyperOS), it is not possible to assign a third-party app to make calls or messages.This is due to Android restrictions and MIUI policies.

• 🔧 Use applications with interception features (e.g. Truecaller for calls);
• 📲 Configure notifications so that the main application does not interfere with the work of the alternative application;
• 🛠️ On some firmware helps unlock the bootloader and install custom software (but it is risky!).

⚠️ Note: Change system applications for calls or SMS This can cause unstable phone performance, and we recommend using only proven solutions (e.g. Google Messages for mobile phone users). SMS).

Problem 3: The application is not maintained as the main

If the changes do not apply after selecting the application by default, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the device – sometimes it helps to apply the settings;
• 🧹 Clear the app cache that is not saved (in Settings) → Annexes → Application management);
• 📥 Update the application to the latest version;
• 🛠️ Reset the application settings (in Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Reset application settings).

How to return standard MIUI applications

If you want to go back to standard MIUI applications after the experiments, it is simple to do it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default Applications.
2. For each category (browser, phone, SMS, etc.), select an application called Mi (e.g., Mi Browser, Mi Phone).
3. Confirm the change.

If the standard application has been disabled or removed, it can be returned to:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Press three points (⋮) and select Show all applications.
3. Find the desired application (such as Mi Browser) and click Enable.

⚠️ Note: Some system applications MIUI You can't delete it completely, you can turn it off. Restore it may require resetting or flashing it back.

Additional Optimization Tips

Changing the default apps is only part of the Xiaomi customization for itself, and here are some tips on how to make it even more convenient to work with a smartphone:

• 🔋 Turn off auto-run of unnecessary apps: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Auto-start;
• 📶 Set up background activity restriction to save battery: Settings → Battery → Background restriction;
• 🔒 Use the Second Space to separate work and personal applications;
• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.

If you are actively using alternative applications (such as Nova Launcher or VLC), you should also configure their integration with MIUI. For example, Nova Launcher can assign gestures to quickly start frequently used functions.

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Changing the default application doesn't require root rights or complex manipulations, but you just have to follow the standard MIUI settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions