How to assign a default browser to Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI 12, 13 and 14

Why can’t you just change your default browser on Xiaomi?

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a paradox: when they install an alternative browser like Chrome, Firefox or Edge, they find that the system stubbornly opens links in the standard MIUI Browser. The reason lies in the aggressive policy of MIUI, where many system applications are rigidly integrated into the shell. Unlike “pure” Android, where it takes 2 clicks to change the browser, it requires a workaround.

It's important to understand that the problem isn't your skills, it's the firmware architecture. Xiaomi blocks direct browser change by default through the standard Settings → Apps menu, offering instead "selecting an app to open" every time you click on a link. This is annoying, but it's solvable. Next, we'll look at all the working methods, from the official (for the latest versions of MIUI 14) to the workarounds for older devices.

It is important to note that after the update to MIUI 14 (Android-based 13/14) The algorithm has changed a little bit, and there's a semi-official option to change the browser, but with reservations. MIUI 12 or MIUI 13, Alternative methods will be used, including ADB-commands or third-party utilities.

Change the browser to MIUI 14 (Android 13/14)

Since MIUI 14 (fall 2023), Xiaomi has partially yielded to user pressure and added the ability to assign the browser by default through system settings. However, the interface is so deeply hidden that many do not know its existence.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Find the browser and select the desired application from the list (for example, Chrome).

If your browser is not listed, it does not support the processing of Intents for web links.

• 🔄 Update your browser to the latest version via Google Play.
• 📥 Install. APK from the official website (e.g. Chrome Beta).
• 🔧 Clear the browser cache in the application settings.

Install the latest version of the browser | Open the browser at least once | Allow all access requests (notifications, storage) |Reboot the smartphone after installation-->

An important nuance: even after changing the browser, some system links (for example, from Mi Account or Themes) can open in MIUI Browser. This is not a bug, but a feature of the firmware - such links are strictly tied to system services.

Alternative method: use ADB (for MIUI 12/13)

If you have MIUI 12 or MIUI 13, the official way won't work, and ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a debugging tool that lets you manually assign the default browser, is going to help. The instructions are intimidating, but in practice, they take 5 minutes.

First, prepare the computer:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack it into a folder.
2. Turn on the smartphone Developer Mode (7 times tap the version of MIUI in Settings → About phone).
3. Activate Debugging by USB in the developer menu.

Now connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands:

adb devices

(Your device should appear)

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

(clears the settings of the standard browser)

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

(replaces com.android.chrome with your browser package, such as org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox)

Critical detail: after completing the commands, restart the smartphone, otherwise the changes will not apply. If ADB issues an error no devices/emulators found, check the drivers and cable (better use the original USB-TypeC).

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It resets some of the application settings. After the procedure, you may need to re-enter your browser logins and set up sync.

Third-party utilities: App Manager and Default App Manager

If ADB seems too complex, you can use specialized applications from Google Play, which automate the process of changing the browser by default, but require root rights or permission for special features.

Top.-3 utility for this task:

Examples of Default App Manager:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Select the Browser category.
3. Slip on the desired browser and confirm the choice.
4. Reset the device.

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Before using third-party utilities, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup. This will save your bookmarks and passwords if something goes wrong.

Note that after the MIUI update, the settings may reset, in which case the procedure will have to be repeated, and some utilities (for example, App Manager) require the purchase of the Pro version to unlock all the functions.

Problems and Errors: Why is the browser not changing?

Even following the instructions, users are faced with common errors, and we will discuss the most common solutions:

• 🚫 "No browsers available in the list" Reason: browser not declared as supporting processing HTTP/HTTPS-Solution: reinstall the browser or check its settings (Application Settings) → Open by default).
• 🔄 "Settings are reset after rebooting" Reason: MIUI Aggressively caches default settings. Solution: After changing your browser, execute the command adb shell pm clear com.miui.home (clears the launcher cache).
• 🔒 "ADB Does not see the device" Reason: no drivers installed or lock enabled USB-debugging in Settings → Additionally. → Privacy Solution: disable the lock and use the original cable.

Another common problem is that system links (such as those from Mi Video or Mi Music) ignore user settings and open in MIUI Browser. This cannot be fixed without root rights, since such Intents are rigidly spelled out in the system APK.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) after changing the browser, the ability to open links from WhatsApp or Telegram may disappear, in which case cleaning the messenger cache or reinstalling the browser will help.

Best alternatives to MIUI Browser: which browser to choose?

If you’re going to change your standard browser, it’s logical to choose the best alternative. We tested 5 popular browsers on Xiaomi and ranked them according to the key criteria:

For most Xiaomi users, Google Chrome is the best choice – it’s best integrated with Google’s services (which is important for the user to use). MIUI, where many functions are tied to GMS). If privacy is the priority, take Brave or Firefox, but be prepared for minor bugs with some displays. MIUI-pages (e.g. settings.mi.com).

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On devices with 4GB of RAM or less, avoid Chrome — it can cause slowdowns. For weak smartphones (Redmi 9A, POCO C31), Firefox Lite or Opera Mini are better suited.

What do you do when nothing works? Radical methods.

If all the methods are tried, and MIUI Browser persists as the default browser, radical measures remain, requiring more effort, but guaranteed to solve the problem:

• 🔨 Shutdown MIUI Browser through ADB Adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser completely deactivates the standard browser.
• 📦 Removal MIUI Browser through TWRP Requires unlocked bootloader and custom recovery. Browser.apk The system will automatically redirect all links to an alternative browser.
• 🔄 Install custom firmware firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience are free of restrictions MIUI And they let you freely assign the default browser. MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo).

Before resorting to radical methods, weigh the risks:

• Disabling system applications may disrupt Mi Account and other services.
• Custom firmware deprives of warranty and requires unlocking the bootloader (which resets all data).
• On some models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50) locking the bootloader can lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi