How to open a link in the desired application on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

You try to open a link on a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, but instead of the desired application, it persistently runs in the browser — or even gives an error “No application to handle this action”? This problem is familiar to many users of devices based on MIUI. The reasons can be different, from the lost default settings to conflicts between applications.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to open a link in the right application – be it Telegram, YouTube, VKontakte or any other. and explain why some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) can only open links in the browser, even if the desired application is installed. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14 and newer, but will also work for older versions.

Why links don’t open in the right apps

The problem with link opening to Xiaomi is usually due to one of three reasons:

• 🔄 The default settings are lost – the system does not know which application should handle a certain type of links (for example, t.me/... Telegram).
• 🛠️ Application conflict – multiple programs claim to handle the same type of link (e.g. Chrome and Mi Browser).
• 🚫 Limitations MIUI — On some firmware, Xiaomi blocks link opening in third-party apps for security».

Most often, the problem arises after:

• 📱 Updates MIUI (especially 13-14 version).
• 🔄 Resetting settings to factory.
• 📦 Installation of a new browser or messenger.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using POCO Launcher or third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher), the problem may be related to them.Try temporarily switching to a standard launcher MIUI.

Method 1: Assign the default application manually

The simplest method is to explicitly tell the system which application should open a particular type of link, such as allowing links to vk.com to open in the official VK app, rather than in the browser.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Default Apps"**.
3. Find the section “Open Links”** (or “Open Setup” in older versions of MIUI).
4. Select the link type (e.g. https://t.me for Telegram) and assign the desired app.

If the right type of links is not in the list, then the application has not registered its scheme in the system, in which case Method 3 will help.

Method 2: Use “Open with” when clicking on a link

If the system didn't remember your choice before, you can manually specify the app right when you open the link, and this method works even when the default settings are knocked down.

How to do this:

1. Press the link with your finger (in the browser, messenger or other application).
2. In the menu that appears, select “Open with” (or “Open in...”).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M4 Pro) the item "Open with" may not be in the context menu. In this case, use Method 1 or Method 4.

If the application is not on the list, it means:

• 📌 It is not installed (check it in Google Play).
• 📌 It does not support opening links of this type (e.g. Twitter will not open a link). vk.com/...).
• 📌 The app is damaged (try reinstalling it).

Method 3: Reset your application settings (if nothing helps)

If previous methods didn’t work, there may be conflicting settings in the system, in which case resetting all applications to factory settings will help, not delete your data (photos, messages, accounts), but reset your link opening, notification and permission settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Reset App Settings”**.
3. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).
4. Reboot the phone.

After the reboot:

• 🔹 When you first open a link, the system will ask which application to use.
• 🔹 You may need to reset notifications for some programs.

Method 4: Use ADB to force an application

If standard methods don’t work, you can manually tell the system which application should open certain links using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for advanced users.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm set-app-links --package com.example.app always

Replace com.example.app with the package ID of the desired application.

• com.telegram.messenger – for Telegram.
• com.google.android.youtube for YouTube.
• com.vkontakte.android – for VKontakte.

After completing the command, restart the phone. Now all supported links must open in the specified application.

💡

To find out the application package ID, install App Inspector from Google Play or use the adb shell pm list packages | grep "application name" command.

Method 5: Bypassing MIUI restrictions with third-party applications

On some MIUI firmware (especially in Chinese versions), the system blocks link opening in third-party applications “for security reasons.” If previous methods have not worked, you can use workarounds:

• 🌐 Open Link With allows you to manually select which application to open a link in, even if the system blocks the standard method.
• 🔗 «Better Open With – Expands the Open with Menu and allows you to assign default apps more flexibly.
• 📱 Installing custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) is a radical method for advanced users.

Example of Open Link With:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Copy the problematic link into the clipboard.
3. Open Open Link With, paste the link and select the desired application.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware voids warranty and can cause unstable phone performance. Use this method only if other methods have not helped.

💡

On Chinese MIUI firmware (e.g. Xiaomi for the domestic market), restrictions on link opening can be tougher, in which case only reflashing to the global version or using bypass applications will help.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When setting up link opening, users often make the following mistakes:

• 🔧 Not updating apps – older versions may not support new link schemes (e.g, t.me/joinchat/... Telegram).
• 📱 Use unofficial versions of apps (e.g. Telegram X or modified ones) APK) — They may not register the link schemes in the system.
• 🔄 Do not restart the phone after changes - some settings apply only after the reboot.
• 🚫 Block permissions for applications – if Chrome or Mi Browser disabled permission to open links, the system will not be able to process them.

To avoid problems:

1. Update your applications and MIUI regularly.
2. Do not install modified versions of messengers or browsers.
3. After changing the default settings, always restart the phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions