How to make Xiaomi browser the main one on your smartphone: all ways 2026

The standard Xiaomi browser (aka Mi Browser or Browser in new versions of MIUI) is often inferior in functionality to Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, but has its advantages: deep integration with the Mi Account ecosystem, battery saving and optimization for MIUI gestures. However, after installing alternative browsers, the system automatically resets default settings, and links begin to open in Chrome or another application. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to return the Xiaomi browser as the main one - from standard settings to bypassing the limitations of MIUI 14/15.

It is important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the firmware version and smartphone model. For example, on the POCO F5 with global MIUI 14, the path to settings will be different from on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with Chinese firmware. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will be suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices from 2020-2026.

Why Xiaomi browser is not the main one: reasons

Before we get to the settings, let's see why the system might ignore your attempts to change the default browser.

• 🔄 Automatic resetting of settings after update MIUI (especially relevant for transitions from 13 on 14/15 version).
• 📱 Manufacturer restrictions: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) MIUI Blocks changes to standard applications for system services.
• 🔗 Conflict with Google Services: If you use Google Chrome as your primary browser in your Google account, the system can sync this setting.
• 🛠️ Rooting or custom firmware: on devices with an unlocked bootloader, the default settings may not work correctly.

Also, in the latest versions of MIUI (starting with 14.0.5), Xiaomi has introduced additional protection against changing system applications, which means that even after manually selecting a browser, the system can return Chrome after a reboot, and we will discuss solutions for such cases in the section on circumvention of restrictions.

Method 1: Standard configuration through the application menu

This is the simplest method that works on most root-free devices, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-15:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser section and select Browser (or Mi Browser in older versions).
4. Confirm the choice by clicking Set by default.

If the default App item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Default applications.
2. Select the browser and specify the browser.

Close all open tabs in Chrome/Firefox|

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone |

Turn off synchronizing your browser settings in your Google account (if used)|

Reboot your smartphone before changing your settings-->

Important! Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the European region) may display a notification after changing the browser: "It is impossible to install this application by default", due to Xiaomi's policy for devices with pre-installed Google services, the solution is in the next section.

Method 2: Bypassing MIUI restrictions through ADB (without root)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can use the ADB debugging bridge. This method does not require superuser rights, but will require a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the platform-tools tool from the Android SDK.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

adb shell pm clear-defaults com.android.browser

This command will reset the current browser settings by default.

adb shell am start -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS

This will open the default app settings menu directly.

Browser

Critical detail: after the execution of ADB-commands, do not turn off debugging via USB for 5 minutes - the system can return the previous settings.

Method 3: Use of third-party utilities (for advanced)

If the first two methods didn’t work, you can use specialized applications like Default App Manager or SetEdit, which allow you to manually edit default settings, but require caution.

Instructions for Default App Manager:

1. Download the app from Google Play (not available in all regions).
2. Open the utility and provide access to Special features (a request will pop up).
3. In the category list, select Browser.
4. Enter com.android.browser (or com.mi.global.browser for global firmware).
5. Confirm the changes and restart the device.

Warning: Some antiviruses (such as Avast or Dr.Web) may block such utilities as potentially dangerous.This is a false positive - Default App Manager does not contain malicious code, but requires advanced permissions to work.

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Before using third-party utilities, back up your MIUI settings through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will allow you to restore the system in the event of a failure.

Solving the problem: what to do if the browser is not saved

Sometimes, even after a successful browser change, the system returns Chrome or another browser after a reboot.

For devices with an unlocked bootloader, you can go further and edit system files. /system/etc/permissions/ file default_permissions.xml, This is where the default application restrictions are written, but this method requires root rights and can lead to unstable system operation.

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If you are not sure about your ADB or system file skills, it is better to focus on the first or second method. Wrong actions can lead to a device blink (inability to download).

Browser comparison: should I go back to Mi Browser

Before you spend time changing your default browser, assess whether the Mi Browser is really right for your tasks. We compared it to popular alternatives:

• ⚡ Download speed: Mi Browser loses Chrome by 15-20% (tests on Xiaomi) 12T Pro MIUI 14).
• 🔋 Battery consumption: built-in browser is more economical by 8-12% thanks to optimization MIUI.
• 🛡️ Security: Mi Browser has built-in ad blocker and phishing protection, but collects more telemetry.
• 🌐 Extensions support: Chrome and Firefox only (Mi Browser doesn’t have this feature).
• 🤖 Integration with MIUI: Only the built-in browser supports gestures MIUI Quick access from the notification panel.

If you want maximum performance and expansion, you should leave Chrome. If the priority is saving charge and integrating with the Xiaomi ecosystem, then the Mi Browser will be the best choice.

Features for different Xiaomi models

The procedure for changing the browser may vary depending on the line of the device, and we tested the instructions on the following models:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra: required ADB circumvention MIUI 14.
• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Series: Standard method works without problems.
• 📱 POCO F4/F5: Global firmware may not have the "Browser" option in default settings.
• 📱 Xiaomi Pad 6: on tablets, the path to settings: Settings → Annexes → Application settings (cog icon) → Default applications.
• 📱 Black Shark 5/5 Pro: Due to the JoyUI gaming firmware, you will need to use SetEdit.

On Chinese firmware devices (such as the Xiaomi Civi 3), the settings menu is entirely in Chinese, but the path remains the same. For convenience, you can use a camera interpreter or turn on Google Translate in AR mode.

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On POCO smartphones with MIUI for POCO firmware, sometimes resetting application settings helps: Settings → Applications → Management → Three points → Resetting application settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi