How to remove “Remember the choice” on Xiaomi smartphones: all working methods

The MIUI’s “Remember Choices” feature is designed to make it easier to interact with system dialogs, such as when choosing a default application to open files or confirm permissions. However, sometimes this mechanism works against the user: the smartphone stubbornly ignores new settings, returning to the previously saved version. Typical scenarios: the inability to change the browser for links, forced opening media files in an unnecessary player, or automatically connecting to an unwanted Wi-Fi network.

The problem is complicated by the fact that in the latest versions MIUI 14/15 (And even in HyperOS, developers have hidden the direct resetting settings for saved choices, and in this article, we'll look at all the current ways, from simple (via app menus) to radical (reset to factory settings), and explain why some methods stopped working after the updates. We will pay special attention to hidden teams. ADB, which allow you to reset your choices without losing data.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t let you reset “Remember Choices”?

The reason is because of Android architecture and Xiaomi's permissions policy, and when you select a default action (like "Always Open in Google Chrome"), the system records that decision in the PackageManager database. In older versions of MIUI (before 12), these settings could be manually reset via the Apps menu.

• 🔒 The Limitations of Android 10+: Google tightens control over resetting silences, requiring explicit user confirmation.
• 🛠️ Changes in MIUI/HyperOS: Xiaomi removed a separate section for managing saved elections, integrating it into the general settings of applications.
• 📱 Chip manufacturers: On some models (e.g., with MediaTek processors), reset may be blocked at the firmware level.

It is important to understand that Remember Choice works on three levels:

1. Default applications (browser, player, SMS-client).
2. Permissions (access to camera, microphone, location).
3. System dialogs (connection to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-modes).

⚠️ Attention: If after the reset, the choice is restored again, the problem may be in the cloud backup Xiaomi. → Xiaomi account → Synchronization.

Method 1: Reset via application settings (MIUI 12–15, HyperOS)

This is the safest method, without requiring superuser rights or PC connectivity, and is suitable for most models: Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 13/14, etc.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Reset App Settings”.
3. In the list, find the item “Reset default settings” (or “Clear silences”) and confirm the action.

If this is not the case, try an alternative route:

• 📌 Go to Settings. → Annexes → [Select a problem application] → Open by default.
• 🔄 Click on “Clear Silences” (if the button is active).

This method works for the default applications, but does not affect system dialogs (such as choosing a Wi-Fi network).

Method 2: Clearing the cache and Settings data (for system dialogs)

If the smartphone stubbornly returns to the saved choice of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB-The problem lies in the cache of the system application com.android.settings. its cleaning will help reset the "stuck" settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Dots → Show all applications.
2. In the search bar, type “Settings” (or com.android.settings) and select the system application.
3. Click on “Storage” → “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Clearing com.android.settings will reset all personal settings (wallpaper, brightness, sound profiles) Don't be alarmed - this is temporary, but before the procedure, take screenshots of important settings.

Method 3: Using ADB to reset all silences

If standard methods don’t work, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a PC debugging tool that works for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO, and Black Shark, but requires USB debugging.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install it ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
4. Follow commands in order: adb devices (should display your device) adb shell pm clear-defaults com.android.settings adb shell pm clear-defaults com.miui.securitycenter

To reset the silences of a particular application (e.g. Chrome) use:

adb shell pm clear package:com.android.chrome

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If ADB Can't see the device, try changing it. USB-cable to the original and include in the developer settings the item "Debugging by USB (security)».

This method is guaranteed to reset all the saved choices, including those that are not visible in the GUI, but it requires minimal technical skills.

Method 4: Manual reset via file system (for advanced)

If you have root rights or use custom recovery (like TWRP), you can manually delete the files with the saved choices, a method that is risky but effective for deeply integrated settings.

The files responsible for “Remember Choices” are stored in the following ways:

• 📁 /data/system/users/0/settings_global.xml — globalization.
• 📁 /data/system/users/0/settings_system.xml — system preferences.
• 📁 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db — settings-base.

To reset the choice:

1. Backup the specified files (for example, copy to the PC).
2. Delete the lines with parameters: default_application_* or preferred_*
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop.Without root experience, it is better to use other methods.

Method 5: Complete reset to factory settings

This is an extreme measure to resort to if other methods have not worked: a complete reset will delete all data, including apps, photos and accounts, but is guaranteed to clean up all saved choices.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data”.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Alternative method (if the phone is not turned on):

• 🔄 Turn off the device.
• 🔘 Press the power button. + Volume upwards before the Mi Recovery logo appears.
• 📛 Select "Wipe Data» → «Wipe All Data».

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Remove before resetting SIM-card and memory card – this will speed up the process and protect data from random formatting.

Once reset, the device will return to the “out of the box” state, and all saved choices (including Wi-Fi passwords) will be deleted.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users have typical problems when trying to reset "Remember Choices," and these are the most common mistakes and solutions.

Another common problem is the inability to reset the choice for system applications (for example, Mi File Explorer or Mi Video).

• 🔧 Disable the application: Settings → Annexes → [Annex] → Shut down.
• 🔄 Install an alternative from Google Play and assign it by default.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions