How to remove “Remember Choices” on Xiaomi: all ways (including hidden ones)

The “Remember Choice” feature on Xiaomi smartphones is often a source of annoyance: the system automatically opens the last used app for certain actions (for example, watching a photo or video), ignoring your current choice. In some cases, this is convenient, but more often it is a hindrance, especially if you want to use another application by default “here and now”.

Complicating the problem, MIUI hides direct settings to disable this feature, and new firmware versions (such as MIUI 14 based on Android 13/14) have changed the algorithm. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard settings to hidden commands through ADB and cache reset. Instructions are tested on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F5 and other devices from 2022-2026.

Important: Some methods require developer rights or PC connectivity. If you're a beginner, start with the first two, they're the safest.

1. Standard reset "Remember Choices" through application settings

The easiest way to reset the default settings for a particular file type (such as images or videos) works on all versions of MIUI, but does not disable the feature completely, but only resets the last selection.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select the Default Apps.
• 🖼️ Scroll down to Open Supported Links or Opening Settings (name depends on version) MIUI).
• 🔄 Find the file type (e.g..jpg or.jpg.mp4) and click Clear the default settings.

After that, the next time you open the file, the system will again ask which application to use, but after 1-2 use, the "Remember Choice" function is activated again.

💡

If the list doesn’t have the right file type, try opening the file through Explorer, hold it and select Open with → Always, then cancel the selection.

2. Disconnection through "Special Opportunities" (operates on MIUI 12–14)

In some versions of MIUI, the “Remember Choices” feature is tied to MiuiSystemUI, which can be limited through special features, which does not require root rights, but may not work on all devices.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Special Opportunities Services.
2. Activate the MiuiSystemUI slider (if it is on the list).
3. Go back and select Special Opportunity Settings → System settings.
4. Find the option to Disable Memory of Application Selection (or similar in meaning) and activate it.

If MiuiSystemUI is not listed, then your version of MIUI does not support this method.

3. Resetting the Settings and Launcher app cache

Sometimes, the Remember Choices feature fails because of a corrupted cache of system applications, and clearing the cache can return standard system behavior.

How to do this:

• 🧹 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔧 Find the Settings app (or Settings) and select Storage → Clear the cache.
• 📱 Repeat the same for the Launcher app (or Miui Home).
• 🔄 Reset the device.

This method does not guarantee a complete shutdown of the function, but often helps to reset the "stuck" settings by default. If the problem persists, move on to more radical methods.

Backup of important data

Close all background applications

Connect the device to charging (recommended)

Remember the current screen settings (brightness, wallpaper)-->

4.Use of ADB for forced reset (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and enabling the developer mode.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command:

adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.settings

This command will reset all default application settings, including "Remember Choices." Attention: After completing the command, some personal settings (such as background wallpaper or notification sounds) may reset.

💡

Adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.settings is the most reliable way to reset all remembered choices, but it also affects other system settings. Use it only if other methods have not worked.

5. Reset all settings to factory (last resort)

If none of these methods worked, you have to reset your settings completely, and this method is guaranteed to delete all the "remembered" choices, but it also erases all the data on your device.

How to reset:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 📱 Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Reset Network Settings!).
• 🔐 Enter your Mi Account password if required.
• ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once reset, the device will return to factory settings, and the "Remember Choices" function will be deactivated. Remember to restore the data from the backup.

💡

Before resetting, check if your Mi Account is linked to the device. After the reset, proof of ownership may be required via SMS or email.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

For most users, the best solution would be a combination of cache cleaning (method 3) and application setting reset (method 1).If you're ready for more radical measures, use ADB or a full reset.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

⚠️ Note: Never remove system applications (such as MiuiSystemUI) through root access or ADB, If you're not sure what the consequences are, it can cause a cyclical reboot of the device!

Many users make the following mistakes:

• 🚫 Try to disable the function through Settings → Lock screen and password (this is an incorrect partition).
• 🚫 Used by third-party “optimizers” from Google Play, which promise to “disable memory” for money.
• 🚫 Reset network settings (Settings) → Resetting the network settings, thinking it's going to help. It doesn't affect the "Remember the choice" function».

If the problem persists after all the manipulations, check if the device has custom software (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions