Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are famous for their functionality, but often impose pre-installed applications on users. One of the most intrusive elements of the ecosystem is the standard one, which opens when you click on links in messages or instant messengers. This can be annoying if you are used to the functionality of Google Chrome, Opera or Yandex Browser. Mi browser, which opens when you click on links in messages or instant messengers. This can be annoying if you are used to the functionality of Google Chrome, Opera or Yandex Browser.
Fortunately, the Android operating system, on which the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS is based, makes it easy to change these settings. Changing the default browser is not just a matter of personal preference, but also a way to improve security or speed. links. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the methods that allow you to secure your favorite surfing application.
The setup process may vary slightly depending on the Android version and firmware version. However, the basic principles have remained unchanged over the past years. We will consider options for both old and current versions of the interface.
Why you should change the standard browser to Xiaomi
The standard Mi Browser application is often criticized for the abundance of advertising in the news feed and intrusive notifications. Replacing it with an alternative allows you to clear the information noise and focus on the content. In addition, third-party solutions often offer more advanced tools for working with tabs.
Many users appreciate synchronizing history and passwords between their phone and computer. If you use Google Chrome or Firefox on a PC, then setting them as the main ones on your smartphone will ensure a seamless transition between devices. This makes working with documents and researching information much easier.
⚠️ Warning: After changing the default browser, some system links may take longer to open if the new application is not optimized to work with specific types of links (for example, deep app links).
It is also worth mentioning privacy. Third-party browsers often have built-in ad blocker trackers and tracking protection, which is an important argument for online privacy. Standard solutions rarely boast the same level of protection out of the box.
Preparation: installing the required application
Before To designate the browser as the main one, you need to make sure that it is installed on your device. The Google Play store offers a huge selection of applications for browsing the web. You can choose any one that meets your requirements for speed and interface.
After downloading and installing the application, the Android system usually prompts you to choose how to open links. However, if you missed this point or want to double-check the settings, you will have to use the system menu. Make sure that the application is fully downloaded and ready to work.
- 🌐 Open the Google Play Store on your Xiaomi smartphone.
- 🔍 Enter the name of the desired browser in the search (for example, DuckDuckGo or Brave).
- 📲 Click the "Install" button and wait until the process completes.
- 🚀 Run the application at least once to accept the terms of the user agreement.
It is important to note that some browsers may require additional permissions to work correctly. For example, access to geolocation for maps or microphone for voice search. Do not ignore these requests if the functionality is important to you.
When installing a browser from unknown sources (not through the Play Market), the Xiaomi system will issue a security warning. This is normal, but download APK files only from the official developer sites.
Settings through the "Default Applications" menu
The most reliable and universal way to change settings is to use the system menu. This method works on all versions of MIUI and HyperOS. It allows you to centrally manage which applications open which types of files and links.
First, go to the main settings of your smartphone. Typically, the gear icon is located on the home screen or in the notification shade. We need to find the section responsible for managing installed apps.
- Open
Settingsyour device. - Scroll down the list and find the item
Applications. - Select the option Manage applications.
- In the upper right corner of the screen, click on the menu button (three dots).
- In the drop-down list, select
Default applications.
In the menu that opens you will see a category "Browser". Click on it. The system will offer a list of all installed browsers. Just choose the one you want to use all the time. From now on, all links will open in the selected application.
☑️ Checking the default settings
Method of resetting settings via "Open as default"
Sometimes global settings may not be applied correctly, or you want to reset the selection for a specific application. In this case, the individual settings menu for each browser helps. This method is especially useful if the system “forgot” your choice after the update.
The essence of the method is to force a reset of file associations for the current browser. This will cause the system to ask you again what to open the links on next click. This also helps if you want to temporarily return the old browser.
| Action | Menu path | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Reset all settings | Settings -> Applications -> Reset settings |
Return all system applications to factory settings |
| Reset a specific application | Settings -> Applications -> Management -> [Browser] -> Open as default -> Reset |
The system will ask again for a choice when you click on the link |
| Clearing data | Settings -> Applications -> Management -> [Browser] -> Memory -> Clear |
Deleting cache and cookies, but not account history |
Use this method with caution. Resetting a specific app won't delete your bookmarks if they're synced to your account, but it may clear out temporary files. This is useful if the browser is unstable.
⚠️ Attention: On some versions of MIUI, the path may look different:
Settings -> Additional settings -> Default applications. Look for similar wording in the menu.
Features of the HyperOS interface and new versions of MIUI
With the release of the shell HyperOS Xiaomi began to unify the interface, making it more similar to pure Android. This also affected the settings menu. Now managing applications by default has become more logical and accessible.
In new firmware versions, the need to go into deep menus to simply change the browser has disappeared. Often, when you first launch a new browser or after resetting your settings, the system itself displays a beautiful pop-up window with the question: “Shall I use this application as default?”
If you do not see such a window, check the section Settings -> Applications -> Default application settings. In HyperOS, this item is often placed in a separate category at the very top of the list of applications, which makes it easier to access.
What if the "Browser" item is not in the list?
If there is no "Browser" category in the "Default Applications" menu, this may means that only one browser is installed on the system. Install a second browser, and the item will appear automatically.
Problem solving: the browser is not selected or reset
Users sometimes encounter a situation where the system stubbornly returns the standard Mi Browser, ignoring your settings. This may be due to aggressive battery optimization or the way background processes work in MIUI.
Often the problem lies in the fact that the standard application has “hard” priorities. To fix this, you need to not only choose a new browser, but also take away the rights from the old one. Go to the Mi Browser settings and click the button Delete default settingsif it is active.
- 🔋 Check the energy saving settings: sometimes the system “puts the browser to sleep” and it stops responding to links.
- 🔄 Update the application: make sure you have the latest version of the browser from the Play Market.
- 📵 Disconnect the Internet for a minute and try opening the link, then turn on the network - sometimes this restarts the services.
It is also worth checking if the "Security" mode or system-level ad blocker is enabled, which may conflict with the new browser. In rare cases, completely reinstalling the problematic application helps.
The main reason for resetting settings is the presence of two or more browsers, where one has a higher system priority. Resetting the settings of the “old” browser solves the problem in 90% of cases.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely remove the standard Xiaomi browser?
You cannot remove the system browser without root access or using ADB commands, since it is part of the firmware. However, you can turn off its notifications and hide it from your desktop by assigning another browser as your main browser.
Does changing the browser affect the speed of your phone?
Yes, it can. Light browsers (for example, Opera Mini or Via) consume less RAM than heavy ones (Chrome). If you have a budget Xiaomi model, choosing an optimized browser can speed up your work.
What should you do if links from Telegram open in the built-in browser?
Telegram has its own built-in browser settings. Go to Telegram settings -> Data and memory -> Web pages and select "Open in Chrome" (or another browser) so that links open immediately in the desired application.
Will the browser selection be reset after a system update?
For large Android updates (for example, from version 12 to 13) settings may be reset. With regular security updates (patches), your preferences are preserved. It is recommended to double-check the settings after a major update.