Firmware-based smartphones Xiaomi Redmi 9S based on firmware MIUI often come with a pre-installed browser Mi Browserwhich automatically becomes the default application for opening web links. However, many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera because of greater speed, synchronization with other devices, or the absence of advertising. In this article we will look at how to correctly change the default browser to Redmi 9S, taking into account the interface features MIUI and possible system limitations.

It is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the firmware version (for example MIUI 12 vs MIUI 14) and installed updates. If you have previously tried to change the settings, but links still open in Mi Browserthe problem may lie in application cache or a conflict with system services. We will look at all the nuances - from basic browser changes to solving common errors.

Why can’t you change the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi 9S?

Users Xiaomi often encounter the fact that the system ignores attempts to change the default browser. The reasons may be the following:

  • 🔄 Automatic reset: after the update MIUI some parameters return to factory settings.
  • 🛡️ MIUI limitations: the firmware blocks changes to standard applications for certain types of links (for example, for http:// and https://).
  • 📱 Conflict with “Security”: the built-in antivirus or optimizer may prevent you from changing the browser.
  • 🔗 Incorrect protocol binding: the system separates the settings for web links and HTML files.

In addition, on Redmi 9S version Android 10 (which was originally installed on this device), the algorithm for changing the browser differs from newer versions. Android 11/12If your smartphone has been updated. to MIUI 13+, some menu items may have moved or changed names.

⚠️ Attention: Starting from MIUI 14, Xiaomi control over system applications has been tightened. If, after changing the browser, links still open in Mi Browser, check the settings in the Accessibility → Simplified mode — the function of forcing the use of standard applications can be activated there.

Preparation: what to do before changing the browser?

Before changing the default browser, follow a few preliminary steps:

  1. Install an alternative browser from Google Play (for example, Chrome, Firefox or Brave). Without this, the system will not allow you to select another application.
  2. Update MIUI to the latest version: go to Settings → About phone → System update. Older firmware versions may contain bugs with default settings.
  3. Clear cache current browser: Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear cache.

If you plan to use Google Chrome, make sure it is updated to the latest version. Older versions of the application may not have options to work with. protocols intent://which are used in some links.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Update MIUI to the latest version

Clear Mi Browser cache

Restart smartphone-->

Method 1: Standard change of browser through Android settings

This is the simplest method that works on most devices Xiaomi Redmi 9S s MIUI 12–14Follow the instructions:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to the section Applications → Manage applications.
  3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Default applications.
  4. Tap on the item Browser.
  5. In the list of available applications, select the desired browser (for example, Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not in the list, make sure it is installed and opened at least once. Sometimes MIUI does not display applications that have never been launched.

What to do if the browser you need is not in the list?

If an alternative browser does not appear in the "Default Applications" menu, try the following:

1. browser manually and wait for the main page to fully load.

2. Restart your smartphone.

3. Check if browser permissions are disabled in Settings → Applications → [Browser name] → Permissions.

After selecting a browser, the system will ask for confirmation. Click OK or Install. Now all web links should open in the selected application.

💡

If after the change browser links still open in Mi Browser, the problem may be in the settings of specific applications (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp have their own parameters for processing links).

Method 2: Changing the browser through the settings of a specific application

Some applications (for example, instant messengers or email clients) ignore global settings Android and use their own link handler. To fix this:

  1. Open the application in which links do not open in the desired browser (for example, Telegram).
  2. Go to its settings (usually through the icon ⚙️ or swipe right).
  3. Find the section Opening links, Default browser or External links.
  4. Select the desired browser from the list or disable the option Open links within the application.

For Google Chrome you can also use the function Open supported links:

  1. Go in Settings → Applications → Chrome → Open by default.
  2. Activate the option Open supported links.
  3. Click Add link and confirm selection.
⚠️ Attention: Some system applications (for example, MIUI 13+ some system applications (for example, Weather or Themes) force open links in Mi Browser, even if you changed the default browser. This is a firmware limitation, and you can only bypass it through ADB commands (see Method 4).

Method 3: Resetting application settings (if the browser does not change)

If after all the manipulations the browser still does not change, try resetting the application settings to default. This will return all bindings to factory settings, after which you can re-specify the desired browser.

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset application settings.
  3. Confirm the action by clicking Reset settings.

After reset:

  • 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
  • 🌐 Launch an alternative browser and wait until it is fully initialized.
  • 📱 Repeat steps from Method 1to reselect the default browser.

This method also helps if after the update MIUI the settings were reset and Mi Browser began to open by default again.

Mi Browser (standard)

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Opera or Opera Mini

Other-->

Method 4: Using ADB to force a browser change (for experienced ones)

If standard methods do not work, you can resort to ADB commands. This requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and basic knowledge of working with Android Debug Bridge. This method is only suitable for users who are ready for manual settings, since incorrect commands can disrupt the system.

You will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with drivers installed Xiaomi and ADB (can be downloaded via Android Studio or separately).
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the smartphone: Settings → About phone → MIUI version (press 7 times to activate developer mode), then Settings → Advanced → For developers → USB debugging.
  • 🔌 USB cable for connection.

Instructions:

  1. Connect Redmi 9S to the computer and enable USB debugging on the smartphone screen.
  2. Open the command line (cmd on Windows) and enter:
adb devices

(Make sure the device is detected.)

  1. Enter the command to reset all applications to default:
adb shell cmd package reset-preferred-apps
  1. Now specify the desired browser manually. First, find its package name:
adb shell pm list packages | grep browser

(For Chrome this is usually com.android.chrome, for Firefox — org.mozilla.firefox.)

  1. Bind the browser to the protocols http and https:
adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome
adb shell cmd package add-preferred-activity com.android.chrome

After executing the commands reboot your smartphone. This method bypasses the restrictions MIUI, but requires caution.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use ADB can lead to system malfunctions. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to turn to other methods or consult the forums. data-i="206">(for example, Xiaomi (For example, 4PDA).

Table: Comparison of browsers for Xiaomi Redmi 9S

If you have not yet decided on an alternative browser, compare the main options:

Browser Speed Synchronization Ad blocking MIUI support
Google Chrome ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yes (via Google account) No (extensions required) Good
Mozilla Firefox ⭐⭐⭐ Yes (via Firefox account) Yes (built-in) Good
Opera ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yes (via Opera account) Yes (built-in blocker) Average
Brave ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yes (via crypto wallet) Yes (aggressive) Good
Mi Browser ⭐⭐⭐ No Partially (Xiaomi advertising) Ideal

For Redmi 9S with its modest characteristics (Helio G35 and 4 GB of RAM) the optimal choice would be Chrome or Opera —they are better optimized for budget devices. Firefox and Brave consume more resources, but offer advanced privacy features.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successfully changing the browser, users Xiaomi Redmi 9S may encounter the following problems:

  • 🔄 Links open in Mi Browser after reboot: clear the application cache Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear cache.
  • 📱 Some applications ignore the new browser: check the settings of a specific application (for example, in Telegram there is an option Open links in an external browser).
  • 🔒 MIUI blocks browser changes: update the firmware or use ADB (Method 4).
  • 🛠️ The browser is not saved after updating MIUI: reset application settings (Method 3).

If the problem persists, try uninstall updates to Mi Browser:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Mi Browser.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Uninstall updates.
  3. Restart your smartphone and repeat the default browser settings.
💡

If you often encounter problems when changing browsers, consider installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS). It has no restrictions MIUI, but requires unlocking the bootloader and may void the warranty.

Is it possible to completely remove Mi Browser from Xiaomi Redmi 9S?

Mi Browser is a system application, and you cannot completely remove it without root access However, you can:

  • Disable. it: Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Disable.
  • Hide the icon from the main screen (long press → Hide from screen).
  • Use ADB to delete (command adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser), but this can lead to operational errors MIUI.
Why do some links still open in Mi Browser after changing the browser?

This is due to the fact that MIUI separately controls the processing of different types links. For example:

  • http:// and https:// can be tied to one browser,
  • intent:// or market:// to another.

Solution: manually open the problematic link, and the system will prompt you to select a browser. tick Always.

How to return Mi Browser back if something went wrong?

To return the standard browser:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Default applications → Browser.
  2. Select Mi Browser from the list.
  3. If it is not in the list, reset application settings (see Method 3).
Will changing the browser affect the performance of Redmi 9S?

The very fact of changing the default browser does not affect does not affect performance. However:

  • Some browsers (for example, Chrome with many tabs) can consume more RAM.
  • Mi Browser optimized for MIUI and can work more stable on weak devices.
  • For Redmi 9S recommended to use Opera Mini or Chrome Liteif the priority is saving resources.
Is it possible to change the default browser without an Internet connection?

Yes, the Internet is not required for the procedure of changing the browser. However:

  • An alternative browser should be used. be already installed on the device.
  • If you want to download a new browser, you will need a network connection.
  • Some settings (for example, account synchronization in Chrome) will not be available without Internet.