Smartphone owners Xiaomi i Redmi often face a situation where the system forces the use of the built-in browser MIUI Browser. This may be inconvenient if you are used to bookmark synchronization Google Chrome or specific functions Yandex Browser. Fortunately, the operating system allows you to easily change the application responsible for opening links. Android makes it easy to change the application responsible for opening links.
The procedure for changing settings does not require obtaining root access or installing complex software. Just go to the appropriate section of the menu and select the desired item. However, the shell interface MIUI or HyperOS has its own characteristics that can confuse an unprepared user at the first acquaintance.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for different firmware versions. You will learn how to force reset the current settings if the selection button is inactive, and what nuances should be taken into account when working with Chinese versions of devices.
Why the system selects the browser automatically
When setting up your smartphone for the first time or after installing a new application, the system requests permission to use the app for certain actions. If you accidentally clicked "Always" instead of "Only once", Android remembers this choice. In the future, all links from messengers and notes will be opened in this application without any questions.
The shell from Xiaomi often gives priority to its own developments. MIUI Browser is deeply integrated into the system, has access to the news feed and is optimized to save traffic when roaming. That is why it is often installed as default browser immediately after purchasing the device, even if you prefer other solutions.
Sometimes a conflict occurs when updating the software. The new version firmware may reset application settings or return the default developer choice. In such cases, the user has to manually reconfigure preferences to return to the familiar environment.
⚠️ Attention: On some global firmware versions, the browser selection item may be hidden if only one browser with rights to open web pages is installed on the system. Make sure that you have downloaded at least two different browsers.
Preparing the device for changing settings
Before changing system settings, you need to make sure there is an alternative. If you remove the only installed browser, links will no longer open at all, and some applications may begin to work incorrectly or display errors when trying to navigate to the site.
Go to the application store Google Play or GetApps and install the desired browser. This could be Chrome, Firefox, Edge or any other popular option. After installation, do not rush to open it; first you need to complete the basic system setup.
It is also recommended to check for updates for already installed browsers. An outdated version of the application may incorrectly register in the system as a link handler HTTP and HTTPS. Current software guarantees stable operation of all functions.
☑️ Preparing to change browser
Changing settings through the MIUI main menu
The easiest way to change the priority of applications is to use the main settings menu. The path may differ slightly depending on the version Android and shell, but the logic remains the same for all devices Xiaomi and Redmi.
Open the section Settings and find the item Applications. In some firmware versions it may be called All applications. A complete list of installed software and system parameters of their operation are stored here. We need a section for managing standard apps.
Select item Default applications. In the list that opens, find the category Browser. By clicking on it, you will see a list of all installed browsers. Just choose the one you want to use all the time. The system will instantly apply the changes.
If you are using a new shell HyperOS, the path may look slightly different: Settings → Desktop → Other settings → Default applications. Pay close attention to the section names, as the translation may vary.
If the “Default applications” item is not in the menu, use the search inside settings. Enter the phrase “default” into the search bar at the top of the screen, and the system itself will suggest the desired section.
Resetting settings through managing a specific application
Sometimes direct selection of a new browser is not available because the system has rigidly fixed the previous choice. In this case, you need to manually clear the settings of the application that is currently the main one. This action will reset the link binding.
Go to the menu Settings → Applications → All applications. Find your current browser in the list (for example, MIUI Browser or Chromeif it was selected earlier). Tap on the name to open the application card.
At the bottom of the screen, find the section Default. If it says "Open supported links" then the app is taking precedence. Click the button Clear default settings or Reset defaults.
After performing this operation, try opening any link from the message in Telegram or Viber. The system will again ask you which application to open the link with. This time, select the desired browser and click “Always” to fix the choice.
| Action | Where to find | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Search for application | Settings → Applications |
List of installed software |
| Reset priority | Application card → Default |
Removing link fixation |
| New selection | When you click on any link | A selection menu appears |
| Fixation of the selection | Pop-up window | Pressing the "Always" button |
Features Chinese versions of firmware
Owners of devices imported from China or running on Chinese firmware (China ROM) may encounter a lack of standard services Google. In such systems, the built-in browser is often the only pre-installed option that supports full surfing.
To change the browser to the Chinese version MIUIyou must first install an alternative manually by downloading APK file or using a third-party application store. Without a second browser, the system will not allow you to change the settings, since it does not see an alternative.
The settings interface in the Chinese version is completely in Chinese. The default application selection item is usually located in the Advanced Settings (Advanced settings) section. The icon often looks like a gear or a set of squares.
How to find a menu in Chinese?
Look for the characters corresponding to the word “Applications” or “Default”. Often the required item is located at the very bottom of the list of main settings, indicated by a gear icon with a plus.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu location may change after MIUI and HyperOS updates. If you do not find the described items, check the current menu structure in the official user manual for your specific model.
Solving problems if the selection is not saved
There are situations when, after restarting the smartphone, the settings are reset and the links open again in the old browser. This may be caused by aggressive energy saving algorithms MIUIthat “kill” background processes of new applications.
Go to the battery settings and find the section Activity Control or Autostart. Find your new browser in the list and allow it to autostart and also disable power saving for that particular app. This will give the app the necessary rights.
It is also worth checking for hidden system restrictions. In rare cases, the device administrator (for example, a corporate profile or parental control application) may block the change of default apps. Check the section Security → Device administrators.
If all else fails, try uninstalling built-in browser updates MIUI. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → MIUI Browser → Three dots in the corner → Uninstall updates. This will return the application to the factory version, which often resets its privileges.
Allow auto-start and disable saving energy for the new browser is a critical step for stable operation on Xiaomi smartphones, otherwise the system will forcefully close the application.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to completely remove the built-in MIUI browser?
Without receiving root-rights you cannot completely remove the system application. However, you can disable it so that it does not appear in the menu or run in the background. To do this, go to the application settings and click the button Disable.
Why do links open in an empty window after changing the browser?
This means that the new browser does not have the rights to process links or is installed incorrectly. Try clearing the application cache or reinstalling it. Also check if the “Open in background” checkbox is checked in the link settings.
Does changing the browser affect the speed of the Internet?
The choice of application itself does not affect the speed of the mobile operator's tariff. However, different browsers use different traffic compression algorithms and rendering engines, which can subjectively speed up the loading of heavy pages.
What to do if the “Default Applications” item is not in the settings?
Try using the search bar at the very top of the settings menu. Search for "default" or "browser". The system should redirect you to the desired hidden configuration section.