Smartphone users Xiaomi often encounter a situation where devices open documents or media files through inconvenient or unwanted apps. This happens because the system remembers your previous choice and automatically sets it as the default application. For example, you might accidentally click "Always" when opening a PDF file, and now all documents open in the browser instead of a specialized reader. MIUI or HyperOS remembers your previous choice and automatically sets it as the default application. For example, you might accidentally click "Always" when opening a PDF file, and now all documents open in the browser instead of a specialized reader.
Fortunately, the operating system Android provides flexible tools for managing these associations. You don't need to be a programming expert to fix this situation. Just go to certain settings sections and clear previous settings. In this article, we will look in detail at all the possible ways to change apps for opening files, from simple menu actions to using advanced developer options.
Understanding how the “Open by default” mechanism works will help you avoid similar problems in the future. The system prioritizes (gives priority) to the application that you have selected with the “Always” confirmation. If you select "Only once", the system will ask you again the next time you run the file. We'll look at how to force reset this choice and customize the device to suit your needs.
The default application mechanism in MIUI
When you first open a file of a certain type, such as a photo or video, Android scans installed applications that can handle that format. The system then offers you a list of candidates. If you confirm your choice with the “Always” button, an entry is created in the system registry that associates the file extension with a specific application package. subsequently (subsequently) the system no longer bothers you with questions.
This function is designed to speed up the user's work, saving him from unnecessary clicks. However, if the installed application does not work correctly or you simply prefer other software, this automation becomes a problem. In the shell MIUI the operating logic is similar to pure Android, but the settings menu can be slightly modified by the manufacturer for convenience or, conversely, hidden deeper.
It is important to understand that changing the opening app does not delete the application itself. You're just breaking the connection between the file type and the app. After this, the next time you click on the file, the system will again prompt you to select a tool. This is a safe operation that will not affect the safety of your data or the operation of other functions of the smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: Some system applications, such as Xiaomi's Gallery or Explorer, may be deeply integrated into the system. Disabling them completely or replacing them can lead to unstable operation of the interface, so proceed carefully when choosing system components.
If you often work with different types of files, install a universal file manager that supports previewing most formats without the need to switch between applications.
Resetting settings through the menu of a specific application
The simplest and most effective The way to change the app for opening files is to find the settings of the application that currently opens by default. Let's say your PDF files open in a browser Chrome, and you want to use Adobe Reader. You need to go to the browser settings, not the reader.
To do this, open the main settings of your smartphone and go to the Applicationssection. In the list, find the current handler application (Chrome in our example). Inside the application card you are interested in the item Open by default or Launch by default. By clicking on it, you will see a button Delete default settings.
After clicking this button, the connection will be broken. Now, the next time you try to open a PDF file, the system will again display a pop-up window asking “What to open?”. At this point, select the app you want and click “Always” to lock in your new selection. This method works for 90% of cases on smartphones. incorrect. Xiaomi.
- 📱 Go to
Settings→Applications→All applications. - 🔍 Find in the list the app that is currently opening files incorrectly.
- 🗑️ Click
Delete default settingsin the opening menu. - ✅ Try opening the file again and select a new app.
☑️ Check before reset
Global management of default settings
Sometimes the user does not remember which application was assigned as the main one, or wants to view all associations at once. In this case, you should use the global settings menu Android. On devices, this section is sometimes hidden or renamed depending on the firmware version Xiaomi this section is sometimes hidden or renamed depending on the firmware version MIUI or HyperOS.
Go to Settings and use the search settings by entering the query “default”. This is the fastest way to find the item you need. It is usually called Default applications. In this menu, you can configure which browser, launcher, phone or messaging application will be used by the system globally.
However, for specific file types (for example, only for .jpg or only for .mp4) there may not be settings here. This section is often responsible for basic system operations. However, here you can reset all preferences at once, which will return the phone to the “as after purchase” state in terms of app selection.
| Setting type | Where it is located | What affects | Reset difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browser | Default applications | Opening links | Low |
| Launcher | Default applications | Worker table | Medium |
| Opening files | Inside a specific application | Documents, media | Low |
| Assistant | Default applications | Voice search | Low |
Using the “Open with” function manually
If automatic reset does not work or you want to open it one time file in another app without changing the default settings, use the manual selection function. In a file manager Xiaomi or third-party explorers (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer) this is done through the context menu.
Find the desired file in the list, hold it with your finger for one second to select it. In the bottom menu or “three dots” menu that appears, select the option Open with (Open with). The system will force a selection dialog, ignoring the current default settings.
This is an ideal way to check if an alternative application works correctly with a given file. If the file opens successfully, you can then commit this selection by clicking "Always" in the window that appears. If the file is damaged or the format is not supported, you will see it immediately without changing system settings.
⚠️ Attention: The “Open with” menu interface may differ depending on the Android version. On new versions Android 12/13/14 application icons in the selection list may be hidden under the “More” button if there are many of them.
Why is the list of applications empty?
If when you select “Open with” the list is empty, it means that there are no applications installed on your device that support this file format. You need to download a suitable player or editor from Google Play.
Problems with Xiaomi system applications
Smartphone owners Xiaomi often complain about the imposition of system applications, such as “Music”, “Video” or “Gallery” from MIUI. These apps sometimes open on their own, even if you have installed third-party analogues. This is due to the fact that system applications have higher priority in the file processing queue.
To combat this, it is not enough to simply reset the settings. Sometimes you need to temporarily disable a system application. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find, for example, “Music” (note icon). Click the button Disable or Uninstall updatesif the delete button is inactive.
After disabling a system component, when you try to open an audio file, the system will be forced offer you third-party applications, since the built-in one is no longer responsible for this type of file. This is a radical, but very effective method for those who want to completely get rid of the ecosystem MIUI in everyday tasks.
It is worth noting that after large-scale firmware updates, the settings may be reset, and system applications will again become active by default. In this case, the procedure will have to be repeated. Also, some system applications cannot be disabled without obtaining root access, which is not recommended for ordinary users.
- 🚫 Find the system application in the list of installed ones.
- ⏹️ Press the button
Disablein application menu. - 🔄 Reboot your smartphone to apply the changes.
- 🎵 Check opening files - other apps should now be offered.
Disabling system applications is the most reliable way to make Android forget about them, but this may affect the operation of other shell functions MIUI.
Solving problems if the selection is not saved
There are situations when you selected an application, clicked “Always”, but the next time you open the file, the system again asks for the choice or opens the file in the old app. This may indicate an error in the system cache or an application version conflict.
First of all, try clearing the cache and data of the handler application itself. In the application menu (as described in the second section), find the buttons Clear cache and Clear everything (or Reset). This will delete temporary files and reset the app's internal settings, which often solves the stuck selection problem.
If this doesn't help, check to see if the app has been updated recently. After major updates, developers sometimes reset file associations. Also make sure that the app has all the necessary permissions to access the device's storage. Without permission to access files, the application will not be able to correctly declare itself as a processor.
As a last resort, if all else fails, you can use safe mode for diagnostics. Boot into Safe Mode (usually by long pressing the power button on the screen), check if the problem persists. If everything works correctly in Safe Mode, then the conflict is caused by some third-party application that you recently installed.
⚠️ Warning: Clearing application data (“Clear All”) will delete your personal settings within this app, such as playlists, bookmarks, or history. Use this function with caution.
Before clearing the data of a complex application (for example, a player with equalizer settings), take screenshots of the settings or export the profile, if such a function is provided by the developer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to delete a system application “Gallery” on Xiaomi?
You cannot completely remove the system gallery without root access, but you can disable it in application settings. After that, when opening photos, the system will offer other installed galleries, for example, from Google Photos or third-party analogues.
Why, after resetting the settings, does the phone open files in the browser again?
Most likely, in the list of applications for opening a file, the browser is first in the list of recommendations. When choosing a new application, carefully click on the icon of the desired app, and not on the top prompt of the system, and be sure to select “Always.”
How to open a file in developer mode if the menu is hidden?
To access advanced settings, you need to activate developer mode. Go to About the phone and quickly click 7 times on the item MIUI version (or OS version). After this, the “For Developers” menu will appear in the additional settings, where you can manage some processes, although changing default applications is not provided there.
Does changing the default application affect the speed of operation phone?
No, changing the file association itself does not affect performance. However, if you have chosen a “heavy” application for opening simple files (for example, a powerful editor for viewing simple pictures), this may visually slow down the opening process.
What should you do if the “Remove default settings” button is inactive (gray)?
This means that this application does not have a priority value set for this type of file. The system itself decides how to open the file, or uses another application by default. Try to find in the list of applications the app that actually opens the file, and reset its settings.