Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS have their own browser preinstalled. Mi Browser. Many users prefer the Google ecosystem and want to use Chrome for everyday surfing. However, the manufacturer often imposes its solution, making it the default browser immediately after turning on the device for the first time.
This situation causes discomfort, since links from instant messengers and other applications open in an unfamiliar interface, and synchronization with the Google account is disrupted. Luckily, Android makes it easy to change this priority. You do not need root access or complex scripts - just configure the system parameters correctly.
In this article we will look in detail at how to disable the imposed service and secure Google Chrome as the main tool for working on the Internet. We will look at the differences in the menu for different firmware versions and solve possible problems if the button for changing the browser is inactive.
Why Xiaomi installs its own browser
Xiaomi's policy is aimed at keeping the user within its own ecosystem of services. Mi Browser integrated with the system at a deep level, which allows developers to collect usage statistics and show targeted advertising. That is why, when setting up the phone for the first time, the system automatically selects it.
For many experienced users, this approach is a disadvantage. Your own browser often contains unnecessary features, such as news feeds or video players, that cannot be completely disabled. At the same time Chrome offers a minimalistic interface and full synchronization with the computer.
⚠️ Attention: In some regions, global firmware versions have more aggressive advertising in system applications than Chinese versions. Changing the browser helps to partially reduce the amount of advertising junk in the system.
In addition, using a third-party browser by default increases security. Google Chrome receives security updates faster and has a more advanced anti-phishing system compared to standard solutions from Xiaomi. This is critically important when entering bank card data.
Preparing the system before changing
Before changing the default settings, make sure that the required application is already installed on your device. In most cases Google Chrome is present in the system initially, since Xiaomi smartphones are certified by Google. However, in some Chinese versions of firmware it may not be available.
If the browser icon is not on the desktop, go to the store Google Play Market. Enter the name of the application in the search and click the install button. Wait for the download to complete and initial account setup. Without an installed application, the system will not allow you to select it as the main one.
It is also recommended to update the application to the latest version. Outdated software may not work correctly or may not appear in the list of available options in the settings menu. Go to your profile in the store and check for available updates.
Before changing browsers, open Chrome at least once and sign in to your Google account. This activates synchronization services, and the system quickly recognizes the application as ready to work.
Sometimes the system requires basic permissions to be granted before making the application the main one. When you first start, allow access to storage for downloading files and to geolocation, if necessary for your work. This will get rid of pop-up windows in the future.
The algorithm for changing the browser in the settings of MIUI and HyperOS
The settings interface may differ slightly depending on the version of Android and the shell, but the logic of the actions remains the same. You will need to find the section responsible for managing default applications. It is usually hidden deep in the options menu.
Follow the step-by-step guide to reassign the application to open links:
- 📱 Open the application
Settingson your smartphone. - 🔍 Go to section
ApplicationsorAll applications. - ⚙️ Find the item
Default applications(sometimes it is inside the menuManage applications). - 🌐 Click on the line
Browser. - ✅ In the list that appears, select Chrome.
In new versions of HyperOS, the path may be slightly different. Often the required item is moved to the section in the main settings menu. data-i="72">. If you do not find the item in the applications section, try searching through the search bar at the top of the settings screen by entering the query "default". Additional settings. If you don't find the item in the applications section, try searching through the search bar at the top of the settings screen by typing "default".
After selecting, the system will remember your decision. Now, when you click on any link in Telegram, WhatsApp or mail, it will open in the window you selected to apply the changes, they will take effect. instantly.
☑️ Checking a successful change
Resetting settings through the app menu
Sometimes it happens that the browser selection in the general settings menu is blocked or not displayed. In such a situation, you can change the priority directly through the specific application card. This method is more reliable for older versions of MIUI.
Go to the menu Settings → Applications → All applications. Find in the list Mi Browser and click on it. In the application information menu that opens, find the section Open by default or Launch by default.
Press the button Reset settings or Clear defaults. This action will remove the link from this browser. Now, the next time you try to open a link from another application, the system will ask you which app it is. do.
⚠️ Attention: The reset button may be inactive (grayed out) if the browser does not have the default application status at the moment. In this case, use the general method through the "Default Applications" section.
After the reset, go to the settings itself Google Chrome. In some versions of Android there is also an item Set as default. Clicking on this button will force the application to be registered as the main one in the system, bypassing unnecessary confirmations.
Processing settings links inside Chrome
Even after setting the default browser, some specific links may open in other applications. This is due to the link processing settings (App Links). In order to Google Chrome intercept the maximum of web addresses, you need to configure this setting separately.
Go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Chrome. section Open supported links. Set the switch to position Always open in this application. This ensures that even if you have, for example, an Instagram or TikTok client installed, the web versions of the sites will load in the browser.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on operation |
|---|---|---|
| Open links | Always | Links open immediately in the browser |
| Supported domains | All | Any are processed web addresses |
| Notifications | Enabled | Allows you to see the status of downloads |
| Background work | Enabled | Links open faster from the buffer |
This setting is especially useful if you want to avoid being redirected to a store or social network app when you click on an advertising link. Forced opening in the browser gives you more control over what content is downloaded to the device.
What to do if the list of domains is empty?
If in the section "Supported domains" is empty, click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and select "Add domain". Enter asterisk (*) or leave the field blank to capture all links, if the system allows.
Removing or disabling Mi Browser
After you have successfully done Chrome main, many users want to completely get rid of the competitor. However, the system application Mi Browser often cannot be removed in the standard way without obtaining root access. An attempt to remove it through the settings is usually blocked by the system.
Instead of completely deleting it, it is recommended to use the disable function. Go to application information Mi Browser and press the button Disable. The application will disappear from the menu, stop running in the background and consume RAM, but will remain in the system in case of a factory reset.
For advanced users, there is a way to remove it via a computer using ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This requires enabling USB debugging and entering a special command. However, for normal use, simply disabling it is sufficient, which effectively solves the problem of unnecessary software.
⚠️ Attention: Complete removal of the system browser via ADB may lead to errors in the operation of some system widgets or the news feed if they are strictly tied to the Mi Browser engine. Use this method with caution.
If you decide to leave your browser running, go to your browser settings and turn off all notifications, recommendations, and personalization. This will turn it into a “sleeping” application that will not bother you with unnecessary information while you are using Google Chrome.
Disabling a system application is safer than completely deleting it, as it preserves the integrity of the system and allows you to easily return everything back if necessary.
Possible problems and their solutions
In rare cases, users encounter the fact that after When you reboot the phone, the settings are reset, and Mi Browser becomes the main one again. This may be caused by aggressive memory optimizers or third-party system cleaners that reset application settings.
Check your battery settings Google Chrome. Go to Applications → Chrome → Battery saving and select mode No restrictions. This will prevent the system from “killing” browser processes and resetting its priorities in the background.
Also make sure that you do not have third-party launchers or menurs installed, which have their own management rules default applications. Sometimes a conflict between the Xiaomi shell and the installed launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) leads to the browser selection being reset.
If the problem persists, try clearing the service cache Google Play Services. Go to the settings of all applications, find Google Play services, select Storage and press Clear cache. This will update app priority data without losing any personal data.
If links continue to open in the old browser, try uninstalling Mi Browser updates to the factory version, and then setting Chrome as your primary browser again. This often helps to reset a stuck priority.
Is it possible to remove Mi Browser without a computer?
It is impossible to completely remove a system application without root access and a computer. You can only disable it in settings. To completely remove it, you will need to connect to a PC and use ADB commands.
Why is the "Browser" button in the settings gray?
This means that only one application is installed on the system that can open web pages. Install any second browser (for example, Firefox or Opera) to activate the choice.
Does changing the browser affect the speed of the phone?
There is no direct effect on the overall speed of the system. However Chrome may consume more RAM than the lightweight Mi Browser on older devices with 2-3 GB of RAM.
How to return all settings back?
Simply repeat the instructions in reverse order: go to the default application settings and select Mi Browser. If it was disabled, first enable it in the applications menu.
Is it safe to use Chrome on Xiaomi?
Yes, it is absolutely safe. Google Chrome undergoes regular security checks and is the standard browser for the Android ecosystem, providing a high level of data protection.