Smartphones Xiaomi Redmi firmware-based MIUI often come with a pre-installed browser Mi Browserthat automatically becomes the default application for opening web links. However, many users prefer Google Chrome for its speed, synchronization with Google account and advanced features. Switching the default browser to Redmi may seem like a simple task, but due to the nature of MIUI the process sometimes requires additional steps.

In this article we will look in detail at all the ways to do Chrome as the main browser on your Xiaomi Redmi, including solutions for cases where the default settings don't work. The instructions are relevant for devices with Android 10–14 and firmware MIUI 12–14, but may differ depending on the software version. If you have an older model (for example Redmi Note 7 or Redmi 8A), check the availability of system updates before starting.

Why is Chrome better than Mi Browser on Xiaomi Redmi?

Before moving on to the settings, It is worth understanding how Google Chrome favorably differs from the standard browser Mi Browser:

  • 🔍 Synchronization with Google account: automatically saves bookmarks, history and passwords on all devices.
  • ⚡ Higher speed downloads pages thanks to an optimized engine Blink.
  • 🛡️ Improved protection from phishing and malicious sites (built-in Google Safe Browsing).
  • 🔄 Regular updates via Google Play, while Mi Browser is updated only with firmware.
  • 🎨 Dark theme support and extensions (on Android 10+).

Nevertheless, Mi Browser has its advantages: it is better integrated with the ecosystem Xiaomi (for example, it supports quick access to services Mi Account) and consumes fewer resources on weak devices (for example Redmi 9A or Redmi 8If you actively use branded services Xiaomi, you may want to leave both browsers.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Redmi (especially with MIUI Global Stable) after resetting the settings, the default browser may change back to Mi Browser. This is due to the policy Xiaomi for promoting your own services.

Method 1: Standard change of default browser

On most devices Xiaomi Redmi s Android 10+ the default browser is changed through the system settings. Here are step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Settings (⚙️) on your smartphone.
  2. Go to section Applications → Manage applications.
  3. In the upper right corner, click on the three dots (⋮) and select Default applications.
  4. Tap on item Browser.
  5. In the list of available applications, select Google Chrome.

If it is not in the list Chrome, make sure that it is installed (download from Google Play, if deleted On some firmwares MIUI (For example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced) the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Applications → All applications → ⋮ → Default applications → Browser

On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13+ after selecting Chrome, the system may request confirmation through a pop-up window - be sure to click “Confirm”, otherwise the changes will not be saved.

Install Google Chrome from Google Play

Close all open tabs in Mi Browser

Check for MIUI updates in settings

Restart your smartphone (recommended for stability)-->

Method 2: Reset application settings (if Chrome does not appear in the list)

Sometimes Google Chrome does not appear in the list browsers by default, even if it is installed. This is due to cached system settings. To fix the problem:

  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 (this will not delete application data, but will reset permissions and settings to default).
  4. After resetting, repeat Method 1 —Chrome should appear in the list.

This method also helps if, after updating, MIUI the default browser was reset to Mi Browser. However, keep in mind that resetting application settings will cancel all your personal permissions (for example, access to the camera or microphone for other applications), so you will have to configure them. again.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Redmi (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro s MIUI 13) after resetting, you may need to reboot the device for the changes to take effect.

Method 3: Using ADB (for experienced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, on custom firmware or MIUI China), you can use the command ADBThis method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and turning it on. USB Debugging.

Instructions:

  1. Enable Developer mode on Redmi: 
    Settings → About phone → Version MIUI (press 7 times)
  2. Go back to Settings → Advanced → For developers and activate USB debugging.
  3. Connect your smartphone to the PC, install ADB drivers (if not installed) and open the command line (cmd).
  4. Enter the command to reset the browser to default: 
    adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main
  5. Restart the device.

This method is guaranteed to work, but requires caution - incorrect commands ADB can disrupt the system. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to use Method 1 or Method 2.

What. what to do if ADB does not recognize the device?

If the command adb devices does not show your Redmi, check:

1. Are the drivers installed? Xiaomi USB Drivers (download from the official website).

2. Is the mode enabled File transfer (MTP) when connecting via USB.

3. Have you enabled debugging on the smartphone screen (pop-up window when connecting for the first time).

If there is a problem remains, try a different USB cable or port.

Problems and solutions when changing the browser on Xiaomi Redmi

Even after successfully changing the default browser, users Xiaomi Redmi may encounter typical problems. Let's consider the most common problems and ways to solve them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Chrome opens, but links are still redirected to Mi Browser System cache or conflict with MIUI Optimization Clear cache Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear cache
There is no “Browser” item in the default settings Firmware restrictions (for example, MIUI China) Use Method 3 (ADB) or install Global ROM
After updating MIUI, the settings were reset Xiaomi forcefully returns Mi Browser as main Repeat the setup or disable automatic updating Mi Browser
Chrome is not installed from Google Play There is no service Google Play Services (relevant for China ROM) Install Google Installer or flash Global ROM

If none of the methods helped, check if it is installed on your Redmi modified firmware (for example, Custom ROM). In this case, the rules for changing the default browser may differ - please refer to the documentation of your firmware.

Google Chrome

Mi Browser

Firefox

Opera

Other-->

How to disable Mi Browser so that it does not interfere

Even after changing the default browser Mi Browser may continue to work in the background, wasting battery power and traffic. To disable it completely:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Mi Browser.
  2. Tap Disable (if the button is inactive, first press Stop).
  3. For complete removal (on some firmware) use ADB: 
    adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

Please note that disabling Mi Browser may affect the operation of some system functions (for example, quick search in MIUI). If problems arise after disconnecting, return the application to its original state through the same settings.

Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Battery → Background activity → Restrict-->

Advanced Chrome settings for Xiaomi Redmi

After Google Chrome becomes the default browser, it is recommended to optimize its operation under MIUI:

  • 🔄 Enable synchronization with a Google account: Chrome → ⋮ → Settings → Login Chrome.
  • 🌓 Activate the dark theme (corresponds to the system theme MIUI): Chrome → ⋮ → Settings → Theme.
  • 🚀 Speed up loading pagesby disabling preloading: Chrome → ⋮ → Settings → Privacy → Preloading pages.
  • 🔒 Set up ad blocking via extensions (available on Android 10+).

On devices Redmi with a small amount of RAM (for example, Redmi 9C s 2/3 GB) Chrome may work slowly. In this case, try:

  • Disable tabs in the background: Chrome → ⋮ → Settings → System → Traffic saving.
  • Use Chrome Lite (light version) or Firefox Focus.
💡

On Xiaomi Redmi s MIUI 14 Chrome supports navigation gestures similar to the system ones (for example, swipe from the edge to return).

Frequently asked questions about changing the browser on Xiaomi Redmi

Is it possible to make Chrome the default browser without Google Play Services?

No, for work Google Chrome required Google Play Services. If they are missing (for example, on China ROM), first install them via Google Installer or flash Global ROM.

Why does Mi open again after resetting the settings? Browser?

This is a feature MIUI - the system automatically returns the factory settings of applications. To avoid this, after resetting, immediately repeat setting the default browser.

Can I use another browser (for example, Firefox) instead? Chrome?

Yes, the process is similar. In the default settings, select the desired browser (for example, Firefox or Opera). The main thing is that it is installed on the device.

How to return Mi Browser back if Chrome is unstable?

Repeat steps from Method 1but select Mi Browser instead of Chrome. If it is disabled, first enable it in application settings.

Will Chrome consume more battery than Mi Browser?

Depends on the model. On weak devices (for example, Redmi. On weak devices (for example, Redmi 8A) Mi Browser it may be more economical, but on flagships (for example, Redmi K50) the difference is minimal. To save battery, disable background synchronization in Chrome.