Smartphones Xiaomi based MIUI out of the box they use a proprietary browser MI Browser —and this is logical from the manufacturer’s point of view. However, many users prefer Google Chrome for its synchronization with a Google account, advanced features and a familiar interface. The problem is that MIUI it is not always obvious that you can change the default browser: the corresponding settings can be hidden, and after system updates they can completely disappear from the menu.

In this article we will look at all current methods making Chrome the main browser on Xiaomi, including bypassing typical restrictions. MIUI. You will learn how to properly configure the opening of links, avoid resetting settings after updates, and what to do if the desired option simply does not appear in the menu. And also - why sometimes, even after all the manipulations, links still open in MI Browser, and how to fix it.

Important: the procedure may differ slightly depending on the version MIUI (especially on Xiaomi 14 and newer) and regional firmware. If your smartphone runs on MIUI Global, MIUI China or custom firmware, check the availability of the necessary menu items in advance.

📊 What browser do you use on Xiaomi?
Google Chrome
MI Browser
Firefox
Opera
Other

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi?

Manufacturers smartphones on Android, including Xiaomi, are often blocked or make it difficult to change standard applications. This is due to several factors:

1. Commercial agreements. MIUI integrates into MI Browser affiliate services (for example, advertising or default search engines), which brings Xiaomi additional income. Replacing the browser deprives the company of this monopoly.

2. Android fragmentation. Unlike “pure” Android (for example, on Pixel), MIUI modifies system settings. Sometimes this leads to the option to change the default browser moves to another menu or requires activation through the developer.

3. Regional restrictions. On firmware for China (MIUI China), some settings may be blocked altogether - this is due to local legislation on pre-installed software.

Fortunately, you can bypass these restrictions. Next are proven methods for different versions. data-i="66">Method 1: Standard change of browser through settings (MIUI 12–14) MIUI.

Method 1: Standard browser change through settings (MIUI 12–14)

This is the simplest method that works on most devices Xiaomi with global firmware Follow the instructions:

Step 1. Install Google Chrome from Play Marketif it is not already installed. Open it at least once so that the system registers the application.

Step 2. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.

Step 3. At the top of the screen, select the tab By default (or Browser on some versions). The current default browser will be displayed here - most likely this will be MI Browser.

Step 4. Click on Browser and in the window that opens, select Google Chrome. Confirm your choice.

If there is no item Default don’t panic. On some firmware it is hidden deeper. Try an alternative path: Settings → Advanced → Default settings → Browser.

Install Chrome from the Play Market

Open Chrome at least once

Check the MIUI version in Settings → About phone

Close all background applications before changing settings-->

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 12 s MIUI 14) after changing the browser, links from some applications (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram) may still open in MI Browser. because individual apps ignore system settings. Read the solution in method 3.

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

It happens that Google Chrome is installed, but does not appear in the list of browsers default. This occurs due to a failure in the system settings cache. Resetting the problem will help:

Step 1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.

Step 2. Click on the three dots on the right. top corner and select Reset application settings (or Reset preferences).

Step 3. Confirm the action. This is will not delete data applications, but will reset all settings to default, including browser selection.

Step 4. Repeat Method 1 —now Chrome should appear in the list.

If the reset did not help, check if Chrome is disabled in the application settings:

  1. Find Chrome in the list of applications (Settings → Applications).
  2. Make sure it is not Disabled or Stopped.
  3. Clear the cache and data (if necessary).
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If after resetting Chrome still does not appear in the list, try reinstalling it. Sometimes installing the APK version from the official Google website (for example, Chrome Beta) helps.

Even after changing the default browser, some applications (social networks, instant messengers) may ignore your choice and open links in MI Browser. This is due to the fact that they use their own URL processing mechanisms. The solution is to configure the opening of links for each application separately. WebView or custom URL processing mechanisms. The solution is to configure the opening of links for each application separately.

For. Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber:

  1. Open the messenger settings (for example, ⚙️ → Data and memory v Telegram).
  2. Find item Open links in an external browser (or similar).
  3. Enable the option and select Chrome as the browser.

For social networks (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok):

  • 🔗 V Facebook: Settings → Application settings → Links → Open external links in the browser.
  • 📱 V Instagram: the option is hidden deeper - you will have to wait until a pop-up window appears with the choice of browser when opening the link.
  • 🎵 Q TikTok: changing browser is not possible - links always open in the built-in browser.

For applications where there is no explicit setting, you can use a workaround:

  1. Open the link in the application.
  2. When will open MI Browser, click on the three dots in the menu and select Open in Chrome (if the option is available).
  3. Next time the system may remember your choice.
⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, AliExpress or Wildberries) forcefully open links in their WebViewwindow. It is impossible to change this behavior without root access.

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

If standard methods do not work, and MIUI stubbornly ignores your settings, you can resort to ADB (Android Debug Bridge). data-i="171">on your computer and turn on MIUI.

Step 1. Install ADB Tools to the computer and turn it on USB debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About phone → MIUI version - press 7 times, then return to Settings → Advanced → For developers).

Step 2. Connect Xiaomi to PC and run on the command line: 

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

Step 3. Restart your smartphone. Now Chrome should become the default browser.

If the first command did not work, try the alternative: 

adb shell am start -a android.settings.MANAGE_DEFAULT_APPS_SETTINGS

This will open the default settings menu directly, where you can manually select Chrome.

What to do if ADB does not recognize the device?

Make sure that Xiaomi drivers are installed on the PC (download them from the official website).

Try using a different USB cable (the original one is better).

Enable the option in the developer settings USB debugging (safe mode).

Restart your smartphone and PC, then reconnect.

Browser comparison: MI Browser vs Chrome vs alternatives

Before you finally switch to Google Chrome, it is worth comparing it with other browsers available on Xiaomi. Below are the key differences:

Features MI Browser Google Chrome Firefox Opera
Synchronization with account Xiaomi (limited) Google (full) Firefox Account Opera Account
Ad blocking Built-in (weak) Requires extensions Built-in (Firefox Focus) Built-in (VPN)
Supports extensions No Yes (on PC) Yes (limited) Yes (on PC)
Download speed Average High High Medium (with VPN)
Integration with MIUI Full Partial Absent Absent

As can be seen from the table, Chrome wins in synchronization and speed, but loses Firefox in ad blocking. If privacy is important to you, consider Brave or Firefox Focus —they protect data better than standard browsers.

However, note: alternative browsers may does not support some features MIUIfor example:

  • 🔄 Fast downloading of files via Xiaomi Cloud.
  • 📱 Integration with Mi Account to save passwords.
  • 🛠️ Battery optimization for background work.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successfully changing the browser, users Xiaomi face typical problems. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: After updating MIUI the default browser is reset to MI Browser.

Solution: This is standard system behavior. After each major update, check the default settings and repeat if necessary Method 1.

Problem 2: Links from Gmail or YouTube open in MI Browser, despite the settings.

Solution: Clear the cache and application data Gmail/YouTubethen select again Chrome when opening the link for the first time.

Problem 3: Only MI Browseris displayed in the list of default browsers, although Chrome is installed.

Solution:

  1. Check whether Chrome is disabled in application settings.
  2. Install Chrome Beta - sometimes it registers more correctly in the system.
  3. Use Method 4 (ADB).

Problem 4: When you click on a link, the error “There are no applications to process this action” appears.

Solution: This means that the system “forgot” about the presence of browsers. Run: 

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.browser

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.chrome

Then reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI China some settings may be blocked at the system level. If none of the methods worked, consider installing global firmware (MIUI Global) or custom (for example, LineageOS).
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If, after all the manipulations, Chrome does not become the default browser, check whether "children's" or corporate profiles are installed on your device. They may block changes to system ones settings.

Is it possible to completely remove MI Browser so that it does not interfere?

No, MI Browser is a system application, and it cannot be removed without root access. You can disable it in the settings (Settings → Applications → MI Browser → DisablePlease note that this may lead to malfunctions of some functions MIUI (for example, quick search).

Why do some links still open in MI Browser after changing the browser?

Some applications (for example, Mi Video or Mi Community) are tightly bound to MI Browser and ignore system settings. Windows or built-in browsers (for example, in WebView-windows or built-in browsers (for example, in Facebook or Instagram) may also be to blame. data-i="291">🔧 Configure the opening of links in each application separately (see

  • 🔧 Configure the opening of links in each application separately (see. Method 3).
  • 🚫 Use alternative clients for social networks (for example, Hermit for Facebook).

Will Chrome consume more battery than MI Browser?

Yes, Google Chrome usually consumes more power due to background synchronization with your Google account and optimization for Chrome OS. To reduce consumption:

  • 🔋 Disable background synchronization in Chrome settings (⚙️ → Synchronization → Turn off).
  • 🗑️ Clear the Chrome cache once a week.
  • ⚡ Turn on battery saving mode in MIUI for Chrome.

According to tests on Xiaomi 13 Pro, the difference in battery consumption between MI Browser and Chrome is ~5-10% with active use.

Is it possible to make Chrome the default browser without a computer (without ADB)?

Yes, in most cases it is enough standard method or resetting settings. ADB is needed only if:

  • 📱 Your version MIUI heavily modified (for example, MIUI China).
  • 🔧 The system ignores manual settings due to a failure.
  • 🔒 Corporate policies are installed on the smartphone (for example, through Android Enterprise).

Try to also install Chrome Canary - experimental version of the browser, which is sometimes better registered in the system.

How to return MI Browser back if Chrome is unstable?

To return MI Browser to the default browser:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application management → Default.
  2. Select Browser and specify MI Browser.
  3. If there is no item, use the ADB command: 
    adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.browser/com.android.browser.BrowserActivity

If MI Browser has been disabled, first enable it in the application settings.