Modern smartphones of the line Xiaomi Redmi Note come with a pre-installed shell MIUI (or a new one HyperOS), which has its own system applications. Often, users are faced with a situation where when they click on a link in a messenger or mail, it opens not the browser they are used to using, but the standard one. This can cause discomfort, especially if you prefer functionality MIUI Browser. This may cause discomfort, especially if you prefer functionality Google Chrome, Yandex or Opera.
Changing the default browser is a simple but important setting that saves time and eliminates unnecessary transitions between menus. The process does not require obtaining root access or complex manipulations with the system. You just need to go to the appropriate settings section and select your preferred application from the list of installed ones. However, the menu interface may differ slightly depending on the firmware version and regional model of your device.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for all current versions of shells installed on Redmi Note. You will learn how to force a change of application, what to do if the desired browser is not shown in the list, and how to reset settings if the system “remembers” the wrong choice. Follow the step-by-step guide to regain full control over your Internet navigation.
Why the system chooses the browser itself and how it works
The operating system Androidon which smartphones operate Xiaomiuses the concept of “intents” (intentions). When you click on a hyperlink, the system sends a request to all installed applications that can handle web addresses. If you previously clicked "Always" when selecting a browser, the system remembers this choice as the default action. Smartphone manufacturers, including Smartphone manufacturers, often promote their own solutions. Therefore, new devices have default actions.
Smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, often promote their own solutions. Therefore, on new devices, it is preinstalled out of the box. MIUI Browserpre-installed out of the box, and the system can automatically assign it priority, even if you installed another product immediately after purchase. This is done for integration with the manufacturer's ecosystem, but may irritate users who are accustomed to synchronizing accounts Google.
It is important to understand the difference between a simply installed application and an assigned application default browser. The first is simply located in the phone’s memory, the second is automatically launched upon certain system actions. If a specific option is not selected in the settings, Android will ask you every time how to open the link, which becomes tiresome over time.
⚠️ Attention: In the latest updates HyperOS the logic of some system applications has changed. If you cannot find the desired item in the menu, check for updates for the browser application itself in the store. data-i="59">Step-by-step guide through the main settings menu GetApps or Google Play.
Step-by-step guide through the main settings menu
The most reliable and universal way to change settings is to use the main system configuration menu. This method works on most versions MIUI and is suitable for models Redmi Note 8, Note 9, Note 10 and newer series. The algorithm of actions is intuitive, but requires care when selecting items. First, unlock your screen and find the icon (gear). Enter the menu and scroll down the list of options to the
First, unlock your screen Xiaomi Redmi Note and find the icon Settings (gear). Enter the menu and scroll down the list of options to the section Applicationssection. In some firmware versions this item may be called Manage applications. By clicking on it, you will be taken to the list of all installed apps.
Next you need to find a special subsection responsible for global software settings. Look for an item with the name Application management or Application settings. Inside this menu, scroll down the screen to the “Advanced settings” block or immediately look for the line Default applications. This is where the key to solving your problem is hidden.
☑️ Check before changing browser
On the screen Default applications you will see a list of categories: phone, messages, launcher and, of course, browser. Click on the current value opposite the item Browser. A pop-up window will open with a list of all compatible apps. Select the option you need, for example Chrome. The system will instantly apply the changes, and now all links will open in the selected application.
If the “Default applications” item is not in the menu, use the search inside the settings: enter the word “browser” or “default” in the search bar at the top.
An alternative method through the settings of a specific application
Sometimes it is more convenient for the user to go into the settings of the desired browser to make it the main one. This method is especially relevant if you cannot quickly find the desired section in the general settings MIUI. Many modern browsers have a built-in feature that prompts you to set them as priority.
Open the application you want to make primary (for example Firefox or Edge). Go to its internal menu (usually three dots in the corner of the screen) and select Settings. Find a section that may be called Set as default browser or Default browser. Click on this option.
The system will automatically redirect you to the corresponding settings menu Androidwhich we talked about in the previous section. All you have to do is confirm your choice by clicking on the name of the current application in the list. This method is good because it leads you exactly to the goal, bypassing long searches in the depths of the system menu.
However, it is worth considering that some lightweight versions of browsers or specific applications for Xiaomi may not have such a button in their interface. In this case, returning to the first method through the general system settings is the only correct solution. Don’t forget that only the system has the rights to change global settings, and the application only requests them.
What to do if the desired browser does not appear in the list
Common situation: you installed a new browser from the store, went into the settings, but it is not in the list of available options for selection by default. Instead of the expected name, only MIUI Browser or other standard applications are displayed. This could be due to several technical reasons.
First, check if the application has been disabled accidentally. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications, find your browser in the list and make sure that the button Enable is active. If an application is in the “Disabled” state, the system does not consider it a full-fledged tool for processing links and hides it from the selection list.
Secondly, the problem may lie in version incompatibility. If you downloaded a very old version of the browser or a modified build, it may not contain the required data in its manifest. Try uninstalling the application and downloading its official version from intent filters in your manifesto. Try uninstalling the application and downloading its official version from Google Play Market or GetApps.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid installing browsers from unverified sources (APK files from forums) if they are not displayed in the system. This could be a sign of malicious code or an incorrect build that is disrupting operation Android.
It is also worth checking the application permissions. Go to the application card in the settings and click Permissions. Make sure the browser has basic permissions, although special permissions are usually not required to act as the primary browser. Sometimes simply rebooting the smartphone after installing new software helps.
Why are system applications hidden?
In MIUI, some system components can be hidden from the average user. To see them, you need to activate developer mode or use special utilities, but this is usually not required to change browsers.
Resetting default settings for a specific application
There are cases when the system “tightly” remembers the choice and does not allow you to change the browser through the standard menu, or you accidentally clicked “Always” for an inappropriate application. In such a situation, you need to forcefully reset the default settings for the application that is currently intercepting links.
To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications. Find in the list the browser that is currently opening instead of the one you need (for example, the same one MIUI Browser). Click on it to open the app information page. At the bottom of the screen or in the “More” menu, find the button Default.
On the screen that opens you will see a button Remove default settings (or Reset settings). Click on it. After this action, the system will “forget” that this application should open links automatically. The next time you click on a hyperlink, the smartphone will again ask you: “What to open?” data-i="139">Result
| Action | Where to find | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Changing browser | Settings → Applications → Default applications |
Links open in a new application |
| Reset selection | Application card → Default → Delete |
The question “How to open it?” will appear |
| Disable the application | Application card → Bottom of the screen |
The application disappears from the list selection |
| Clear data | Application card → Memory → Clear |
Reset all browser settings to factory settings |
This method is “heavy artillery” and helps in 99% of cases when the standard change does not works. It is especially useful if you decide to temporarily remove your main browser, but the system continues to try to use its cache or old settings. After the reset, you can safely select a new app.
Resetting the default settings for the current browser is a guaranteed way to return the application selection menu when you click on a link.
Interface features in MIUI 13, 14 and HyperOS
Shells Xiaomi are constantly evolving, and the menu layout may change from version to version. Owners of new models Redmi Note 12 or Note 13 with preinstalled HyperOS may notice some differences in the menu structure compared to old ones MIUI 12.
In new firmware versions, the default application control item is sometimes moved directly to the top of the menu. Applications, without having to go to the “Management” submenu. The visual style has also changed: the lists have become more compact and the icons have become larger. Searching through settings has become faster and more accurate.
If you have recently updated your phone and cannot find the usual items, use the search bar at the very top of the settings menu. Search for "browser" or "default". The system itself will highlight the required section, regardless of how deep in the menu it is currently hidden by the developers. This is the fastest way to navigate complex interfaces.
It is worth noting that HyperOS privacy functions have been enhanced. When changing browsers, the system may additionally request confirmation for access to the clipboard or browsing history if the new application requires this data to work as the main one. Do not ignore these requests if you want the browser to function correctly.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may differ depending on the regional firmware version (Global, China, Russia, EEA). If the described paths do not match, be guided by the semantic meaning of the items, and not just their names.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely remove the standard MIUI browser?
Complete removal of a system application MIUI Browser without root access is impossible, since it is built into the system. However, you can disable it in the application settings, disable notifications and hide the icon from the desktop. Once disabled, it will no longer launch and interfere with the work of other browsers.
Why do links still open in the old one after changing the browser?
This happens if the settings of the old browser were not reset to default. The system remembers your previous choice of “Always”. Go to the settings of the old application and click Delete default settings, then try to open the link again.
Does changing the browser affect the speed of the phone?
The very fact of the change does not affect the overall speed of the system. However, different browsers consume different amounts RAM. Light browsers (for example, Opera Mini) can work faster on older models Redmi Notethan heavy ones Chrome or Yandex with many tabs.
What to do if the list of browsers empty?
If the list is empty, it means that there is not a single application installed on the system that can process web links, except for the system one (which may be hidden or disabled). Check if you have disabled all browsers and install at least one from the application store.
Is it possible to set two default browsers?
No, technically the system Android allows you to set only one default application for processing links. However, you can manually select a different browser for each specific case if you first reset the default settings for the main one.