Changing the main web browser on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is not just a whim, but often a necessary measure to improve productivity and ease of use. The standard browser MIUI Browser, pre-installed in the shell, may seem overloaded with advertising or not functional enough for experienced users. Many device owners prefer easier and faster solutions, such as Google Chrome, Opera or Yandex Browserthat are better synchronized with the user's ecosystem.
The procedure for changing default settings in the shell MIUI or new HyperOS has its own characteristics that differ from stock Android. Xiaomi's security system sometimes hides these options or requires additional confirmations to keep the user within its software. However, knowing the exact path in the settings menu, you can easily assign any installed browser as the main tool for opening links from instant messengers and other applications.
In this guide, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for different firmware versions, consider possible pitfalls and answer frequently asked questions. You will learn how to completely disable the imposition of your native browser and configure the system so that links open exactly in the application that is convenient for you. This will make using your smartphone more comfortable and personalized to your habits.
Why is it worth changing the standard browser to Xiaomi
A standard application often contains many functions that the average user does not need, but which consume RAM and battery power. Xiaomi's built-in browser is known for its aggressive policy of displaying news and promotional materials on the start page. Disabling these elements is not always possible completely without deep system customization, which forces many to look for alternatives.
Third-party solutions available in Google Play Marketoffer a cleaner interface and advanced synchronization capabilities. For example, if you are using a computer with operating system Windows or macOS, using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox will allow you to instantly transfer open tabs and browsing history between devices. This creates a unified digital environment that increases productivity.
In addition, alternative browsers often have built-in ad and tracker blocking features that work better than MIUI's standard security features. This not only makes pages load faster, but also increases the level of privacy of your online data. Users also note better work with extensions and scripts in third-party applications.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a new browser for the first time, the system may prompt you several times to return the default settings to factory settings. This is normal behavior of the MIUI shell, aimed at keeping the user in the manufacturer's ecosystem.
The choice of a new tool depends on your personal preferences and tasks. Some people value minimalism, others value the loading speed of heavy media sites, and others need integration with specific services. Regardless of the choice, the process of installing the application as the main one is similar on most devices of the line. installing alternative software Redmi And Poco.
Preparing the device and installing alternative software
Before changing system settings, you need to make sure that the desired application is already installed on your device. Without a second browser, the selection item in the settings will be inactive or completely absent from the menu. Downloading is carried out exclusively through official application stores to ensure data security.
Open the store Google Play or GetApps (Xiaomi brand store) and enter the name of the desired app in the search bar. After installation, it is recommended to run the application once, accept the user agreement and, if necessary, complete the initial profile setup. This will activate all application services on the Android system.
- 📥 Go to the application store and find the desired browser.
- 🚀 Click the "Install" button and wait until the download completes.
- 🔓 Open the application at least once for initial initialization.
- ⚙️ Provide the necessary permissions if the application asks for them when you first launch it.
It is important to ensure that the operating system version Android meets the requirements of the browser you are installing. On very old Redmi models, some modern versions of browsers may be unstable or not supported by developers at all. In this case, you should look for lightweight versions of applications, for example Chrome Lite or similar solutions.
Before installing a new browser, clear the cache of the old application in the settings to avoid cached data conflicts when switching.
Algorithm for changing browsers in MIUI and HyperOS settings
The settings interface in Xiaomi smartphones may vary depending on the shell version. In more recent versions HyperOS and later builds MIUI 14 the menu logic has been changed to comply with Android 13 and 14 standards. Let's consider a universal path that is suitable for most current models.
Go to the main settings menu of your smartphone. Scroll down the list to the section for applications. In different firmware versions, this item may be called simply Applications, Applications and notifications or Manage applications. This is where all app launch parameters are concentrated.
Inside this section you need to find the item Default applications. In some builds of MIUI, it is hidden inside a submenu Manage applications -> three dots in the upper corner -> Default applications. If you do not see this item right away, use the settings search by entering the phrase “default.”
Settings → Applications → Default applications → BrowserAfter going to the browser selection menu, you will see a list of all browsers installed on the device. The system will prompt you to select one of them. Tap on the icon of the desired application, for example, Chrome or Yandex. The system will remember this choice, and all links will now open in the selected app.
☑️ Checking the default settings
Setting permissions for correct operation
After changing the default browser, you may need to additionally configure permissions so that the application functions correctly in the background. The MIUI shell is known for its aggressive energy saving, which can “kill” the processes of third-party browsers if they are not included in exceptions.
Go to the menu Applications -> Manage applications and find your new browser in the list. Go to its settings and select Activity control or Autostart. Allow the application to run in the background and add it to the startup list so that notifications and synchronization work without delay.
It is also worth checking memory and location permissions if you use geolocation or file download functions. Without the appropriate rights, the browser may not save downloaded files or display maps incorrectly in web services. Make sure that all the necessary switches are activated.
| Resolution type | Why is it necessary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Saving files and cache | Allow |
| Microphone | Voice search | On request |
| Camera | Scanning QR codes | On request |
| Autostart | Background work | Enable |
Do not forget that providing unnecessary permissions may reduce the level of security. Give access to sensitive data (camera, microphone, contacts) only to those sites that you trust through the settings of the browser itself, and not globally for the entire application.
For stable operation of the new browser on MIUI, be sure to allow it to autostart and work in the background in the "Activity Control" section.
Solving problems with opening links
Sometimes, even after correct configuration, links from instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber) continue to open in the old browser or cause an error. This may occur due to cached default open settings in the link source application itself.
To fix this, you need to reset the default settings for the application from which you click the links. For example, if the link does not open in a new browser from Telegram, go to Settings -> Applications -> Telegram -> Open by default and click Reset settings.
After the reset, the next time you click on the link, the system will again ask you which application to use. Select a new browser and click Always to commit your choice. This action will force the file and protocol association for the specific link source to be updated.
⚠️ Warning: If the selection menu does not appear after resetting the settings, check to see if the "Open supported links" feature is enabled in "Don't ask" mode. Change this setting to “Always ask” for testing.
In rare cases, the problem may lie in a conflict between Android and firmware versions. If all else fails, try restarting your device. A normal reboot often clears temporary system routing intents tables, which solves the problem without complex manipulations.
What to do if the “Always” button is inactive?
If, when selecting a browser, the “Always” button is gray or not clickable, this means that another application is already hardcoded in the system. You need to go to the settings of the application that is opening now and reset its settings to default, as described above.
Features of working in split screen mode
Xiaomi smartphones support the multitasking function, which allows you to use two applications simultaneously. After changing your browser, it's useful to check how it behaves in split-screen mode. This is especially true for those who like to watch videos and read articles at the same time.
You can activate this mode through the recent applications menu. Tap and hold the new browser icon in the list of running tasks and select the split screen icon. Then select the second application. Not all browsers scale correctly in this mode, so checking is necessary.
If the browser minimizes or does not work correctly in half the screen, check its compatibility settings. Some versions of MIUI have a special section for settings for full-screen mode and display of camera cutouts, which can affect the operation of applications in split view.
- 📱 Open the recent applications menu (square or swipe up and hold).
- ✋ Press and hold the browser icon.
- 📐 Select the split screen icon (two bars or rectangles).
- ✅ Select a second application for the bottom of the screen.
Using two windows requires more RAM. If your smartphone has less than 4 GB of RAM, the system may automatically close one of the applications when switching. In this case, you should limit yourself to sequential use of apps or close unnecessary background tasks.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely remove the standard Xiaomi browser?
It is impossible to completely remove a system application without root access. However, you can disable it in the application settings by hiding the icon and disabling it. To completely remove it, you will need to connect to a PC and use ADB commands, which is not recommended for ordinary users due to the risk of compromising system stability.
Why were the settings reset after the firmware update?
With major MIUI updates or switching to HyperOS, the system may reset file associations to factory values. This is done to ensure compatibility of new components. You will need to re-select your default browser by following the instructions in this article.
Does changing the browser affect the speed of your smartphone?
Yes, it can. Lighter browsers consume less RAM and CPU time, which has a positive effect on the overall speed of the device, especially on budget Redmi models. Heavy browsers with many extensions can, on the contrary, slow things down.
How to return all settings back?
To return the standard browser, just go to Settings -> Default applications and select MIUI Browser from the list. If it was disabled, first enable it in the general list of applications.
Is it safe to use third-party browsers on Xiaomi?
Yes, if you download them from the official Google Play or GetApps stores. These apps are subject to security checks. Avoid installing browsers from unknown sources in APK format, as they may contain malicious code.