Modern smartphone users are often faced with the need to change the web browser pre-installed by the manufacturer. Owners of brand devices Xiaomi often wonder how to correctly replace the standard one Mi Browser with a more functional analogue from a Russian company. This process seems simple, but due to the peculiarities of the shell MIUI or the new HyperOS certain difficulties may arise.
Correct configuration allows you to open all links from instant messengers, mail and other applications in the interface of your choice. This significantly speeds up work and provides the usual level of comfort when surfing. In this material, we will analyze in detail each step necessary to Yandex Browser become the main tool for working with the Internet on your gadget.
The procedure does not require root access or a connection to a computer. All manipulations are performed exclusively in the settings menu of the smartphone itself. However, it is important to follow the sequence of actions, since menu items in different firmware versions may differ slightly in name or location.
Preparing the device and installing the application
The first and most obvious step is to have the software itself in the device’s memory. If you just unboxed a new phone or reset it to factory settings, most likely the software you need won't be there. You must download the installation file from a reliable source.
It is recommended to use the official store Google Play Market or the brand store GetApps, which is pre-installed on all smartphones Xiaomi. Using third-party sites increases the risk of downloading malicious code that can slow down your system. After downloading the installer, the system will ask for permission to install from unknown sources if the file was not obtained through the official store.
Pay attention to the operating system version Android. For the correct operation of all browser functions, including Turbo mode and protection from fraudulent sites, the current version of the platform is required. Outdated versions of the OS may not support some modern web standards used by the browser engine.
⚠️ Warning: When installed from third-party sources, the security system MIUI may issue aggressive warnings about potential dangers. This is standard shell protection, which can be ignored if the file is downloaded from the developer’s official website.
After installation is complete, do not rush to change the settings immediately. Launch the application once, accept the user agreement and complete the initial profile setup. This will activate the necessary services in the background that the system will need to recognize the app as a full-fledged web browser.
☑️ Ready for setup
Search for the applications section in the Xiaomi settings
The settings interface in smartphones Xiaomi is different from the clean one Android, which often confuses new users. The item responsible for selecting default apps is hidden quite deep in the menu. To find it, you need to open the main settings menu through the gear icon.
Depending on the firmware version, the path may look different. In most cases, you need to go to section Applications. Inside this menu there is a subsection Application settings or Application management. This is where all the parameters related to the installed software are concentrated.
Sometimes users try to find the item they need by searching through the settings. Enter the phrase "default" or "browser" into the search bar. The system will automatically highlight the desired section, which will save time wandering through the menu. This method is especially relevant for versions HyperOSwhere the menu structure has been significantly redesigned.
Use the search bar at the top of the settings menu by entering the word "Applications". This is the fastest way to get to the desired section, bypassing long lists of items.
It is important to distinguish between the settings of a specific application and global system settings. What we need is a global section that controls the behavior of the smartphone when opening links. Local settings within the Yandex Browser itself will not be able to intercept control of links from other apps without system confirmation.
Setting up default applications in MIUI and HyperOS
After entering the application management menu, you need to find the item responsible for selecting apps for various actions. In older versions of the shell it was simply called "Default". In new updates, this section is often renamed Default applications and placed in a separate submenu.
Click on this item. You will see a list of action categories for which you can select your preferred application. We are interested in the category Browser. By default, it will be indicated Mi Browser or Chrome, depending on the region and firmware version.
When you click on a category, the system will offer a list of all installed web browsers. Select from the list Yandex. If it is not in the list, it means that the application was not installed correctly or the system has not yet indexed it as a browser. In this case, try rebooting the device.
| Shell version | Path to settings | Item name |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12-13 | Settings → Applications | Default applications |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Applications → Management | Default |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings → Applications | Default applications |
| Android 13 (Clean) | Settings → Applications | Default applications |
After selection, the system may ask you to confirm the action. This is a standard security measure to prevent malware from accidentally changing important system settings. Confirm your choice, and now all web links will open in the selected interface.
Resetting the existing browser
Sometimes there is a situation when the selection item is inactive or the system stubbornly returns the old browser. This occurs because the previous browser has strict priorities. To fix this, you need to reset the default settings for the old application.
Go back to the menu Manage applications. Find in the list the browser that is currently the main one (for example, Chrome or Mi Browser). Click on it to open the application card. At the bottom of the screen or in the additional settings menu (three dots), find the item Default.
Press the button Clear default settings. This operation will not delete your browsing history or bookmarks, it will only remove the linking of links to this app. After completing this procedure, the system will ask you again which application to use the next time you click on the link.
⚠️ Attention: Clearing default settings does not delete the cache or user data. However, if you accidentally click "Clear all data", all history and saved passwords in this browser will be lost forever.
Now try to open any link from the message in the messenger. The system should display a selection window with the question “What to open?”. Select Yandex Browser and press the button Always. This action will finalize the choice.
If the selection window does not appear, and the link opens in the old browser, perhaps there is a “Remember selection” checkbox at the system level. In this case, only a complete reset of application preferences will help, which is located in the general system settings in the "Reset settings" → "Reset application settings" section.
What is resetting application preferences?
This is a global operation that resets all “default” assignments for all apps on the phone. Calls, messages and opening files will again require you to select an application. Personal data is not deleted.
Features of working in HyperOS mode
With the release of the operating system HyperOS the company Xiaomi changed the logic of some system processes. Power-saving algorithms have become more aggressive, which can affect browsers running in the background. It is important to make sure that the new browser is not “put to sleep” by the system.
Go to the battery settings and find the section Activity control or Autostart. Find in the list Yandex and allow it to autorun. This ensures that when you click on a link, the application will launch instantly, without delays for the initialization of processes.
Also in HyperOS privacy protection functions have been strengthened. The browser may request advanced permissions to access the clipboard or monitor activity in other applications. For the synchronization and form filling functions to work correctly, it is recommended to provide all requested permissions.
The default application selection interface in the new shell has become more visual. app icons are displayed larger, and the switching process is accompanied by animation. This does not affect functionality, but makes the setup process more understandable for inexperienced users.
On HyperOS, it is critical to allow autorun for the browser, otherwise the system may block its background processes to save energy, which will lead to slow opening of links.
Solving common problems and errors
Despite the simplicity of the instructions, users sometimes are faced with the fact that the settings are not saved or are reset after a reboot. Most often this is due to a version conflict or the presence of system updates that force stock applications to return.
Check for updates for yourself Yandex Browser. Developers regularly release patches that correct compatibility with new versions Android. An outdated version of the application may incorrectly register its intentions in the system.
- 📱 Make sure that the "Traffic Saving" mode is disabled in the system settings, as it can block the work of third-party browsers.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone after all settings changes so that system services apply the new configurations.
- 🛡️ Check your antivirus settings: the built-in defender may block changing the browser, considering it suspicious activity.
If the problem persists, try uninstalling updates for the standard browser Mi Browser through the app menu. This will revert it to the factory version, which is less aggressive in trying to take over the primary browser's place. After this, repeat the selection procedure.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu item names may change with firmware updates. If you do not find an exact match of the name, look for semantic analogues in sections related to applications and the system.
In rare cases, clearing the service cache Google Play Serviceshelps. This system component is responsible for many interactions between applications. You can clear its cache in the application settings menu by finding the corresponding service in the list.
If all else fails, create a new user in the phone settings and configure the browser there. This will eliminate errors in the main user's profile.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the phone open links in Mi Browser again after a reboot?
This may be due to aggressive memory optimization or a failure in the task manager service. Try to fix Yandex Browser in memory (swipe up and lock on the icon) and check the autorun settings.
Is it possible to remove the standard Xiaomi browser completely?
Without root access, you cannot completely remove the system application, but you can disable it in the application settings. Once disabled, it will disappear from the list and will not interfere with the work of other browsers.
Will passwords and history be transferred from the old browser?
Automatic transfer will not occur. You will need to export data from the old browser to a file or cloud, and then import it into Yandex Browser through its settings.
Does changing the browser affect the speed of the Internet?
Changing the application itself does not change the speed of the mobile operator's tariff. However, Yandex Browser has a Turbo mode, which can speed up page loading in case of a poor connection by compressing traffic on servers.