Smartphone owners Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO often face the need to change the standard behavior of the system. For example, you installed a new browser, but when you click on a link in the messenger, the old one still opens, or you downloaded an alternative launcher, but it does not launch automatically. This happens because the system remembers your initial choice and assigns it as a priority. Changing these settings is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance, but the shell interface has its own characteristics that distinguish it from pure android. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the ways to solve the problem: from simply resetting a specific application to completely clearing all assignments in the system menu. You will no longer have to put up with inconvenient apps imposed by the system. Android remembers your initial choice and assigns it as a priority.
Changing these settings is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance, but the shell interface MIUI or HyperOS has its own characteristics that distinguish it from pure android. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the ways to solve the problem: from simply resetting a specific application to completely clearing all assignments in the system menu. You no longer have to put up with inconvenient apps imposed by the system.
Before making changes, it is important to understand the logic of the operating system. When you first open a file of a certain type, for example, a photo or document PDF, the system prompts you to select a app. If you click Always, the selection is fixed. To change it, you must first delete this commit and then make a new selection.
Quick reset via application information
The easiest way to change the default application is to reset the settings for the specific app that currently performs this function. This method is ideal if you know which app is preventing you from using a new one. For example, if links open in Chrome, and you want to use Firefox, you need to work with the settings of the first one.
Go to the Settings section of your smartphone and find the “Applications” item. In the list of all installed apps, select the application that is now an unwanted standard. Inside the application card, find the “Default” or “Open by default” section. Here you will see the “Clear default settings” button.
After clicking this button, the system will “forget” your previous choice. Now, the next time you try to open a link or file of the corresponding type, the smartphone will again ask you which app to use. At this point, be sure to select the new application and click “Always” to secure the result.
⚠️ Attention: Clearing default settings does not delete application data, cache or logins. This action only affects the binding of file types and links to this app.
What to do if the button is inactive?
If the “Clear settings” button is gray and not pressed, this means that this application is not currently designated as the main one for any actions. Perhaps you are looking for settings in the wrong app, or the system is using another application for these purposes. Check the list of other browsers or file managers.
Global settings in the system menu
In shells MIUI and new HyperOS there is a special menu where you can centrally manage all assignments. This is a more reliable way to see the full picture of which apps are responsible for calls, messages, browser and desktop. This approach is especially useful if you don't know which application intercepted the function.
Go to Settings and scroll down to the Applications section. At the top of the screen or in the additional menu (three dots), select “Default Applications”. A list of categories will be displayed here: browser, dialer, SMS, desktop and others. By clicking on each category, you can select the desired application from the list of installed ones.
Please note that for some categories, such as “Desktop” (launcher), the system may require additional security confirmations. This is done to protect against malware that tries to spoof the system interface. If you're installing a third-party launcher, make sure you download it from a trusted source, such as Google Play.
If you can't find the "Default apps" option in the main settings menu, use the search bar at the top of the settings screen and enter "default." The system will immediately redirect you to the desired section.
Sometimes after updating the firmware, the list of available applications in this menu may be reset to factory values. This is normal behavior of the security system Xiaomi. Just go through this path again and assign your favorite utilities. The process takes no more than a minute, but eliminates a lot of inconvenience in the future.
Selecting a app when opening a file or link
Often users do not know how to change the application because they have never seen the selection menu. It appears only at a time when the system is not strictly bound. If you previously clicked "Always", this window will no longer pop up. How can you force it without going into deep settings?
There is a trick to make the selection menu appear. Try opening the file or link through a file manager rather than through the app itself. For example, go to Explorer, find a document and click on it. If the system still opens it in the old app, try temporarily disabling this application in the settings.
Go to Settings → Applications, find the current default application (for example, the old gallery or video player) and click the "Disable" button. After this, the system will be forced to look for an alternative and will prompt you to select a new application from the remaining active ones. After selecting the new standard, you can enable the old application again if you need it for other purposes.
| Action | Where it is configured | Example application |
|---|---|---|
| View web pages | Default browser | Chrome, Yandex, Firefox |
| Calls and contacts | Call application | Google Phone, MIUI Phone |
| Desktop | Launcher | Nova Launcher, MIUI Launcher |
| Opening links | Processing links | Telegram, WhatsApp, Browser |
⚠️ Attention: When disabling system applications (for example, a standard phone or gallery), make sure that you have already installed and configured a working alternative. Otherwise, you may lose the ability to make calls or view photos.
Configuring the opening of links in specific applications
A separate category of problems is related to how applications process links. For example, links to YouTube may open in the browser rather than in the application YouTube, or links to maps may open in the browser instead of the navigator. In modern versions Android this is regulated through the “Opening links” menu.
Go to the settings of the specific application that should open links (for example, Instagram or Telegram). Look for the "Open Links" or "Supported Links" section. Here you will see a toggle for “Open supported links.” Make sure it is activated and check the list of domains.
If the switch is active, but links still open in the wrong places, click on the “Supported web addresses” item. The system will show a list of domains. Make sure the domains you want have the "Open in this app" status. Sometimes it is useful to click “Add link” and enter the address manually to force the connection.
☑️ Checking link settings
This function is especially important for instant messengers and social networks. If you want product links to open directly in the marketplace app rather than in the browser, this is where the solution lies. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version MIUI, but the logic remains the same for the entire ecosystem Android.
Reset all application preferences
If you are confused in the settings, tried all the options, but the system still behaves strangely, there is a radical but effective method - a complete reset of application preferences. This function returns all file association settings to the factory state without deleting the apps themselves or your personal data.
To perform this operation, go to Settings → Applications. In the upper right corner, click on the three dots (menu) and select “Reset application settings” or “Reset preferences”. The system will ask you to confirm the action, as this will affect the operation of many apps at the same time.
After confirmation, all your “default” assignments will be deleted. The next time you open any type of content, your phone will ask you what to open it with. This is an excellent opportunity to re-customize your smartphone “for yourself”, choosing the most convenient and modern applications for each task.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting your preferences, you will also have to re-enable or disable notifications for each application, since these settings will also be reset. Be prepared for the fact that the phone may temporarily become more “intrusive” with permission requests.
Full reset of preferences is a “core” method that solves 99% of problems with incorrect opening of files, but requires time to re-set up all applications.
Features of working in HyperOS and new versions of MIUI
With the release of the operating system HyperOS the company Xiaomi slightly changed the logic of working with access rights and default applications. The new firmware has increased control over which apps can replace system ones. This is done to improve security, but sometimes creates inconvenience for advanced users.
When you try to change the browser or launcher, the system may issue a warning that a third-party application may be unstable. This is not an error, but a standard notification. You just need to confirm your intention by clicking “OK” or “Change Anyway.” Sometimes you need to additionally go to the “Security” section and give the application special rights. HyperOS When you try to change the browser or launcher, the system may issue a warning that a third-party application may be unstable. This is not an error, but a standard notification. You just need to confirm your intention by clicking “OK” or “Change Anyway.” Sometimes you need to additionally go to the “Security” section and give the application special rights.
Also, in new versions of the interface, the paths to the settings may be slightly hidden. If you don't find the item you need in the main menu, use the search in settings. Search algorithms Xiaomi work very accurately and even find deeply hidden switches, such as managing specific types of links or protocols.
Why does the launcher reset after a reboot?
Some Xiaomi models with aggressive memory optimization may close third-party launchers in the background. To avoid this, go to the settings of the launcher application, the “Battery” section and select the “Unlimited” mode. Also, pin the application in memory through the multitasking menu.
Don't be afraid of updates. Even if after changing the firmware version your settings are lost, the procedure for restoring them remains the same. The interface may look fresh, the icons may move, but the basic structure Androidon which MIUI i HyperOSis built maintains continuity in matters of application management.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to make a third-party launcher the main one without root access?
Yes, it is possible. You don't need root access. Just install the launcher from Google Play, go to your phone settings, select “Default Applications” → “Desktop” and specify a new application. The system may warn about risks, but this is a standard procedure.
Why does resetting the settings not help and the phone opens files in the old app again?
You may have several applications of the same type installed, and the system automatically selects the first one in the list. Try temporarily disabling the old application in the settings, then opting for the new one, and then turning the old one back on. Also check if the old application is open in the background.
How to return the factory browser or gallery if I accidentally disabled it?
Go to “Settings” → “Applications”, click on the three dots in the corner and select “Show system processes” (if hidden). Find a disabled system app (such as Gallery or Browser) and click the Enable button. It will appear again in the list of available ones for selection.
Does changing default applications affect the speed of the smartphone?
Changing standard heavy applications to lighter analogues (for example, a lightweight launcher instead of MIUI Launcher) can have a positive effect on the performance and battery life of older devices. However, the procedure for changing settings itself does not consume resources and does not affect speed.
What to do if the “Default Applications” item is not in the menu?
In some older versions of MIUI, this item may be located inside the menu of a specific application or can only be accessed through search. Enter the phrase “default” in the settings search. If nothing is found, try resetting all application preferences through the “three dots” menu in the applications section.