Modern smartphone users often face restrictions on their freedom of choice imposed by device manufacturers. Owners of a popular model Xiaomi Redmi 9 may notice that when you launch links from instant messengers or email clients, the system automatically opens them in a standard browser Mi Browser. This decision of the company Xiaomi is dictated by the integration of its own services into the shell MIUI, but it is not the final verdict for the gadget owner. You have every right to change this behavior and designate Yandex Browser the main tool for surfing the Internet.
The process of changing the default browser in the operating system Android based MIUI requires several steps consistent actions. You do not need superuser rights (root) or a connection to a computer; all manipulations are performed directly in the phone settings menu. The main thing is to understand the logic of how the system works with default applications, since the interface may not always clearly offer a choice when you first launch third-party software. In this article we will analyze each step so that you can comfortably use your favorite browser from Yandex.
Before you start changing system parameters, you need to make sure that the application itself is installed correctly and is ready for use. Sometimes the problem lies not in the system settings, but in the lack of necessary permissions in the browser itself. Yandex Browser has a powerful engine Chromium and is perfectly optimized for working on the processors MediaTek Helio G80with which your Redmi 9is equipped. Correct setup will ensure fast loading of pages and synchronization of bookmarks with your other devices.
Preparation and installation of the application
The first step is to install the software. If you just purchased a smartphone or did a factory reset, your device may not have the correct version of the browser in its memory. Applications should only be downloaded from trusted sources to avoid the introduction of malicious code. For users Xiaomi the main store is GetApps, however, to ensure that the version is up to date, it is better to use the official one. Google Play Market.
After downloading the installation package, the system will ask for confirmation for installation. In some regions, smartphones Xiaomi may display a security warning when installing applications not from the branded store. This is a standard security measure that can be ignored if you are confident in the source of the file. The installation process takes less than a minute thanks to the fast flash drive of your device. MIUI, which can be ignored if you are sure of the file's source. The installation process takes less than a minute thanks to your device's fast flash drive.
- 📲 Open the application store Google Play on your smartphone.
- 🔍 In the search bar, enter the name “Yandex Browser” and select the official application from the company Yandex Apps.
- ⬇️ Click the “Install” button and wait for the download and unpacking process to complete.
- ✅ After installation, click “Open” to initially set up your profile and accept the user agreement.
It is important to note that immediately after the first launch, the application may request a number of permissions to access geolocation, microphone or file storage. These permissions must be granted for features such as voice search or file upload to work properly. Without this, Yandex Browser may work in a limited mode, which will negatively affect the user experience.
⚠️ Attention: If, when trying to install from an APK file (downloaded from the developer’s website), the system blocks the process, you will need to go to the security settings and allow installation from unknown sources specifically for your file manager or browser through which the download is carried out.
It is recommended to log into your Yandex account immediately after installation to synchronize passwords and browsing history with your computer or tablet. This will save time in the future.
Setting up default applications in MIUI
The shell interface MIUI has its own characteristics that distinguish it from the stock one Android. The default application selection menu is hidden a little deeper here than in clean versions of the system. To make Yandex Browser main, you need to find the corresponding section in the general settings of the phone. The algorithm of actions may differ slightly depending on the firmware version (MIUI 11, 12 or 13), but the general logic remains unchanged.
Go to the main device settings menu, find the “Applications” section. Inside this section you should look for the “Default Applications” item. This is where the system stores information about which app should open links, make calls, send messages, or play music. By default, the “Browser” column will indicate MIUI Browser or Chromeif you have previously changed the settings.
Click on the current browser and the system will open a list of all web page browsers installed on the device. In this list you should see an icon Yandex. Select it after confirming your decision. Now, when you click on any hyperlink in the system, the product you have selected will automatically launch.
| Action | Path to menu (MIUI 12/13) | Alternative path |
|---|---|---|
| Enter settings | Gear in the notification shade | Settings icon on the desktop |
| Management section | Applications → Application management | Applications → Settings |
| Select standard | Three dots in the corner → Default applications | Direct item "Default applications" |
| Change browser | Browser → Select from list | Click on the icon of the current browser |
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the “Default Applications” item is not directly accessible. In this case, you should use the search inside the settings menu. Enter the word “default” into the search bar, and the system itself will suggest the desired section to go to. This is a universal way to navigate complex menus Xiaomi.
Resetting the default browser settings
There are times when the system “remembers” your previous choice and does not allow you to change it through the standard menu. For example, if you previously clicked the "Always" button when opening a link in MIUI Browser, the system may ignore the general settings and continue to use the old option. In such a situation, you need to force reset the settings of a specific application.
To do this, return to the “Applications” menu and find in the list the browser that currently opens by default (for example, Mi Browser). Go to his information card. At the bottom of the screen or in the additional options menu, find the option “Default” or “Launch as default.” There will be a "Clear default settings" button here.
After clicking this button, the connection between the file type (web link) and the application will be broken. Now, the next time you follow a link from any application, the system will again ask you: “Open with what?” In the window that appears, select Yandex Browser and click “Always”. This action will fix the new choice forever.
⚠️ Attention: Clearing default settings does not delete browsing history, bookmarks or saved passwords from the browser. It only resets the launch priority of applications for certain file types.
If even after the reset the system does not ask for a choice, try temporarily disabling the standard browser. The application card MIUI Browser may have a “Disable” button. This is a hidden system component, so complete removal is not possible, but disabling it will prevent it from starting automatically. After this, Android will be forced to use the only available active application - Yandex.
Setting up a search engine inside the browser
After you have successfully made Yandex Browser the default application, you should make sure that the search engine inside it is configured correctly. Although the default setting in this browser is search Yandex, sometimes when importing data from another browser, the settings may be lost on Google or other services.
Open the application and go to the settings menu by clicking on the three horizontal bars in the lower right corner. Scroll down to the Search Engine section. Here you will see a list of available options. Make sure that the line with the logo Yandexis selected. This ensures that all requests from the address bar will be processed by the algorithms of the Russian company.
In the same section you can configure security and ad blocking settings. Yandex Browser has built-in technology Protect, which checks downloaded files and warns about fraudulent sites. Activating these functions significantly increases the level of digital hygiene when using a smartphone Redmi 9 on public Wi-Fi networks.
Why may the search be confused?
Sometimes third-party applications or viruses can change browser settings. If you notice that the search has changed by itself, check your device with an antivirus and reset the browser settings to factory settings in its internal menu.
Solving common problems and conflicts
Users Xiaomi may encounter aggressive operation of the memory optimization system. MIUI tends to close background applications to save battery power, which can lead to Yandex Browser not opening instantly or resetting the session. To avoid this, you need to pin the application in memory.
Open the menu of running applications (the square button or swipe up and hold). Find the window Yandex Browser and click on it while holding your finger, or click on the lock icon next to it (depending on the interface version). A lock icon will appear, which will prevent the system from closing the browser when clearing the memory. This will ensure more stable operation.
Another problem may be the lack of a search bar widget on the desktop immediately after being set as the default browser. Widgets are added manually through the desktop editing menu. A long press on an empty area of the screen will open a menu where you need to select “Widgets” and find the desired element from Yandex.
- 🔋 Go to the battery settings and find the application in the list of energy consumption.
- ⚙️ Select the “No restrictions” operating mode so that the system does not “kill” the browser process.
- 🔒 Pin the application to the list of recent tasks by clicking on the lock icon.
- 🔄 Regularly clear the browser cache through its internal settings if you notice slowdowns.
It is also worth mentioning a possible conflict with the voice assistant. If, when calling voice search, it opens Google Assistant instead of Alice, this is configured in a separate voice input section. However, the browser itself will continue to open links correctly, according to your default settings.
Fixing the application in memory and removing battery restrictions are critical steps for stable operation of Yandex Browser on the MIUI shell.
Additional features and synchronization
Use Yandex Browser on a mobile device provides access to the company’s ecosystem of services. After setting your default browser, it is recommended to activate synchronization. This will allow you to start reading an article on your computer and finish it on the road on your smartphone Redmi 9 without losing the scroll position.
There is a “Synchronization” section in the browser settings. Log in to your account if you haven't already done so during installation. You can choose what data to transfer: bookmarks, history, passwords, open tabs, or settings. The flexible system allows you to leave only the essentials on your phone, saving space in the internal storage.
One of the unique features is the “Turbo” mode, which compresses traffic before loading the page. For users with limited mobile data, this can be a lifesaver. You can enable this option in the settings by selecting “Traffic saving”. Algorithms will compress images and disable heavy scripts, speeding up loading on 3G/4G networks.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and location of menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of the Yandex Browser application. Developers regularly update the design, so look for functions that make sense if the exact name of the item has changed.
Don't forget to update the application through the store. New versions contain security vulnerability fixes and performance improvements for your smartphone's processor. Automatic updates can be enabled in settings Google Playto always have the latest version without unnecessary actions.
☑️ Checklist for ideal settings
Conclusion and results of setup
Process Replacing the standard browser with Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a simple but important procedure for personalizing your device. By completing the steps described, you get full control over how your smartphone interacts with web content. Yandex Browser offers a user-friendly interface, integration with popular services and reliable data protection.
Remember that the operating system Android gives the user freedom of choice, and the shell MIUI is no exception, despite its features. Setting your default apps correctly is a basic skill that makes using your smartphone more comfortable and efficient. Now, every click on a link will take you to a familiar and comfortable environment.
If you decide to switch to a different browser in the future, the procedure for returning your settings will be similar: simply select a different application from the same “Default Applications” menu. The flexibility of the system allows you to experiment without the risk of damaging your device or losing important data.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely remove the standard MIUI browser?
Complete removal of a system application MIUI Browser without superuser rights (Root) is impossible, since how it is built into the firmware. However, you can disable it in application settings or simply ignore it using Yandex Browser as default. Uninstallation attempts via ADB may result in system instability.
Why do links from VKontakte still open in the old browser?
This happens if you previously selected the “Always” option for the old browser when opening links from a specific application. You need to go to the application settings (for example, VKontakte or Telegram), find the “Open by default” item and click “Reset settings”, or clear the default settings for the oldest browser.
Does changing the browser affect the speed of the Internet?
The choice of browser itself does not change the speed of your tariff with your telecom operator. However, different browsers process and compress data differently. Yandex Browser with Turbo mode can load pages faster in poor signal conditions compared to heavy versions of other browsers.
Will my passwords be saved after changing browsers?
Passwords saved in an old browser (for example, in Chrome or Mi Browser) will not be automatically transferred to Yandex Browser. You will need to log in to your accounts on the sites again so that Yandex Browser will offer to save new passwords. You can first export passwords from the old browser, if such a function is available.
How can I return all the settings back if I didn’t like Yandex Browser?
The process is completely reversible. Go to Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Browser and select any other option from the list (for example, Chrome or Mi Browser). The system will instantly apply the changes, and the links will open again in the selected application.