Problem

After switching to HyperOS (POCO, Xiaomi), links from apps (Telegram, WhatsApp, etc.) open in the cloned Chrome account instead of the main one - even when the main Chrome is set as default browser.

Symptoms:

  • Click link → Chrome opens in second space
  • Default browser settings show main Chrome
  • Resetting settings doesn’t help

Cause: HyperOS prioritizes cloned apps when handling intents, ignoring user preference.

💡 Issue reproduces on MIUI 14 / HyperOS 1.0+ with “Dual Apps” / “Second Space” enabled.

❌ Limitations of Simple Solutions

ADB removal (temporary)

adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 999 com.android.chrome

Problem: after reboot, Chrome in second space is reinstalled. user 999 is the cloned profile ID, but HyperOS restores system apps on startup.

Disable “Dual Apps”

Downside: removes all cloned apps and their data. Not suitable if other duplicates are needed (messengers, banking apps).

✅ Solutions (by preference)

Solution 1: Shizuku + AppManager (recommended)

Remove Chrome from second space without root, keeping other cloned apps intact.

Step 1: Install Shizuku

  1. Download Shizuku from F-Droid
  2. Launch app → “Start via wireless debugging”
  3. Enable wireless debugging in Developer Options:
    • Settings → About phone → Tap “OS version” 7 times
    • Settings → Additional settings → Developer options → ✅ Wireless debugging
  4. Follow Shizuku instructions to pair

Step 2: Install AppManager

  1. Download AppManager from F-Droid
  2. Open app → grant access via Shizuku (automatic)

Step 3: Remove Chrome from second space

  1. Find com.android.chrome (Google Chrome)
  2. Open app card → ⋮ → Uninstall for user
  3. Confirm removal

Result: Chrome removed only from second space, main account unaffected.

Step 4: Verify

# Via ADB (optional)
adb shell pm list packages --user 999 | grep chrome
# Should be empty

Solution 2: Change default browser

If setting up Shizuku is undesirable:

  1. Install alternative browser: Chrome Beta, Firefox, Brave
  2. Export bookmarks from main Chrome (sync with account)
  3. Clear main Chrome data (optional)
  4. Set new browser as default:
    • Settings → Apps → Default apps → Browser
  5. Test link opening

Advantages: no root, Shizuku, or ADB required
Disadvantages: adaptation to new browser is required

Solution 3: ADB script with auto-launch (advanced)

If Shizuku doesn’t work, ADB commands can be automated:

#!/bin/bash
# remove-chrome-clone.sh
adb wait-for-device
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 999 com.android.chrome
echo "Chrome removed from second space"

Auto-launch via Termux + ADB:

  1. Install Termux
  2. Install ADB Keyboard or use adb tcpip
  3. Run script on boot via ~/.termux/boot/

Limitation: after phone reboot, script must be run manually (or auto-launch set up via Tasker).

🔍 Diagnostics

# Check if Chrome is installed in second space
adb shell pm list packages --user 999 | grep chrome

# Check default browser
adb shell dumpsys package preferred | grep browser

# View intent handlers for links
adb shell dumpsys activity preferred-activities | grep -A5 "http"

⚠️ Typical Issues

# Shizuku won't start
→ Re-enable wireless debugging and re-pair
→ Restart Shizuku after system update

# AppManager doesn't see user 999
→ Grant permissions via Shizuku: Settings → Apps → AppManager → Permissions
→ Restart AppManager

# Chrome reinstalls after reboot
→ This is HyperOS behavior. Workaround: add script to auto-start (Termux + Tasker)
→ Or use Shizuku + AppManager with re-removal on boot (requires root)

# Links still open in clone
→ Clear default settings: Settings → Apps → Manage apps → ⋮ → Reset defaults
→ Reboot phone