Chromebook on Xiaomi phone: myth or reality? all ways to launch ChromeOS in 2026

Why Xiaomi users want a Chromebook on their phone?

Xiaomi smartphone owners often wonder whether it is possible to turn your Redmi Note 12 or not. POCO X5 The idea of using your phone as a lightweight laptop with ChromeOS seems tempting, especially for students, travelers, or those who appreciate minimalism. Google doesn’t officially support ChromeOS on mobile devices, and all existing solutions have limitations.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to launch Chromebook mode on Xiaomi in 2026 – from cloud services to custom firmware, evaluate their performance, compatibility with Mi 11, Redmi models. K60 And we'll tell you what tasks you can do on a ChromeOS phone and what are still in question. If you're looking for a compact device for document management, surfing, or even easy programming, read on.

1.What is a Chromebook and why is it wanted on Xiaomi?

A Chromebook is a laptop or tablet based on Google's ChromeOS operating system. Unlike Android, ChromeOS is optimized for web applications, cloud services (Google Docs, Sheets) and lightweight tasks.

• 🚀 Fast boot – the system starts in seconds.
• 🛡️ Security: Automatic update and virus protection.
• 🔄 Synchronization with Google account (bookmarks, extensions, files).
• 💻 Linux support (in new versions) for developers.

On a Xiaomi ChromeOS phone, it could solve a few problems:

• 📱 Multitasking: Easy to switch between windows, like on a PC.
• 🖥️ Connecting to the monitor through USB-C Miracast for working on the big screen.
• 🔧 Access to Chrome desktop extensions (e.g. uBlock Origin, Tampermonkey).

There are pitfalls, however: ChromeOS isn’t adapted for touch control, and performance on the phone will be limited by hardware.Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 12 Pro, for example+ It will cope with basic tasks, but will not replace a full-fledged laptop for video processing.

⚠️ Note: None of these methods will turn your Xiaomi into a full Chromebook. Maximum – you will get a stripped-down version of ChromeOS with limited functionality. For serious work, it is better to consider buying a budget Chromebook (for example, Lenovo IdeaPad Duet) or a tablet with a keyboard.

2. Method 1: Cloud services – Chromebook in the browser

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the cloud-based versions of ChromeOS, which emulate the Chromebook right in your Xiaomi browser without requiring root rights or firmware. MIUI 14 and newer.

Popular cloud solutions:

• 🌐 ChromeOS Flex Cloud – Google’s Official Project for ChromeOS Flex.
• 🖥️ Neverware CloudReady – Cloud version for educational institutions.
• 💻 RollApp ChromeOS – virtual machine in the browser (runs slowly).

How to use:

1. Open the Chrome or Edge browser on your phone.
2. Go to one of the services (links above).
3. Sign in through your Google account.
4. Enjoy the ChromeOS interface (with delays due to cloud processing).

Cloud services are suitable for short-term tasks such as checking email, editing documents or testing web applications, and are inconvenient for continuous operation due to time and performance constraints.

3. Method 2: Android Emulators – ChromeOS as an App

If the clouds don't work, you can try running ChromeOS through an emulator.

• 🤖 Termux + X Server (for Linux environment).
• 🖥️ QEMU — PC emulator (requires root).
• 💻 BruteForce ChromeOS – an unofficial port for the ARM.

The most realistic option is BruteForce ChromeOS.

Download. APK GitHub|

Install the application (allow installation from unknown sources in Settings) → Annexes → Special access)|

Start and wait for the download (may take up) 5-10 minute)|

Set up the keyboard and mouse through OTG-adapter

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Warnings:

⚠️ Note: BruteForce ChromeOS hasn’t been updated since 2021 and may not launch on new Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70). Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has graphic artifacts.

The alternative is Termux + X Server XSDL:

pkg update && pkg upgrade


pkg install wget proot-distro




proot-distro install ubuntu




proot-distro login ubuntu




apt install chromium-browser

This method will give you a Linux version of Chrome, but not a full ChromeOS, and it will be suitable for developers who want to work with the terminal.

💡

If the emulator is slowing down, try turning off animations in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times to open the developer menu, then turn off window animation and transition animation).

4. Method 3: Custom firmware - full ChromeOS on Xiaomi

For those who are willing to take the risk, there is an option to install custom firmware with ChromeOS. It is a complex process that requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (on most Xiaomi this erases data!).
• 🛠️ TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery for installation.
• 💾 ChromeOS firmware for ARM (For example, ArnoldTheBat or CoolStar).

Supported models (incomplete list):

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi A2/A3 (Thanks to the PostmarketOS project).
• 📱 POCO F1 (firmware ChromeOS-R11).
• 📱 Redmi Note 7/8 Pro (limited support).

Step-by-step instructions (in example) POCO F1):

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (waiting). 7-30 days!).
2. Install TWRP for your model.
3. Download the firmware. ChromeOS-R11.
4. Fly through fastboot or TWRP.
5. Set up the system (bugs with Wi-Fi or sound are possible).

⚠️ Caution: ChromeOS Castom Firmware on Xiaomi is Often Broken: 📶 Communication modules (mobile Internet, Bluetooth). 🔊 Sound (microphone or speakers may not work). 🔋 Charging (some firmware discharges the battery for 2-3 We recommend you to make a backup in the TWRP before installation!

5. Method 4: Connecting Xiaomi to a monitor (DeX alternative)

If the goal is to use the phone as a compact PC but without ChromeOS, consider the alternatives:

• 🖥️ "Screen on PC" mode in MIUI (available 13/14, Redmi K60).
• 🔌 USB-C → HDMI monitor-mount.
• 💻 Apps like Second Screen or ApowerMirror.

How to turn on the screen on PC:

1. Connect your phone to the monitor through USB-C → HDMI.
2. In the drop-down menu (swipe down), select the Screen on PC.
3. Connect the keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth or USB-OTG.

Advantages over ChromeOS:

• ⚡ No lags - native works MIUI.
• 📱 Full compatibility with Android applications.
• 🔋 Battery savings (compared to emulators).

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 No desktop extensions for Chrome.
• 📂 Limited multitasking (windows do not overlap).

💡

For most users, Xiaomi mode "Screen on PC" + Keyboard with mouse will be more convenient than trying to run ChromeOS.

Comparison of methods: which to choose?

The choice depends on your goals:

• 🎓 Study / office: "Screen on PC" mode" + Google Docs.
• 🔧 Development: Termux + Linux in ChromeOS Flex Cloud.
• 🎮 Experiments: custom firmware (if the model is supported).

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When trying to run ChromeOS on Xiaomi, users are faced with typical errors:

8.Alternatives: Which is Better ChromeOS for Xiaomi?

If the goal is to turn your phone into a mini PC, consider these options:

• 🐧 Ubuntu Touch or PostmarketOS – Linux for mobile.
• 🤖 Bliss OS — Android-x86 window-enabled.
• 💻 Samsung DeX (if you are planning to change your phone).
• 📱 PC Screen mode" + Microsoft Office or OnlyOffice.

For most tasks (working with documents, the Internet, instant messengers) will be enough:

1. Xiaomi phone with support for screen on PC.
2. Keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth (e.g. Xiaomi Bluetooth Keyboard).
3. Monitor with USB-C or HDMI.

It will cost less than buying a Chromebook and will work more consistently than emulators.

💡

ChromeOS on Xiaomi is more of an experiment than a practical solution. MIUI Alternative OS such as Ubuntu Touch.