Why Chrome on Xiaomi Behaves Like a “Unremovable Virus” and What to Do About It
Have you ever tried to remove Google Chrome from your Xiaomi, but the system stubbornly gave out a message “Can’t delete”? This is not a bug, but a feature: Android smartphone manufacturers often link pre-installed apps to system components. Especially browsers – they can’t be erased by standard methods, even if you use Safari or Firefox.
On Xiaomi devices (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 Ultra), things are complicated by the MIUI shell, which blocks the removal of key Google apps. But there are workarounds: from simple disabling to complete removal through ADB. In this article, we will analyze all working methods, from the most secure to the “surgical”.
⚠️ Important: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights. If you are not prepared for the risks (loss of warranty, bricking of the device), use only the first three methods.
Method 1: Disable Chrome through MIUI settings (no root)
The easiest and safest method is to deactivate the browser, not delete it, which will stop the background processes, free up RAM and hide the icon from the menu. MIUI 12/13/14.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search bar, type “Chrome” and select the app.
- Click "Unplug" (the button may be gray).
- Confirm the action in the pop-up window.
✅ Pros: does not require technical skills, reversible.
❌ Cons: Chrome will remain in the system and will take up space on the disk (~150-200 MB).
Make sure you have an alternative browser installed (Firefox, Edge, Kiwi)
Sync Chrome bookmarks with your Google account (if needed)
Check if other Chrome apps are using web content (such as some banking apps)
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Method 2: Hide the Chrome icon without turning it off
If you are disturbed only by the icon on the menu, but the browser itself is sometimes needed (for example, to test sites), you can simply hide it. MIUI This is done through “Hidden Apps»:
Steps:
- Press the Chrome icon on the home screen.
- In the menu that appears, select “Hide the App” (or “Remove from the Screen” → “Hide”).
- Confirm the action.
Chrome will no longer appear in the menu, but will remain available through search (Search Explorer → Search → “Chrome”).
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If the hidden icon reappears after the MIUI update, repeat the procedure. Some firmware resets the settings.
Method 3: Remove Chrome Updates (Reset to the factory version)
Chrome on Xiaomi consists of two parts: system APK (unremovable) and updates from Google Play. You can “roll back” the browser to the minimum version, saving space and reducing background activity.
How to do this:
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → Chrome → Three points (⋮) → Remove updates.
- Confirm the action.
- (Optional) In Google Play → Settings → Auto-Update apps add Chrome to the “Do Not Update” list.
⚠️ Note: After a reset, Chrome may not work well on some sites (e.g., not supporting modern web standards.
| Method | Need root/ADB? | Makes room? | Removing the icon? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shutdown | ❌ No. | ❌ No (only RAM) | ✅ Yes. | Low. |
| Hiding the icon | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | No. |
| Removal of updates | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (~50–100 MB) | ❌ No. | Websites may be displayed incorrectly |
| ADB-removal | ✅ Yes (ADB) | ✅ Yes (~200 MB) | ✅ Yes. | Medium (possible system errors) |
| Root removal | ✅ Yeah) | ✅ Yes (fully) | ✅ Yes. | High (loss of warranty) |
Method 4: Remove Chrome via ADB (without root but with PC)
If you need to completely remove Chrome without root rights, the only officially supported way is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB They may disrupt the system. Follow the instructions exactly!
Steps:
- Enable the developer mode on Xiaomi: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC, install ADB-tools and check the connection with the command: adb devices (should appear serial number of the device).
- Run the command to delete Chrome: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome
✅ Result: Chrome will be removed for the current user (not systemically), freeing up ~200MB icon will disappear, but the app can be restored through Google Play.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 5: Completely remove Chrome with root rights (experts)
If you have a bootloader unlocked and you have Magisk or another root manager installed, you can delete Chrome permanently, including system files, which is suitable for advanced users, since it requires working with the file system.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/Chrome/ or /system/app/Chrome/ (the path may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
- Delete or rename files: Chrome.apk Chrome.odex (if any)
Reset the device.
⚠️ Note: after such deletion, Chrome will not be available even through Google Play. If the application is critical to the operation of other services (for example, Google Pay), errors may occur!
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Before any manipulation of system files, back up your data via TWRP or MIUI Backup, which will save your data in case of a crash.
What to do if Chrome self-repairs after MIUI update
Many Xiaomi users are facing a problem: even after being deleted via ADB or root, Chrome reappears after a firmware update, which is because MIUI automatically restores system applications when major updates are made.
Decisions:
- 🔄 Turn off auto-update MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points (⋮) → Settings → Turn off the car download.
- 🛡️ Use Magisk modules: Install Universal module GMS Doze or DisableFlags to block Chrome recovery.
- 📱 Go to custom firmware: For example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience – there is no binding to Google services.
If you don’t want to opt out of the official MIUI, the only reliable way to do this is to regularly re-delete the ADB after each update.