Google Chrome is pre-installed on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones as part of Google services. Even if you’re not actively using it, the app runs in the background, consumes battery power and takes up memory space. In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to disable Chrome, from standard MIUI settings to radical methods for power users.
It’s important to understand that on MIUI smartphones (especially models for European and global markets), Chrome is often tied to system processes, which means that simply uninstalling apps through the app menu can cause other Google services to crash. We’ll explain in detail how to disable Chrome auto-start without harming the system and what to do if standard methods don’t work.
This article is relevant for all modern versions of MIUI 13/14/15 and Xiaomi models (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5). If your phone runs MIUI for China (without Google services), the problem with Chrome will not affect you - it simply does not exist.
1.Can you remove Chrome from Xiaomi completely?
Technically, Chrome is possible, but with reservations:
- 🔧 On smartphones with Google Mobile Services (GMS) Chrome is a system application that cannot be removed by standard means without root access.
- 📱 On models for China (without) GMS) Chrome is missing from the box. If you installed it manually, removing it won't cause problems.
- ⚠️ Forced removal through ADB or root may disrupt the Google Play Store, Gmail and other services.
If your goal is to free up resources, you just need to disable auto-start and freeze the application. Complete deletion is only justified in cases where Chrome interferes with other programs (for example, conflicts with alternative browsers).
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) Chrome integrated into the system partition /system/priv-app. Removing it without recovery can lead to a “bootloop” (a looped boot).
2. Method 1: Disable Chrome Autostart in MIUI
The safest method is to prevent Chrome from running in the background.This won't remove the app, but will significantly reduce battery consumption and traffic.
Instructions for MIUI 14/15:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search bar, type Chrome and select the app.
- Go to the Battery and Background Activity section.
- Turn off the options: 🔄 Auto-start (start permit when the phone is turned on) 🔋 Background activity (permission to work in the background) 📶 Using Mobile Data in the Background
Stop it.
After these steps, Chrome won't start automatically, but will remain available for manual opening.If you want to hide it completely from the menu, move on to the next way.
☑️ Preparing for Chrome Shutdown
Method 2: Hiding Chrome through "Special Features"
This method allows you to remove Chrome from the app menu without physically removing it.It is suitable for users who want to avoid accidental browser launches.
Algorithm of action:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Simplified Mode.
- Activate Hide Apps (some firmware may include a Hidden App List).
- In the list that appears, find Chrome and tick it.
- Save the changes and restart the phone.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (cmd or terminal).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Run Chrome's disable command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.chrome
- Reboot the phone.
To return Chrome back, use the command:
adb shell pm enable com.android.chrome⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After turning off Chrome through ADB Web previews in other applications (such as Google Drive or Gmail) may stop working, in which case, return Chrome to its original state.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
5. Method 4: Remove Chrome with root access
If you have root rights (e.g., through Magisk), you can completely delete Chrome without system consequences.This method is only suitable for advanced users, since it requires modification of system files.
Step-by-step:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Click on /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore/ or (on some firmware): /system/app/Chrome/
- Find files with names: Chrome.apk Chrome.odex (if any) Lib folder with Chrome dependencies
.bak
Settings → Applications
Reboot the phone.
Once removed, it is recommended to freeze the remaining processes through Titanium Backup or similar utilities to prevent Chrome from recovering when updating the GMS.
| Method of disconnection | Need root? | Reversibility | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shutting down autostart | ❌ No. | ✅ Easy to return | No. |
| Hiding through "Special Opportunities" | ❌ No. | ✅ Easy to return | No. |
| Disconnection through ADB | ❌ No. | ✅ Pm enable command | Web pre-prosmor failures |
| Removal from root | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ File recovery is required | Possible GMS failures |
6. Method 5: Replacing Chrome with an alternative browser by default
If your goal is to get rid of Chrome as the primary browser, but not remove it completely, you can assign another browser to the default app.
How to do this:
- Install an alternative browser (such as Firefox, Brave, or Mi Browser).
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Chrome and select Open by default.
- Click Reset the default settings.
- Open any alternative browser and confirm it as the default app when you first launch the link.
If after manipulating Chrome, your phone starts to brake or overheat, try:
- Clear the system cache (Settings → Memory → Cleaning).
- Reverse changes through ADB (pm enable command).
- Reset the settings to factory (if the problem is critical).