Google Chrome is pre-installed on most Xiaomi smartphones and often runs in the background, consuming traffic, battery power and system resources. Many users want to disable or remove it - whether because of a preference for alternative browsers (Mi Browser, Firefox, Brave), performance problems or a desire to reduce Google's surveillance. However, standard removal methods through the application menu usually do not work: the system blocks the uninstallation of preinstalled services.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways, from simple disabling through settings to deep removal using ADB and root rights. Each method is tested on current versions of MIUI 12-14 (Android 11-14) and adapted to the features of Xiaomi firmware.
- 🔹 Disable Chrome without deleting (no root rights)
- 🔹 Remove updates and return the factory version
- 🔹 Hide the browser from the application menu
- 🔹 Deinstall Chrome through the ADB (rusty)
- 🔹 Remove Forever with Root Access
Important: Some techniques require technical skills. On Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (most devices for Russia/Europe), removing Chrome through ADB can cause Google Play Services to crash - be prepared for the consequences.
1. Easy to disable Chrome through MIUI settings
The safest way is to disable the browser, not delete it, which will stop background processes, but will keep Chrome back on if needed (for example, for some web services).
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
- Find Google Chrome in the list (you can use search).
- Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After the shutdown:
- 📱 Chrome icon will disappear from the app menu.
- 🔄 Background browser processes will stop.
- 🔗 Links will still open in the browser by default (unless you have changed it in the settings).
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 11/12, POCO X4/X5) The "unplug" button may be blocked, in which case proceed to the next method.
Close all Chrome tabs in multitasking
Check if Chrome is used as the default browser
Create a backup copy of bookmarks (if necessary)
Make sure that an alternative browser is installed-->
2. Remove Chrome Updates (Return to the Factory Version)
If the "Disable" button is inactive, try removing the updates, which will return the browser to the factory version, which often has fewer background processes and does not update automatically.
How to do this:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Google Chrome.
- Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Remove Updates.
- Confirm action. The system will return Chrome to the version preinstalled on Xiaomi.
Advantages of the method:
- 🛠️ Browser will stop updating through Google Play.
- 📉 Reduced battery consumption (factory version is usually easier).
- 🔒 Data (bookmarks, history) will be saved - they can be transferred to another browser.
Disadvantages:
- 🔄 Chrome will remain on the system and can be updated again when resetting.
- 🚫 Some features (such as syncing with a Google account) may not work properly.
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After removing the updates, turn off Chrome auto-update in Google Play: open the app page → tree → “Remove from auto-update”.
3. Hiding Chrome from the Apps menu (without turning it off)
If you just need to remove the Chrome icon from the screen but leave the browser working (for example, for rare use), use the Hide apps feature in MIUI.
Step-by-step:
- Press the Google Chrome icon on the home screen or in the app menu.
- In the menu that appears, select Hide the app (or Remove from the screen → Hide).
- Confirm the action. The icon will disappear, but the browser will remain in the system.
How to get the icon back:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip the filter (funnel icon) and select Hidden Apps.
- Find Chrome and click Show.
⚠️ Warning: Hiding Does Not Turn off Chrome Background Processes! Use the methods in Section 1 or 4 to Stop Completely.
4. Remove Chrome via ADB (no root rights)
To completely remove Chrome without root rights, you will need ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that works on most Xiaomi smartphones, but requires a connection to a computer.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included Debugging by USB Xiaomi.
- 🛠️ Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode on Xiaomi: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (shap 7 times)
Result:
- ✅ Chrome will be removed for the current user (not systemically).
- ⚠️ When resetting settings or updating MIUI The browser may return.
- 🔧 If the command is not working, try: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.chrome (this will disable the browser instead of deleting it).
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
| Method | You need a PC? | Need a rut? | Removing it completely? | Returns after the dump? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection through settings | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No (turning off) | ❌ No. |
| Removal of updates | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No (rollback version) | ✅ Yes. |
| Hiding the icon | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No (hiding) | ❌ No. |
| Removal via ADB | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes, for the user) | ✅ Yes. |
| Removal with root rights | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (fully) | ❌ No. |
5. Completely remove Chrome with root rights
If your Xiaomi has root rights installed (for example, through Magisk), you can delete Chrome systemically.
- 🚨 Google Play Services may be affected (some apps will stop updating).
- 🔧 Requires recovery after update MIUI.
- ⚠️ On some models (Redmi) K50, Xiaomi 13 may cause SafetyNet to crash.
Instructions for rooted devices:
- 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.
- Remove the Chrome folder or rename it (for example, in the Chrome_bak).
- Reset the device.
Alternatively, the Terminal Emulator is:
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
rm -rf /system/priv-app/Chrome
mount -o ro,remount /system
reboot⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with dynamic partitions (Dynamic Partitions, models 2021)+ Removing system applications can lead to bootloop (locked boot). TWRP!
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Deleting Chrome with root rights is an irreversible process, and if you want to return your browser, you'll have to refashion the device or restore deleted files from the backup.
6.Alternative solutions: Replacing Chrome by default
If your goal is simply not to use Chrome, but to leave it on the system (for example, for compatibility with certain services), just change the browser by default.
How to do this:
- Install an alternative browser (Mi Browser, Firefox, Brave).
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find your new browser and tap Open by default.
- Select Add and specify link types (HTTP, HTTPS).
- Confirm your choice.
Advantages of this approach:
- 🌐 All links will be opened in the selected browser.
- 📵 Chrome will not automatically start up.
- 🔄 You can return Chrome as your default browser at any time.
How to turn off Chrome auto-start:
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Autostart Management.
- Find Google Chrome and turn off auto-start.
7. Frequent problems and their solutions
When working with Chrome on Xiaomi, users encounter typical errors.
- 🔄 "Chrome doesn't shut down" → Check if it is the default browser. If so, change your browser first (Section 6), then turn it off.
- 🔌 "ADB can't see the device" → Install Xiaomi drivers, turn on Debugging by USB Try another cable.
- 📱 "After removal, ADB Chrome is back again" → This happens after the Google Play Services update. Repeat the command ADB or disable auto-update system applications.
- ⚡ "The smartphone began to slow down after removing Chrome" → Google Play Services may be broken. Try reinstalling Chrome through ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.chrome
If Google services (Play Market, Gmail, etc.) have stopped working after manipulating Chrome, do:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Google Play Services.
- Click Warehouse → Clear the cache and Clear the data.
- Reset the device.