How to permanently remove Google Chrome from Xiaomi: system and root methods

Google Chrome is pre-installed on most Xiaomi smartphones as a system application, and it cannot be removed by standard methods through the settings menu. Even after trying to uninstall, the browser continues to take up space in memory, update in the background and consume resources. This article will help you get rid of Chrome completely – from simple disconnection to deep removal through the Internet. ADB and obtaining superuser rights.

We will consider all the current ways: from safe (no root rights) to radical (with unlocking the bootloader). MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14, Google services are more integrated than in previous versions. POCO, Redmi or Xiaomi’s flagship series 13/14 — instructions are suitable taking into account the specifics of the firmware.

Why Chrome Cannot Be Deleted in the Standard Way

On smartphones Xiaomi Google Chrome belongs to the category of system applications (/system/priv-app/ or /system/app/). It means:

• 🔒 The application is protected from removal without superuser rights (root)
• 🔄 It automatically updates through Google Play, even if you have disabled it.
• 📦 He's borrowing. 200–400 MB in the section /system + cash /data
• 🔗 Linked to other Google services (e.g., WebView, which is used to display web content in apps)

In addition, on some models (for example, Xiaomi) 12T Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Chrome can be linked to Google Mobile Services (GMS). Its forced removal without preparation can disrupt the work:

• 📱 Google Play Market and other Google services
• 🔍 Search by system (if using Google App)
• 📊 Data synchronization (contacts, calendar, backups)

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Chrome may not be available in Russia (without Google services) initially. → Annexes → Application management.

Method 1: Disable Chrome without deletion (no root rights)

If you just need to stop Chrome and stop its background activity, just turn off the app.This method does not require superuser rights and is suitable for most Xiaomi models, POCO redmi.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Chrome in the list (use search if there are many apps).
3. Stick to three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Disable.
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• 🛑 Chrome will stop running (including background processes)
• 🔄 Updates via Google Play will be blocked
• 📉 Free up to 50-100 MB of RAM

However, the application files will remain in the system and will take up space in the section. /system. To remove them completely, you will need the rights of a superuser or ADB.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

Android Debug Bridge Tool (ADB) This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires a connection to a computer and enable debugging. USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Put the debugging on. USB: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Stick to the version. MIUI 7 times until the notification appears You became a developer! → Additionally. → For developers, activate debugging by USB and confirm the authorization.
2. Connect your phone to your PC: Use the original USB-Type C cable (on new Xiaomi models) 13/14 You may need a support cable USB 3.2). On the phone, select the file transfer mode (MTP).

Install ADB on your computer:

• Download the Google Platform Tools.
• Unpack the archive in a folder. C:\platform-tools (Windows or /usr/local/bin (macOS/Linux).
• Execute commands for removal: adb devices adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome If the team didn't work, try: pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.chrome

Chrome will disappear from the app menu, but its files will remain in the app. /system. For complete removal, unlocking the bootloader and root rights will be required.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI If other Google apps have stopped working after using pm uninstall, return Chrome with the command: cmd package install-existing com.android.chrome

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you're ready to get root rights, you can delete Chrome at the system file level, which is suitable for users who:

• 🔧 The bootloader on Xiaomi has already been unlocked (the procedure erases all data!)
• 📱 Custom restoration is in place (TWRP Or OrangeFox)
• 🛡️ Understand the risks (loss of warranties, possible problems with the security of the OTA-update)

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi).
2. Install TWRP for your model (see the XDA Developers forum for instructions).
3. Download and swipe Magisk for root rights.
4. Use Root Explorer (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer:

1. Go to /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore/


2. Delete the Chrome folder or files:




- Chrome.apk




- Chrome.odex (if any)




3. go to /data/app/ and delete the folder com.android.chrome-* (if any)




4. Clear cache in /data/data/com.android.chrome/

Once removed, restart the device. Chrome will be completely erased, including all updates and data.

Method 4: Use of Debloater Tools

For users who do not want to manually enter ADB-In teams, there are specialized utilities for removing system applications:

• 🖥️ Universal Android Debloater (GUI) — Graphical interface for packet management ADB.
• 📱 App Inspector (Android app) – shows all installed packages and allows you to disable them.
• 🔧 ADB AppControl is a utility with pre-loaded lists of junk apps for different brands, including Xiaomi.

Example of Universal Android Debloater:

1. Connect your phone to a PC with USB debugging enabled.
2. Run the utility and wait for the list of packages to load.
3. In the search bar, enter chrome.
4. Select the com.android.chrome package and press Uninstall (or Disable).
5. Confirm the action and restart the device.

Advantages of this method:

• 🎯 Visual interface (no need to remember commands).
• 🔍 Ability to massively remove unnecessary applications.
• 📤 Automatic Log Creation (You Can Reverse Changes).

⚠️ Note: Some debloaters may suggest removing critical services (e.g. com.google.android.gms) that will cause Google Play and other services to fail. Always check what you delete!

💡

Before using the debloater, export the list of installed packets by the adb shell pm list packages command. > packages.txt. This will help you recover remote applications if something goes wrong.

Method 5: Reflashing to custom MIUI without GMS

The most radical, but also the most effective way is to install firmware without Google services.

• 📱 Users who do not use Google Play, Gmail, YouTube and other services.
• 🌍 Owners of devices for the Chinese market (for example, Xiaomi 13 China) GMS initially absent.
• 🔒 Those who want maximum privacy (no Google surveillance).

Popular firmware without GMS Xiaomi:

Installation instructions (briefly):

1. Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (waiting can take up to 7 days on new devices).
2. Install TWRP for your model.
3. Download the firmware without GMS (for example, MIUI EU NoGMS and transfer it to your phone.
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Install the firmware through Install.
6. Restart the device (the first start can take 10-15 minutes).

Once installed, Chrome and other Google services will be completely removed, and instead, you can use:

• 🌐 Browsers: Firefox, Bromite, DuckDuckGo.
• 📦 App Store: Aurora Store (alternative to Google Play).
• 📧 Mail: FairEmail or K-9 Mail.

💡

Installing custom firmware is the only way to get rid of all Google traces, but it requires technical skills and deprives Xiaomi of official support.

What to do if other applications stop working after Chrome is deleted

In some cases, forced removal of Chrome can disrupt the work of:

• 🔍 Google App (Search by System).
• 📱 Applications that use WebView (e.g. Twitter, Instagram).
• 🔄 Google Play Services (Sync errors, notifications).

Decisions:

1. Restore Chrome through the ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.chrome
2. Install an alternative WebView: Download Bromite SystemWebView from the official website. Activate it in Settings → Annexes → Android System WebView.

Reset your Google Play Services settings:

• Go to Settings → Applications → Google Play Services.
• Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
• Reset the device.

If problems persist, too many system components may have been removed, in which case only flashing the device through Fastboot or the Fastboot will help. TWRP.

Chrome Alternatives for Xiaomi: Which browsers are better

If you delete Chrome, you'll need a decent replacement.

• 🛡️ Privacy (blocking trackers, lack of data collection).
• 🚀 Performance (load speed, optimization for weak devices).
• 🔧 Functionality (synchronization of bookmarks, extensions, dark theme).

Top.-5 browsers for Xiaomi:

For devices with weak iron (e.g., Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) We recommend Firefox Focus or Bromite – they consume less resources than Chrome. on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F5 Pro) you can use Kiwi or Brave with extensions.

💡

If you need to sync bookmarks between devices but don’t want to use Google, set up Firefox Account or Nextcloud Bookmarks (self-cloud storage).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Chrome from Xiaomi