Can I uninstall Android System WebView on Xiaomi Redmi and how to do it correctly?

Android System WebView is the system component that is responsible for displaying web content within applications. On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, it is preinstalled and often updated via Google Play, but many users wonder if it can be removed? In this article, we will understand why it may be necessary, what risks exist and how to properly deactivate or delete WebView without harming the system.

Note: the complete removal of this component on most Xiaomi devices is impossible without root rights, as it is built into the firmware MIUI. However, there are legal ways to disable updates or replace it with an alternative. If you encounter errors such as Android System WebView constantly stops or notice increased battery consumption, our recommendations will help solve the problem.

Why would you want to remove Android System WebView?

At first glance, WebView seems like a useless component, but it’s critical to many applications.However, there are a few good reasons why Xiaomi Redmi users want to get rid of it:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: Some versions of WebView contain bugs that cause background processes to consume up to 10-15% day-load.
• 🐌 Slowing down the system on weak models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Redmi Note 8) WebView can take up to 300-500 MB RAM.
• 🚨 The "Android System WebView has stopped" error is one of the most common errors in the Internet. MIUI 12-14.
• 🛡️ Privacy: WebView has access to app data, raising concerns among privacy watchers.

However, the complete removal of WebView will lead to the collapse of all applications using web browsing (Vkontakte, Telegram, banking applications, etc.), so most often it is enough to disable updates or switch to an alternative version.

Can I remove Android System WebView from Xiaomi Redmi?

Technically, removal is only possible with root rights, but it is not recommended for several reasons:

⚠️ Attention, system removal APK-A com.google.android.webview file without root will cause most applications to fail, and the system will either automatically restore the component or start to issue errors when opening any programs with web content.

Without root rights, the following options are available:

• 🔄 Reverse to the factory version (disable updates via Google Play).
• 🔧 Replace with an alternative WebView (e.g. Bromite System WebView).
• ⚙️ Disable the component through ADB (file-deleting).

On Xiaomi Redmi models with MIUI 13/14 and later, the system blocks the attempt to delete through standard settings. Even if you find the option to Remove updates in the app menu, it will only return it to the factory version, but it will not uninstall completely.

Step-by-step: how to disable Android System WebView updates

If the goal is to get rid of bugs or high battery consumption, just block the automatic update of the component.

1. Open the Google Play Store and search for Android System WebView.
2. On the app page, tap three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Confirm action. The system will return the component to the factory version (usually 80-90, depending on the firmware).
4. Return to the app page, click on three dots again and select Disable Auto Update.

After that, WebView will stop updating automatically. If you need to return the current version in the future, you just need to manually update the application through Google Play.

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If, after WebView rolls back, applications start to work incorrectly, try clearing the cache in Settings → Apps → Android System WebView → Storage → Clear the cache.

How to Replace Android System WebView with an Alternative

If standard WebView is unstable, you can install side-by-side analogs like Bromite System WebView or Chromium WebView, which are often better optimized and don’t have Google services.

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Download the APK of an alternative WebView from a trusted source (e.g., APKMirror).
2. Install the file by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Installation of Unknown Applications).
3. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points (menu) → Default Apps.
4. Find the Browser or WebView option and select the installed alternative.

Once you replace, restart your device. If apps start to give out errors, return the standard WebView via the default settings.

Remove Android System WebView via ADB (without root)

For power users, there is a way to deactivate WebView via ADB without deleting it completely.It's safer than manually deleting files, and reversible.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times to tap) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.webview

This command disables WebView for the current user, but doesn't delete it. To get it back, do this:

adb shell pm enable com.google.android.webview

⚠️ Attention! After disabling WebView, some applications (such as Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) may stop displaying web pages correctly. Before executing the command, check if you are using critical programs with web content.

What if the applications do not work after WebView is deleted?

If you do delete or disable WebView and run into problems, there are several ways to get it back up:

• 🔄 Restore via Google Play. Just search for Android System WebView and click Install.
• 📥 Install APK Download the latest version from APKMirror and install it.
• ⚙️ Reset your application settings. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Reset application settings.
• 🔧 Restore through MIUI Recovery.If the system is badly damaged, a factory reset can help (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).

If none of these methods work, you just have to reflash the device through the Fastboot or MI Flash Tool, which is a last resort, because it causes you to lose all your data.

Risks and consequences of removing Android System WebView

Before you interfere with system components, assess the possible consequences:

Xiaomi Redmi devices with MIUI are particularly at risk of conflict, as firmware is closely integrated with Google services. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to limit yourself to disabling auto updates or cleaning the cache.

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On most modern Xiaomi Redmi devices (2020 and later), it is impossible to completely remove WebView without root. All available methods are reduced to disabling or replacing the component.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Android System WebView on Xiaomi Redmi