How to Remove Chrome Browser from Xiaomi: System and Hidden Methods

Google Chrome is pre-installed on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones as a system application. Even if you don't use it, it takes up space in memory, updates in the background and can affect the autonomy of the device. Delete it in the standard way (via Settings → Applications) usually does not work - the "Delete" button is simply inactive.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods for removing Chrome from Xiaomi devices based on MIUI (including versions 12-14) and HyperOS. From simple shutdown tricks to radical ways through ADB and manual editing of system files.

Why can’t Chrome be removed in the standard way?

The reason is an agreement between Google and Android device makers, which requires the company to pre-install its services (including Chrome, YouTube, Play Store) in exchange for access to Google Mobile Services (GMS).

• 🔍 Use the official Play Store;
• 📱 Sync Contacts and Emails through Google Account;
• 🗺️ Find your location accurately through Google Location Services.

On Xiaomi, Chrome is integrated into the system as com.android.chrome and marked as a system application.

⚠️ Attention: Complete removal of system APK may disrupt MIUI For example, on some Redmi models, the Open Link feature in other browsers stops working after Chrome is deleted.

But there are workarounds, from soft shutdowns to hard uninstallation, while maintaining the functionality of the system, and then we'll look at them in order of complexity.

Method 1: Turn off Chrome without removing (no root)

The safest method is to deactivate the browser so it doesn’t start or update. This won’t free up memory completely, but will stop background processes. The instruction is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type Chrome (or com.android.chrome).
3. Slip on the browser icon and select Disable (or Remove Updates if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• 🛑 Chrome will disappear from the app menu;
• 🔄 Stop updating through the Play Store;
• 📱 Will not consume resources in the background.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After disabling Chrome, links from other applications (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp) can be opened in the browser. MIUI Browser or make an error. To avoid this, install an alternative browser (such as Firefox) and assign it to the default browser in the settings.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

If you don’t have enough shutdowns, you can delete Chrome via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require root rights, but you will need a computer and USB-This is suitable for most Xiaomi models, except for devices with locked devices. OEM unlock (for example, some of the POCO for the Chinese market).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux;
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original);
• 🔧 Utility. ADB Tools by Google;
• 🔐 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone; Tap 7 times on the MIUI Version (you will receive a notification “You became a developer”); Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers; Enable USB debugging and confirm permission.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC: Select File Transfer (MTP) mode; On your PC, open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux); Go to the folder with ADB (e.g., cd C:\platform-tools).

Check the connection:

adb devices

The name of your device with device status should appear.

Delete Chrome:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome

If the team doesn’t work, try:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.chrome

On HyperOS devices, an additional command may be required to unlock the package:

adb shell cmd package uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome

⚠️ Attention: After removal through ADB Chrome will disappear from the system, but its cache and data will remain in memory. To clear them, use the command: adb shell pm clear com.android.chrome This will free up to 200-500 MB of space, depending on the model.

💡

If links stop opening after Chrome is deleted, install an alternative browser (such as Kiwi Browser) and activate the Open Supported Links option in its settings.

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

If you’re willing to take risks, getting root rights will allow you to delete Chrome without a trace.

• 🔧 The bootloader has already been unlocked;
• 📲 Install custom recovery (TWRP);
• 🛡️ Ready for possible loss of warranty.

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk or another root manager.
2. Download a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
3. Go to /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore/ or /system/app/Chrome/
4. Delete files: Chrome.apk Chrome.odex (if any) Lib folder (if present)

Reset the device.

Advantages of the method:

• 🧹 Complete removal without traces;
• 📉 Free up to 1 GB of memory (including updates);
• 🚫 Unable to recover through Play Store.

Risks:

• ⚠️ Disruption of Google Services;
• 🔄 Possible errors in the update MIUI;
• 📵 Loss of WebView-dependent features (on some firmware).

Method 4: Hiding Chrome through the MIUI-chips (without removal)

If you don't want to delete Chrome, but it interferes with the app menu, you can hide it using built-in MIUI or HyperOS functions. This method does not affect performance, but makes the interface cleaner.

Option 1: Hiding in the launcher

1. Press the Chrome icon on the home screen;
2. Choose Remove (or Hide, depending on the shell version)
3. Confirm the action.

Option 2: Disable in the “Dual Applications” (for MIUI 13+):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Dual applications;
2. Find Chrome in the list;
3. Turn off the switch next to his name.

Option 3: Use of Second Space

Create a second working profile without Chrome:

1. Open the Settings. → Second Space;
2. Set up a new profile;
3. In the main space, turn off Chrome (see Method 1).

💡

Hiding Chrome doesn’t free up memory, but it does remove it from view and prevent accidental launches, a method ideal for users who want to keep Google services functional but don’t want to see the browser in the interface.

What to do if Chrome is back after the update?

On Xiaomi devices, after updating MIUI or HyperOS, pre-installed apps (including Chrome) can be restored automatically.

• 📦 The firmware contains the original set APK;
• 🔄 Google Play Services may reinstall system applications;
• 🔧 Some security updates reset changes to the /system.

How to prevent Chrome from returning:

1. Turn off automatic updates: Open Play Store → Settings → Auto-Update apps; Select Never.
2. Freeze the package: Use apps like App Quarantine or Package Disabler; add com.android.chrome to the frozen list.
3. Remove it via Magisk: Install Universal GMS Doze or Debloater; Activate it in Magisk Manager.

If Chrome is back, repeat Method 2 (ADB) or Method 3 (root) before you do this.

⚠️ Note: Before re-deleting, check the firmware version in Settings → On the phone, HyperOS is the way to system APK may differ MIUI. For example, on Xiaomi. 14 Chrome may be in the same place. /product/priv-app/.

Alternative browsers for Xiaomi: what to install instead of Chrome?

After removing Chrome, it is important to choose a reliable replacement. 5 Best browsers for Xiaomi, optimized for MIUI/HyperOS:

For maximum performance on budget Redmi (for example, Redmi 10A or POCO M5), we recommend Kiwi Browser or Firefox Lite. On flagships (Xiaomi 13T, POCO F5 Pro), you can use Brave or Opera with a VPN enabled.

How to assign the default browser:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management;
2. Select the desired browser;
3. Tap to open by default → Clear the settings;
4. When you next open the link, select a new browser and mark Always.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Chrome from Xiaomi