Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face a situation where the pre-installed Google Chrome browser takes up space in memory or simply is not used due to the presence of more convenient analogues. The standard shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS does not allow you to simply “remove” system applications, hiding this option from the average user. However, there are several proven ways to solve this problem by freeing up the resources of the device and getting rid of excess software.
An important technical nuance is worth noting right away: complete removal of the system component without root rights is not always possible, but it can be effectively disabled. In this state, the application stops working, updates and consumes traffic, virtually disappearing from the active life of the smartphone. We will consider both secure methods through settings, and more advanced options using a computer.
Before taking drastic action, you need to understand the difference between user and system applications. Google’s firmware browser Xiaomi often has the status of a system component, which blocks the standard “Delete” button in the application menu. This is done by manufacturers to ensure the basic functionality of Android, but modern methods allow you to bypass these restrictions without losing the guarantee and stability of the operating system.
Why you should consider removing or disabling Chrome
Many users ignore the presence of unnecessary applications until they face a shortage of internal memory. Google’s browser has the ability to accumulate cache, which can grow to several gigabytes. In addition, background processes sometimes consume battery power, even if you use another browser, for example, built-in MIUI Browser or third-party Firefox.
Another reason is privacy: Not everyone is willing to share their browsing history and geolocation with Google, and turning off the built-in browser is the first step to digital detox and personal security, and you can decide which tools to trust your data with.
- 🚀 Saving resources: freeing up RAM and reducing the load on the processor.
- 🔋 Autonomy: Cessation of background activity that “eats” battery charge.
- 🛡️ Privacy: Limiting the collection of telemetry and your preferences.
However, be careful: Deleting completely can cause some widgets or links to fail, which are opened by default through the system component, so disabling is often a smarter tradeoff than drastically deleting files.
Preparing a smartphone before making changes
Before you start manipulating system files or settings, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps, which will protect your data and allow you to return everything back in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Also make sure you have an alternative browser installed and configured. If you delete or disable Chrome and there is no other application to access the Internet, the system may behave incorrectly when trying to open a link from the messenger.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
It is not superfluous to check for system updates. Sometimes newer versions of MIUI will have additional application management features. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click on the logo to check the relevance of the software.
⚠️ Before any action with system components, make sure your phone is charged at least as much as possible. 50-60%. Interrupting the process due to battery discharge can lead to software failures.
Disconnection method through standard settings
The safest and easiest way for anyone to access the app without a computer connection is to permanently shut down the app, which doesn't physically delete files, but completely blocks the browser, and the system will assume that the app is not installed and it will disappear from the active program list.
To start, open your Xiaomi Settings menu. Find the Apps (or All Apps) section, then select App Management. In the list that appears, find Chrome. If the list is long, search at the top of the screen.
On the app information page, you'll see a "Disable" (or "Disable") button, and if you click on it, the system will warn you that other applications may not work correctly. Confirm the action. After that, the browser icon will disappear from the desktop, and the process will stop.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Find it in the Chrome list.
- 🛑 Click the Disable button and confirm the action.
If the "Disable" button is inactive (gray), then your device has installed browser updates that are integrated deeper into the system, in which case, first click the "Remove Updates" button in the same menu, wait for the process to complete, and only then the "Disable" button will be available.
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If the “Disable” button is inactive, first click “Delete Updates” in the app menu, then try turning it off again.
Using ADB for deep cleaning of the system
For users who want to completely remove the browser packet, rather than just disable it, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer through USB-It's a cable and you have basic command line skills, and it allows you to remove even those applications that are hidden from the user.
First, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7-10 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version) until the message “You’ve become a developer” appears. Then, in the “Additional” → “Developers” menu, turn on Debugging over USB.
Connect your phone to your PC, download ADB tools from Google's official website, open the command line on your computer and type in a command to check the connection:
adb devicesYou'll see a debugging permission request on your phone screen -- check "Always Allow" and click "OK." If the console displays the serial number of the device, the connection is successful. You can now execute a command to delete the packet:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chromeWhat to do if your computer can’t see your phone?
Once the command is complete, the browser will disappear from the system completely. To return it, you will need to reset the phone to the factory or re-install it. APK-Be careful when entering the name of the package, an error in one character can lead to the removal of the wrong component.
Comparison of removal and disconnection methods
The choice between simply disabling and uninstalling through ADB depends on your goals and level of training. Both methods have their pros and cons, which are worth weighing before starting the procedure. Below is a comparison table to help determine the choice.
| Parameter | Disconnection in settings | Removal via ADB | Use of third-party utilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Low. | Tall. | Medium |
| Security | Tall. | Average (risk of error) | Depends on the app. |
| Return of the annex | Instant. | Only reset or APK | Through recovery. |
| Liberation of the place | Partial (cache) | Complete. | Complete. |
As you can see from the table, for most users, standard shutdown is the best option, it is safe, reversible, and does not require a computer connection, and the ADB method should only be used by experienced users who understand exactly why they need to physically delete a file from the system.
There are also special uninstallation apps available on Google Play that automate the process. ADB-They create a local server on the phone and allow you to delete system software in one click, but using such software requires broad permissions, which may not be secure from a privacy perspective.
Selection and configuration of an alternative browser
Once you’ve got rid of Google Chrome, it’s important to set up the new browser correctly by default, otherwise links can open in the void or cause errors. In modern versions of HyperOS and MIUI, the system will prompt you to choose the application when you first run the alternative.
Go to Settings → Applications → App Management → Three dots in the corner → Default Apps. Find the browser and select the analog you have installed, which ensures that all links from WhatsApp, Telegram and other messengers will open in the desired program.
- 🦊 Firefox: A great choice for those who value privacy and extension support.
- 🚀 Brave: a browser with built-in ad blocker and trackers.
- ⚡ Via Browser: ultra-lightweight option for weak devices or traffic savings.
Some users prefer to use the built-in MIUI Browser.It is well optimized for the Xiaomi shell, has a traffic saving mode and built-in ad blocker.However, it is worthwhile to carefully study its privacy policy, as it also collects user data.
⚠️ Warning: After changing your browser by default, check your desktop widgets. If you have Google news widgets, they may stop updating or require you to re-authorize.