Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to get rid of pre-installed system applications, among which Google Chrome is the leader in replacement demand. The search giant’s standard browser is deeply integrated into the Android ecosystem, making it an unobvious process for the average user who is used to simply dragging icons into the cart. However, using the built-in features of the MIUI or HyperOS shell, as well as debugging tools, you can effectively free up space and disable software.
The need to replace is often dictated by the desire to install a lighter analogue, for example, Via Browser or DuckDuckGo, or simply by the habit of a different interface. It is important to understand that the complete removal of the system component without superuser rights (root) is technically impossible by standard means, but it can be completely deactivated, making it invisible to the system and user. In this article, we will discuss all the legal and safe methods for solving this problem, from simple settings to advanced ADB commands.
Before you start taking action, you need to be aware of the difference between removing updates and completely uninstalling the package. Disabling the application returns it to the factory version and prevents it from starting, which in 99% of cases completely meets the needs of the user. We will analyze each step in detail so that you can choose the best way for your smartphone model to clean the system of excess ballast.
Why you can’t just remove Chrome as a regular app
The Android system architecture, on which Xiaomi devices work, involves dividing applications into user and system. Google Chrome in most cases comes as part of the GMS (Google Mobile Services) service package, which gives it privileges that are not available for ordinary programs downloaded from the Play Market. That is why, with prolonged clicking on the browser icon, the menu does not have a standard “Delete” button, but only the “About” option is available.
Attempting to obtain root rights to force the removal of system files can lead to unstable operation of the operating system, loss of warranty and inability to pass security checks in banking applications. Modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS have powerful mechanisms to protect the integrity of the system partition, which block the removal of critical components even with increased rights, if you do not use specialized modified firmware.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to remove browser system files manually through root file managers can lead to a cyclic smartphone restart (bootloop.
In addition, many third-party apps and widgets on the desktop can use Chrome Custom Tabs, a technology that allows you to open links within other programs without running a full browser. Complete physical removal of the component can disrupt the functionality of messengers, social networks and news aggregators that rely on this system mechanism to display web content.
What is Chrome Custom Tabs?
Disconnection method through MIUI and HyperOS settings
The safest and most recommended way to get rid of an intrusive browser is to use the operating system’s regular functionality, which does not require a connection to a computer, installing additional software, and is completely reversible if necessary. The process of disabling effectively freezes the application, preventing it from running, updating and using the processor or battery resources.
To start, go to the settings menu of your Xiaomi device. Find the section responsible for managing installed programs and select the desired component from the list. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic of actions remains the same for all current models.
- 📱 Open the smartphone settings and go to the Application section.
- 🔍 Click on All Apps and find Chrome in the list.
- 🛑 At the bottom of the screen, click the Remove Updates button if it is active.
- ❌ After resetting the version, click the Disable button and confirm the action in the pop-up window.
After these actions, the browser icon will disappear from the desktop and from the application menu, and the process will stop. The system will no longer take it into account when allocating RAM, which can positively affect the performance of the device, especially on models with a small amount of RAM. If you decide to return to using the browser, you will need to go back to the settings and click the "Enable" button.
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Disabling the application through settings is the only safe method for ordinary users, which does not require special knowledge and retains a warranty on the device.
Using ADB for deep cleaning of the system
For users who want to get a full-removal effect and are ready to work with a computer, there is a method of using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) debugging bridge, which allows you to send commands directly to the Android operating system, bypassing standard interface restrictions, and with it you can forcefully remove the browser packet for the current user, which will make its disappearance almost complete.
Before the procedure, you need to activate the developer mode on the Xiaomi smartphone. → About the phone and seven times quickly click on the build number MIUI. Then, in the extended settings, turn on USB-Connect your smartphone to your PC with a cable and make sure that you have permission to debug from that computer on your phone screen.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chromeThe command you enter deletes the com.android.chrome package for a user with ID 0 (main user).It is important to note that the APK file itself remains in the system partition, so after resetting the smartphone to factory settings, the browser will return. However, in everyday use, it will be completely absent from the system, without taking up space in the user profile and without interfering with work.
☑️ Pre-use checks ADB
Comparison of removal and disconnection methods
The choice between simply turning off and using ADB depends on your goals and technical background. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, which must be weighed before starting the procedure. Below is a table to help determine the best way to solve your situation.
| Parameter | Disconnection in settings | Removal via ADB | Root rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Tall. | Medium | Low. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
| Recovery | One click. | Difficult (dumping) | Depends on the backup. |
| Impact on the guarantee | No. | No. | There's a risk. |
It is worth noting that the ADB method is the middle ground for enthusiasts, allowing you to achieve cleanliness without the risk of “bricking” the device. However, if you are not sure about your actions, it is better to limit yourself to a standard shutdown, which also effectively blocks the work of the unwanted component.
Choosing an alternative browser for Xiaomi
After freeing up space from the standard browser, the question arises about choosing a worthy replacement. The Android ecosystem offers many options that can work faster and consume less resources than the heavy Chrome. Lightweight browsers are especially relevant for owners of Xiaomi smartphones with their optimization for energy saving.
One of the best solutions is to install browsers that support engine-level ad blocking, which significantly speeds up page loading and saves traffic, and you should also pay attention to applications that have the default incognito mode or enhanced privacy protection features, since a standard browser often syncs data with a Google account without the user’s knowledge.
- 🚀 Via Browser is an ultra-lightweight browser weighing less than 1 MB, with powerful functionality of the blocker and support for scripts.
- 🦊 Mozilla Firefox is a great choice for those who value privacy and the ability to install extensions.
- 🛡️ Brave – a browser with built-in aggressive blocking of trackers and advertising, running on the Chromium engine.