Many users of the Xiaomi ecosystem are faced with the intrusiveness of the standard Google Chrome browser. Despite the high speed of work, the application takes place in the system partition, consumes RAM in the background and often redirects search queries through the services of the corporation. Owners of devices with a MIUI shell or the new HyperOS often wonder about the complete cleaning of the system from excess software.
It is important to note the technical nuance: complete removal of the system application without root rights with standard Android menus. The operating system protects its components from accidental removal by the user. However, there are proven methods of deactivation and hidden removal through the computer that allow you to achieve the desired result without losing warranty.
In this article, we will look at safe ways to get rid of an intrusive browser. You will learn how to disable sync, hide an icon or completely unload a package from the system using USB debugging. Deleting the system component through ADB does not require unlocking the bootloader and does not entail a loss of warranty on the Xiaomi device. This is a key point for those who are afraid of violating the integrity of the firmware.
Why users want to remove Chrome from Xiaomi
The main reason for wanting to get rid of the standard browser lies in the optimization of resources. Xiaomi smartphones, especially the budget models of the Redmi and Poco series, often have limited RAM. Chrome background processes can consume a significant amount of RAM, which leads to more aggressive unloading of other applications from memory and a decrease in overall responsiveness of the interface.
The second important aspect is privacy and the ecosystem: Google collects huge amounts of data about user habits, browsing history and geolocation. For those who prefer to use alternative search engines or browsers with built-in ad blockers, having an active system Chrome becomes a redundant ballast, and some users simply prefer the minimalist design of other browsers.
A third factor is annoying notifications and integration. Chrome often offers to install apps, opens tabs on its own when you click on links in other programs, and ranks high on the list of recently launched apps. Disabling this component allows the user to regain full control over which application opens. HTTP-default.
Disconnection method through standard MIUI settings
The easiest and safest way to do this is to permanently shut down the app, which doesn't physically delete browser files from the phone's memory, but it stops it from working, and it stops running Chrome processes, updating it, and showing notifications.
To implement this method, you need to go to the settings menu of your smartphone. Find the Apps section, then select All Apps. In the list that opens, find Chrome. Click on it to open the application management page. Here you are interested in the Disable button (or Disable in English).
Once confirmed, the browser icon will disappear from the desktop and menu. If the shutdown button is inactive (gray), this means that on your device or in a particular version of the MIUI firmware, the manufacturer has prohibited the standard shutdown, in which case you will have to use more advanced methods through the PC.
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Before disabling, make sure you have an alternative browser installed, such as Firefox, Brave or the built-in Xiaomi browser, otherwise links from messengers may not open.
It is important to understand the difference between deletion and deactivation. When you deactivate, user data (cache, cookies, saved passwords) are usually stored. If you decide to turn on your browser again, you will return to the same state in which you left it. This is convenient for testing, but does not free up space in the /system section.
Preparing Xiaomi smartphone to remove system applications
Deep cleaning requires the use of the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool, which is Google’s official utility for controlling the device from a computer, and before any manipulations begin, you must properly prepare the Xiaomi smartphone so that the computer can interact with it.
The first step is to activate the hidden developer menu. Go to Settings → About the phone. Find the MIUI Version (or OS Version) string and quickly tap it 7-10 times in a row. The system will notify you with a sound and a pop-up message that you have become a developer.
Then you need to enable debugging over USB. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers. Find the Debugging over USB and activate it. When you connect the cable to your computer, a request for debugging permission will appear on your smartphone screen - be sure to click Allow and select Charge Only or File Transfer mode if requested.
☑️ Checklist for removal preparation
You also need to install a minimum set of Platform Tools on your computer. Download the archive from the official Android developer site, unpack it to the root of the disk (for example, in the C:\adb folder), which will provide short paths to executable files when working with the command line.
Removing Chrome through ADB: Step-by-step instructions
This method hides the application package from the system so that it doesn't exist for the user and most other programs, and the files stay in the system partition, but they don't execute or take up space in the user profile, and this is the most efficient way to do it without getting root rights.
Connect your smartphone to your computer with a cable. Open the Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell in the ADB tool folder. Enter the connection check command:
adb devicesThe phone should have a window asking for debugging permission from that computer. Confirm the action. The console should display the serial number of the device with device status. If unauthorized, check the phone screen.
Now, follow the command to remove (hide) the Chrome package. The package name usually looks like com.android.chrome. Enter the following instructions:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chromeThe --user 0 option indicates deletion for the main user, and the -k flag stores cache and data (in case of recovery). Once the command is successfully executed, the system will give a message Success. The browser will disappear from the menu, and attempts to open links through it will be blocked or redirected.
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The ADB command does not physically remove the application from the /system partition, it only removes it for the current user (user 0), which makes the process reversible and secure.
Chrome Recovery and Possible Problems
Since we didn't physically erase files, the process is easily reversible, and if you need to return your browser (for example, to run specific web applications or sync Google accounts), just execute one command. Connect your phone and type in:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.chromeThis command will force the reinstalling system package for the current user. All settings and data that were not manually cleared before being deleted can be returned. If the command does not work, you may need to completely reset the phone settings.
A common problem is the Failure error [INSTALL_FAILED_ALREADY_EXISTS] This may mean that your device has a modified version of Chrome (e.g. Chrome Beta or the regional version for China com.android.browser), in which case the name of the package will be different:
adb shell pm list packages | grep chromeWhat if the ADB can’t see the phone?
Another possible problem is blocking with antivirus on your PC or Windows firewall. When you first start the ADB firewall can request permission to access the network - be sure to allow it, since debugging works through a local network port.
Alternatives and Choosing a New Browser by Default
After deleting Chrome, Android should automatically prompt you to select a new app to open web links. If that doesn't happen, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (menu) → Default applications → Browser, select your preferred alternative.
There are many decent replacements on the market, optimized for Android and Xiaomi devices.
| browser | Features | RAM consumption | Ad-blocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefox | Extensions support, open source | Average. | Supplement required |
| Brave | Built-in protection, high speed | Low. | Built-in. |
| DuckDuckGo | Maximum privacy | Low. | Built-in. |
| Via Browser | Ultra-light (< 1 MB) | Minimum | Customizable |
Xiaomi owners also find it interesting to have their own Mi Browser browser, but it also contains a lot of ads and news that many want to get rid of. Lightweight alternatives like Via or XBrowser are ideal for older devices, as they do not load the processor.
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When choosing a new browser, pay attention to the possibility of installing user scripts (UserScripts) - this allows you to customize the appearance of sites, which is especially convenient on mobile screens.