How to Remove Chrome from Xiaomi Redmi: The Complete Guide

Owning Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is often accompanied by a collision with preinstalled software that cannot be removed by standard methods. One such application is the Google Chrome browser. Despite its popularity, many users prefer alternative solutions or seek to clean the system of unnecessary processes to save resources. The question of how to remove Chrome from Xiaomi Redmi remains relevant for those who value minimalism and full control over their device.

The problem is that the standard MIUI or HyperOS interface does not provide a “Delete” button for Google system components. The user can only turn off the application, which hides its icon, but does not free up memory space or remove background services completely. Deep cleaning requires the use of more advanced tools such as Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is safe if you follow the instructions, and allows you to achieve the desired result without obtaining superuser rights (Root).

In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of the process, from device preparation to command line execution, and learn what risks exist, how to prepare for the procedure, and what to do if errors occur. It is important to understand that interfering with system components requires care, but the result is worth it – your smartphone will be cleaner and faster.

Why you should consider removing the system browser

Many users are wondering why you should delete Chrome if it is the Android standard? The answer lies in the individual approach to using the gadget. Xiaomi and Redmi often come with a huge amount of preinstalled software. If you do not use Google services or prefer browsers like Firefox, Brave or built-in MIUI Browser, Chrome becomes just a superfluous burden.

In addition, the background processes of the browser can consume RAM and battery power, even if you do not use them.

• 🔋 Reduce background power consumption and extend battery life.
• 🚀 Free up RAM for more important tasks and games.
• 🛡️ Reduce potential security vulnerabilities.
• 🧹 Remove the application menu from unnecessary visual noise.

⚠️ Warning: Before you start any manipulation of system applications, make sure that you have an alternative browser installed. Complete removal of all browsers may lead to the inability to open links from other applications.

It’s also worth noting that some Android system features may try to use Chrome by default to open web content.If the app is missing, the system may behave unpredictably or constantly request a new browser choice, so it’s important to set the default app in the system settings in advance.

Preparation of the smartphone and computer for the procedure

Before you start removing system components, you need to properly prepare the work environment. The process requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, so you will need a high-quality work environment. USB-cable and PC or laptop running Windows, macOS or Linux. Without a reliable connection, you can't execute commands.

The first step is to activate the hidden developer menu on your Xiaomi or Redmi.

1. Open the settings of your device.
2. Go to the About Phone section.
3. Find the MIUI version (or OS version) string and quickly click on it 7-10 times in a row.
4. Wait for the notification “You became a developer” to appear.

Once the developer mode is activated, you need to enable USB debugging. This is a critical step without which the computer will not be able to interact with the phone's file system. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers. Find USB Debugging and activate the switch. It is also recommended to enable the option "Debug over USB (security settings)" if available, although for basic removal via ADB this is not always necessary.

A minimum set of tools must be installed on the computer. ADB. You can download Platform Tools from Google’s official website or use third-party builders like Minimal. ADB And Fastboot. After installation, unpack the files into a convenient folder, for example, C:\adb, to easily access the command line.

Installation of drivers and connection verification

The most common problem users face when trying to remove Chrome from Xiaomi Redmi is that the computer can’t see the phone. This is due to the lack of the right drivers. Windows 10 and 11 often automatically install the MTP driver to transfer files, but you need a special ADB Interface driver to debug.

If the device is not detected when connecting the phone in debugging mode, follow the following steps:

• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your PC and unlock the screen.
• 👀 Check the phone screen: a window should appear "Allow debugging by USB?».
• ✅ Click “OK” or “Allow” on your smartphone screen.
• 💻 In Windows Device Manager, find the device (may be marked with an exclamation mark).

To automatically install drivers, you can use tools like Universal ADB Driver or specialized utilities from Xiaomi. Once the drivers are installed successfully, the connection is checked via the command line. Open the terminal in the folder with ADB and type in the command:

adb devices

If you have a device with a serial number and a device status on the list, it means that the connection is successful. If the status is unauthorized, look at the phone screen and confirm access. If the device does not appear at all, the cable or drivers are the problem.

Search for Google Chrome Package ID

To remove any system application through ADB, you need to know its exact identifier (package name). In Android, each application has a unique name consisting of a domain and a name. For Google Chrome, this identifier is almost always the same on all devices, but verification is not in the way.

The standard packet ID for Chrome looks like this:

com.android.chrome

However, some global versions of MIUI firmware or specific regions may have variations, so to make sure you remove exactly what you want, you can list all the packages installed and filter them by "chrome." Type in the command line:

adb shell pm list packages | grep chrome

You'll get a list of packages. You'll find a row that matches the main browser. It's usually package:com.android.chrome. It can also show related components, like update services or support libraries, but the primary target is that package.

⚠️ Warning: Never delete com.android.webview or com.google.android.gms. These are system components that dozens of other applications depend on to work, and their removal can lead to unstable system operation or “bricking” of the smartphone.

Chrome Removal Process Through Command Prompt

Once you have verified access rights and know the name of the package, you can proceed to direct deletion. There are two main methods: complete deletion for the current user and complete deletion from the system. For most Xiaomi and Redmi users, the first method is sufficient, since it is safer and more reversible.

Execute the following command at the ADB terminal:

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

Let’s break down the syntax of this command so you understand what’s going on:

• 🗑️ pm uninstall – a packet manager command to remove.
• 🔑 --user 0 — indicates that deletion is only for the main user (owner), leaving the file in the system.
• 📦 -k — saves cache and application data (in case of recovery).
• 🎯 com.android.chrome – the name of the target package.

Once you enter the command and press Enter, if successful, you will see the message Success. The browser icon will disappear from the desktop and from the application menu. The application will stop updating and consuming resources in the background. If you want to return the browser, you will need to reset the phone settings or use the command adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.chrome.

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If the command is running for a long time or freezes, check the cable connection and try restarting the ADB server with the command 'adb kill-server', then try again.

For those who want to uninstall the app completely (which is not recommended without a firmware backup), a flagless command is used. --user 0, But it requires an unlocked bootloader and can disrupt the recovery system. --user 0 This is the only safe way for ordinary users to avoid risking the guarantee.

Alternative methods and system setup

If using the command line seems too complicated for you, there are alternative ways to achieve similar results: Some tools, such as Universal Android Debloater, provide a graphical interface for packet management. They connect to the phone over ADB and allow you to delete applications with mouse clicks, which reduces the risk of error in the command syntax.

You can also limit Chrome without deleting it.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find Chrome on the list.
3. Select a Battery and set a background activity limit.
4. Click Disable (if available).

After deleting or disabling, remember to set your browser as default. Go to Settings → Applications → App Management → three dots in the corner → Default apps. Select your preferred browser (like DuckDuckGo or Yandex) This will prevent system errors when you try to open a link.

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Using graphical shells for ADBs, such as Universal Android Debloater, greatly simplifies the process for beginners and minimizes the risk of incorrect commands being entered.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

Various errors may occur during the deletion process, such as the Failure message. [not installed for 0] means that the packet has already been deleted for the current user or has a different name. [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR] This may indicate that the application is critical to the current version. MIUI and protected from removal even through ADB.

A common problem on Xiaomi is blocking actions with antivirus or MIUI security system. If commands don't execute, try temporarily disabling Defender in the Security app. Also make sure the phone screen doesn't go out during operations, as the system can break the connection to save energy.