How to Remove Google Chrome from Xiaomi in Fully: 5 Verified Ways

Are you tired of Google Chrome’s annoying notifications, constant background processes, or just want to make room for Xiaomi? Completely removing this browser from Android devices is not an easy task.The fact is that on most Xiaomi smartphones (especially with MIUI firmware), Chrome is sewn into the system as a system application, and the standard removal through the Apps menu simply hides its icon, without freeing up memory.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from basic disabling to deep deletion via ADB and MIUI Hidden Settings. You will learn how to stop automatic browser recovery after updates, than replace Chrome without loss of functionality, and why some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) standard methods do not work. All instructions tested on MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-14.

We warn you in advance: completely removing system Chrome can disrupt some Google services (for example, synchronizing passwords or push notifications).If you only need a browser for rare tasks, you just need to turn it off and replace it with an alternative like Firefox or Brave.

Why Chrome Cannot Be Deleted in the Standard Way

On Xiaomi smartphones (as on other Android devices), Google Chrome is classified as a privileged system application.

• 🔹 It's set in a section. /system/priv-app, Protected from change without root rights.
• 🔹 The system automatically restores Chrome after Google Play Services updates or resets.
• 🔹 Even after “deleting” the application menu leaves cache and data (up to 500 MB on some models).
• 🔹 On devices with Google Mobile Services (GMS) Chrome is linked to other services (e.g. Google Pay or YouTube).

Manufacturers (including Xiaomi) do not provide standard tools for the complete removal of system applications for two reasons:

1. License agreements with Google are a prerequisite for pre-installing GMS on Android devices.
2. System Stability – Removing key components can cause errors in other applications.

However, there are workarounds. Below we will look at methods from the simplest (disconnect) to the radical (delete via ADB).

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Before any manipulation of system applications, back up your data via Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud. This will save you from losing contacts, photos and settings if something goes wrong.

Method 1: Turn off Chrome without deleting (safe method)

If you don’t have to physically delete your browser, but just hide it and stop background activity, this method is for you. It works on all Xiaomi models (including Redmi 10, POCO F4, Xiaomi 13) and does not require root rights.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type Chrome and select the app.
3. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

What does it mean?

• ✅ Chrome icon will disappear from the app menu.
• ✅ Browser will stop updating through Google Play.
• ✅ com.android.chrome Background Processes Will Be Stopped.

Limitations:

• ❌ The next major update MIUI Google Play Services Chrome may be restored.
• ❌ Place on the disk (/data/app) never free.

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

If Chrome was pre-installed by the manufacturer, nolater has been updated through Google Play, you can return it to the factory version, which takes up significantly less space (usually ~50MB vs. 200–300MB after updates).This method does not require root rights and is suitable for most devices on MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Chrome.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Confirm the action. The system will return the browser to the version that was when you bought the phone.
4. (Optional) Turn off auto-update for Chrome in Google Play:

Advantages of the method:

• 📉 Frees up to 200 MB of memory.
• 🛡️ Does not disrupt other Google services.
• 🔄 It is easy to return the updated version if necessary.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The factory version of Chrome may be outdated and contain security vulnerabilities. If you are actively using the browser, it is better to manually update it.

Method 3: Remove via ADB (for advanced users)

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will allow Chrome to be completely uninstalled, including system files.This method requires connecting your phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Utility. ADB (Download from the official Android website).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm debugging on the smartphone screen.


2. Open the command line (or Terminal) and check the connection:




adb devices




(Your device serial number should appear)




3. run the command to delete Chrome:




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




4. Reboot the phone.

What's going on?

• 🗑️ The application is removed for the current user (--user 0).
• 🔄 After the reboot, Chrome will disappear from the system, but its files will remain in the system. /system (They won't take up space).
• 🚫 Automatic recovery is unlikely, but possible when resetting settings.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, pm uninstall may not work due to enhanced protection of system applications. In this case, try the alternative command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.chrome or use Method 4 with MIUI Hidden Settings.

Method 4: Use MIUI Hidden Settings (without root)

MIUI firmware contains hidden settings that allow you to manage system applications without ADB. This will require the MIUI Hidden Settings app (available on 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Instructions:

1. Download and install. APK-file MIUI Hidden Settings (the version should match yours) MIUI).
2. Open the application and grant access rights.
3. Go to Manage Applications (or Application Management)
4. Find Chrome in the list and select Uninstall (or Disable).
5. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 It does not require a PC connection.
• 📱 It works on most versions. MIUI (including 12-14).
• 🔄 You can return Chrome at any time through the same app.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Annex MIUI Hidden Settings is not official – download only from proven sources.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI You may need to re-configure.

Method 5: Complete root-right removal (expert level)

If you are willing to root, this will open up access to the complete removal of Chrome, including system files, but this method has serious risks:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty on most Xiaomi models).
• 🛡️ Risk of "bricking" the device in case of error.
• 🔒 Disruption of Google Pay, Netflix and other apps that require SafetyNet.

If you do decide, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Use a root-enabled file manager (e.g., Root Explorer) and delete: /system/priv-app/Chrome (or /system/app/Chrome). /data/app/com.android.chrome*. Residual data in /data/data/com.android.chrome.

Reboot the phone.

Alternatively, through the Magisk Module:

• Download Universal Chrome Remover for Magisk (available on XDA or GitHub).
• Install it through Magisk Manager and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F5) manually deleting system files can result in a bootloop ( looped reboot).Before experimenting, make sure you have a working backup through the backup. TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

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Getting root rights is a last resort. If you just need to make room or turn off Chrome, use Methods 1-3. Root is only required for deep cleaning or custom firmware.

How to replace Chrome with Xiaomi: Top-5 alternatives

If you delete or disable Chrome, you'll need a reliable browser, and we tested 15 alternatives and selected the best ones for Xiaomi:

Selection recommendations:

• 🥇 For speed and functionality: Kiwi Browser or Brave.
• 🔒 For privacy: Firefox with about:config or DuckDuckGo settings.
• 📱 For weak devices: Mi Browser (if not privacy) or Bromite (optimized Chromium).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you delete or disable Chrome on Xiaomi, users experience typical errors, and we have collected the most common and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Chrome is recovering after the Google Play Services update.

• 🔧 Solution: Turn off Auto Update for Google Play Services via Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services → Auto-update → Not update.
• 🔧 Alternative: Install Google Play Services from an alternative source (e.g. APKMirror) without a Chrome component.

Problem 2: After Chrome was deleted, push notifications stopped working.

• 🔧 Solution: Push notifications in MIUI depend on Google Play Services, not Chrome.Reinstall Google Play Services or check notification settings in Settings → Notifications.

Problem 3: Cannot connect to ADB ("Device not found").

• 🔧 Solution: Make sure that debugging is enabled USB (Settings → For developers. Try another. USB-cable (preferably original). Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers on PC. execute adb kill-server, then adb start-server.

Problem 4: Google Pay doesn’t work after Chrome is deleted.

• 🔧 Solution: Google Pay requires you to go through SafetyNet. If you deleted Chrome with root rights: Install Magisk and activate the Universal SafetyNet Fix module. Hide root for Google Pay via MagiskHide. Reinstall Google Pay and check your device.

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If your phone starts to brake or overheat after manipulating Chrome, clear the system cache: Settings → Memory → Cleanup → Cache. This will help stabilize MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions