How to Remove Google Chrome from Xiaomi: All Ways (Including System Apps)

Google Chrome is pre-installed on most Xiaomi smartphones as a system application, and it cannot be removed by standard methods through the Apps menu. This creates problems for users who prefer alternative browsers (Firefox, Brave, Mi Browser) or want to free up space in memory. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods - from simple disabling to complete removal through ADB, including nuances for MIUI 14/15 firmware and the new HyperOS.

It’s important to understand that on some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13 Ultra), Chrome is integrated into Google Play services, and removing it could disrupt other applications. We will describe the risks of each method in detail and give recommendations for system recovery if you are not sure about your actions, start with the safest options (sections 1–2).

1. Disable Chrome without deleting (the safest way)

If you just need to hide your browser and prevent it from automatically updating, this is the best way to do it. It doesn't require superuser rights and it's reversible at any time.

Go to Settings → Applications → App Management and find Google Chrome in the list. Click on it, then select:

• 🔄 Disable – the application will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system.
• 🚫 Remove updates - return the browser to the factory version (saves) ~100–150 MB).
• 📥 Prohibit background activity - in Battery consumption → Limitations.

After disabling Chrome will stop appearing in the list of applications and consuming resources.However, it will remain in the device's memory and can be activated again through settings or after a phone reset.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After disabling Chrome, you may lose the ability to open links from other applications (for example, from Telegram or WhatsApp), in which case, install an alternative browser and assign it to the default browser in the system settings.

2.Remove Chrome Updates via Settings

Even if you can’t uninstall the app itself, you can reset it to the factory version, freeing up to 150-200MB of storage, a technique that works on all Xiaomi models, including POCO and Black Shark.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Confirm the action. The app will return to the version preinstalled in the factory.

Then, stop automatically updating Chrome in Google Play → Settings → Auto-Update apps (select “Do not update automatically”).

If Chrome continues to update after reset, check your Google account settings: sometimes updates are installed through Google Play Services even when auto-update is disabled.

3. Remove Chrome via ADB (for power users)

This method allows you to completely remove Chrome as a system application, but requires a computer connection and the use of a tool. ADB (Android Debug Bridge is suitable for firmware MIUI HyperOS, but may disrupt some features (e.g. sync with your Google account).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools.
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then turn on Settings → Additionally. → For developers).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (Terminal).


2. Enter a command to check the connection:




adb devices




(The name of your device should appear).




3. run the command to delete Chrome:




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




4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60 Ultra) after deleting Chrome may stop working: - Open links from other applications (resolved by assigning another browser by default). - Synchronize bookmarks and passwords through a Google account (if Chrome was used). - Some features of Google Assistant.

USB debugging enabled

Installed ADB Tools on PC

Backup of important data is made

Battery charge > 50%

Original connected USB-cable-->

4.Remove Chrome on rooted devices

If your Xiaomi has root rights (for example, after unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk), you can uninstall Chrome as a regular application using a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Manager).

Instructions:

1. Open the file manager and go to /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore or /system/app/Chrome.
2. Find files with names: Chrome.apk Chrome.odex (if any) Lib folder with Chrome libraries.

.bak

Reset the device.

The advantage of this method is complete deletion without traces, but it requires caution: an error when deleting system files can lead to bootloop (locked phone turn on).

5. Alternative method: Replacing Chrome with Mi Browser

If you don’t need to completely delete Chrome, but just want to use another browser, Xiaomi offers its own solution, the Mi Browser, which is pre-installed on all devices and can become a replacement for Chrome without risk to the system.

How to make Mi Browser the default browser:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Browser.
2. Select Mi Browser from the list.
3. Disable or remove Chrome updates (see Section 2).

Method 2: Through ADB (if Chrome was removed as a system application)

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.chrome

If neither method works, it’s just factory resets or flashing the phone through Fastboot. On HyperOS models (like Xiaomi 14), Chrome recovery may require installing a full Google Apps (GApps) package.

💡

Before you delete Chrome, make sure to check if it is used for authorization in banking applications or enterprise services.Some applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may require Chrome to run web versions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Chrome from Xiaomi