Many owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones face the intrusiveness of preinstalled software that cannot be removed by standard means. In particular, Google Chrome often takes up space in the system partition and consumes resources even in the background, which annoys users who prefer other browsers. Since this application is a system component of Android, the usual removal through the settings menu is not available, which requires more advanced methods of intervention.
There are several proven ways to get rid of this browser, or at least completely disable it. ADB (Android Debug Bridge for secure removal of system packages without obtaining superuser rights. It is also possible to use specialized uninstaller applications, but they often require Root rights, obtaining which can cancel the warranty on the device.
In this guide, we will look at the most secure and efficient method, which does not require deep technical knowledge, but allows you to achieve the desired result. It is important to understand that Redmi 9 runs a MIUI shell, which has its own features of managing resolutions and system processes.
Why Chrome Can't Be Deleted in the Normal Way
The reason for the standard removal is the Android operating system architecture, which is integrated into the system partition /system/app or /system/priv-app, which is protected from modification by ordinary users, and is designed to provide basic device functionality and the operation of dependent services such as Google Play Services.
When you try to remove an app through settings, the system checks its status. If an app is marked as system, the delete button will be inactive or absent. On Xiaomi Redmi 9, the situation is aggravated by the presence of many pre-installed Google services that are closely intertwined. Trying to remove one component can theoretically lead to errors in the work of others.
⚠️ Note: Forced deletion of system files without prior backup may result in unstable system operation or cyclic restart (bootloop).
However, there is a method of “delete for the current user.” This means that the files are physically left on the disk, but the system stops seeing the application, does not start its processes and hides the icon. For a Redmi 9 user, this is equivalent to a complete deletion, since the browser stops occupying RAM and interferes with work.
What is the difference between disabling and deleting through ADB?
Redmi 9 Prepares for System Application Removal
Before you start manipulating system packages, you need to configure your smartphone correctly. The first step is to activate the developer mode, which is hidden by default. To do this, go to the Settings menu, select About the phone and find the MIUI version line. You need to quickly click on it 7-10 times in a row until you notice that you have become a developer.
Once you activate the hidden menu, you need to allow debugging. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Developer. Find the USB Debugging Switch and activate it. The system will alert you to the risks associated with connecting to your computer - confirm the action. Without this step, the computer will not be able to send commands to Redmi 9.
☑️ Checklist of smartphone preparation
It's also important to have a reliable connection. Use the original one. USB-cable, which came with the Xiaomi Redmi 9, as cheap analogues can only support charging and do not transfer data. When you first connect to the PC on the smartphone screen will request debugging permission - be sure to press OK or Allow, otherwise the commands will not be executed.
Remove Chrome from your computer via ADB
The most reliable way to get rid of Google Chrome on Redmi 9 is to use the ADB platform. This method is safe, since it does not require modification of the system partition, but only changes the configuration for the current user.
Once you have installed the tools and connected your smartphone, open the command line or terminal in the ADB folder. Enter the adb device command to make sure your computer sees the device. If a serial number with a device tag appears on the list, you can proceed to delete. The uninstallation command is as follows:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chromeExecuting this command will instantly remove the browser from the user space. The icon will disappear from the desktop and processes will stop running. It is important to note that the com.android.chrome package is the main browser identifier. If you decide to return everything as it was, just reset the phone to factory settings, and the system will restore the original state of the applications.
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The uninstall command with the --user 0 flag removes the application only for your user profile, leaving system files intact, making it easy to restore the system by resetting.
There are other related packages that can be removed in a similar way if you are not using the Google ecosystem, but Xiaomi should be careful with the components that have the name WebView, as they can be used by other applications to display web content.
Alternative methods without using PC
If you don't have access to a computer, you can use special uninstallation apps that run directly on your smartphone. One popular solution is System App Remover or similar. However, to work fully on Redmi 9, you may still need root rights, which through Magisk or SuperSU is a difficult and risky procedure for a beginner.
The simpler, less effective method is to shut down completely. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find it in the Chrome list. If the Remove button is inactive, click Disable. This will stop all processes, prevent the upgrade and hide the icon. The browser will remain in memory, but will no longer consume battery power and traffic.
- 📱 Disconnection method is available in the standard settings menu MIUI.
- 🚫 The disabled application cannot be launched by the user or system.
- 💾 Memory is not released, only user data and cache are deleted.
Some users try to use file managers with access to root directories to manually delete the files. APK-on modern versions of Android and MIUI This is extremely difficult to do due to strict security policies, and even with root rights, you can easily damage the bootloader.
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Before any manipulation of system applications, make a full backup of data via Mi Cloud or locally to your computer so as not to lose important information in the event of a crash.
Comparison of disposal methods and their consequences
The choice of method depends on your technical skills and goals. Deletion through ADB is the “gold standard” for enthusiasts, as it gives a clean result without the risk of “bricking”. Disconnection through settings is the safest option for ordinary users, which is easy to undo. Obtaining Root rights opens up full possibilities, but carries high risks for data security on Redmi 9.
The table below compares the main characteristics of each method so that you can choose the best one for yourself:
| Method | Difficulty | Freeing Memory | Risk to the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADB (PC) | Medium | Yes (for the user) | Low. |
| Disconnection in settings | Low. | No (only cache) | Absent. |
| Root + Removal | Tall. | Complete. | High-pitched |
Note that after Chrome is deleted via ADB, links opened from other applications (such as messengers) may stop opening unless an alternative browser is installed by default. Android requires at least one active browser to handle web links.
Installation of an alternative browser by default
After successfully removing or disabling Google Chrome on your Xiaomi Redmi 9, you need to install another browser to stay online. Popular and lightweight alternatives are Firefox, Opera or the built-in MIUI Browser. Installing a third-party browser is mandatory before removing the system browser, so as not to be left without access to Internet content.
To assign a new browser to the primary, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. In the upper corner, select the menu (three dots) and click on the Default Applications → Browser. In the list that appears, select the application you installed. Now all links will open in it.
⚠️ Note: If you have removed Chrome from the ADB If you try to open a link, the system may give an error or nothing will happen, in which case you will have to restore Chrome through resetting.
The use of alternative browsers often offers the benefits of built-in ad blockers and traffic saving mode, which is especially true for mobile devices. for example, Brave or DuckDuckGo provide increased privacy, which is a good compensation for the lack of a native Google browser.
Possible problems and solutions
There may be errors in the removal process. ADB You can return a message to Failure. [not installed for 0] Failure [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]. This often means you're using the wrong package name or the app has already been removed. - For Redmi 9 The name com.android.chrome is valid, but in some regions of the firmware MIUI It may be different, for example, containing a manufacturer's prefix.
If widgets or Google desktop searches stop working after deletion, this may be due to dependencies, in which case it is recommended not to delete the package completely, but only to disable it. Also, problems may arise when updating the MIUI system: after a major firmware update, applications deleted through ADB can return, and the procedure will have to be repeated.
- 🔄 After updating your firmware, check the app list – Chrome may return.
- 🔍 Make sure the name of the package is correct using the adb shell pm list packages command. | grep chrome.
- 📉 If the phone is slow, check if there are no "tails" of the process in the task manager.
In rare cases, Xiaomi has a debugging block on USB 10 minutes after you connect. To get around this, in the Developer menu, find the Disable item. USB-You can debug it and select "Do not disconnect" to ensure a stable connection during long-term operations.