How to Remove Google Chrome from Xiaomi Phone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Google Chrome is so hard to remove from Xiaomi and whether it’s worth it

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where Google Chrome takes up space in memory, runs in the background and consumes battery power - even if you are not using it.The problem is that on most Mi, Redmi and POCO devices, the browser is pre-installed as a system application.This means that the standard deletion through the Settings menu is not available, and the Remove button is simply absent or inactive.

But does it make sense to get rid of Chrome? If you use alternative browsers like Mi Browser, Firefox or Edge, then yes. System Chrome can get in the way for several reasons: it automatically updates through Google Play, syncs data with your Google account (which is not always necessary), and on budget models Redmi takes up to 200-300 MB of precious storage. In addition, Xiaomi with the MIUI shell often conflicts between the built-in browser and Chrome — for example, duplication of notifications or failures when opening links.

In this article, we will discuss 4 proven ways to uninstall, from simple disabling to complete removal via ADB, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (12, 13, 14) and smartphone models. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which can affect the warranty, we will indicate where these risks are minimal.

Method 1: Standard removal (if Chrome is not system)

On some Xiaomi models (especially those released after 2022), Google Chrome can be installed as a regular app rather than a system one.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type Chrome.
3. If the application information has a button "Delete" (not "Disable"), then the browser can be removed in the standard way.

If the button is active, click on it and confirm the action. The application will be removed without any system consequences. However, on most Xiaomi devices (especially with MIUI 13/14), you will only see the option "Disable" or "Delete Updates", in which case move on to the following methods.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Chrome is often linked to Google services, and deleting it could disrupt Google Play Services, leading to errors in other apps such as YouTube or Gmail.

Check if the application is system (no buttons to delete)

Backup important bookmarks from Chrome

Make sure that an alternative browser is installed on the phone

Charge your phone at least to 50% (c ADB/root)-->

Method 2: Disable Chrome through MIUI settings

If complete deletion is impossible or risky, you can turn off the browser, this will stop its background work and hide the icon from the menu, but will not free up the memory completely.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Chrome.
2. Click "Open" (or "Off" in new versions of MIUI).
3. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Once disabled, Chrome will no longer appear in the list of applications and will not start automatically. However, its files will remain in the memory of the device. To return the browser, just go back to its settings and click "Enable".

This method is suitable for users who want to get rid of an unnecessary app without risk to the system.Cons: Chrome updates will still download through Google Play, taking up space.To avoid this, disable the auto-update for the browser in the Play Store settings.

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If links from other apps (e.g. Telegram) do not open after disabling Chrome, install an alternative browser and in Settings settings. → Annexes → Default applications → Browser select it as the main browser.

Method 3: Removal via ADB (without root)

For users who are ready for more radical measures, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) removal is suitable. This method does not require root rights, but a computer and USB debugging are required. Importantly, on some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), this method may not work due to the limitations of MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap it 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on “Debugging by USB”.

Connect your phone to your PC

Download and install ADB

• For Windows: Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
• For macOS/Linux: install via a packet manager (e.g. brew install android-platform-tools).
• Open the Command Prompt (Terminal/Command Prompt) in the adb folder and type: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
• Run the command to delete Chrome: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome If the command doesn't work, try: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.chrome
• Clear cache and data through TWRP (wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache).

After the reboot, Chrome will be completely removed and disk space will be free. However, remember: removing system applications can disrupt Google Play Services or other services. If after the deletion there are problems (for example, push notifications do not work), return the files back or reflash the stock firmware.

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Before removing Chrome with root rights, make sure to make a full backup of the system through TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.This will allow you to restore the phone in the event of a crash.

What to do if Chrome is back after the MIUI update

One of the most common problems is that Chrome reappears after a MIUI update or reset, because the browser is part of the Google Mobile Services (GMS) package, which is restored when you update the firmware.

• 🔄 Reverse to the previous version MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery if the update is uncritical.
• 🚫 Block Chrome Update: Open Google Play, Find Chrome, Click Three Dots → "Remove from the Update List. disable Auto Update for all apps in the Play Store settings.
• 🛡️ Use Magisk modules like Universal. GMS Doze or DisableFlagSecure to limit Chrome background activity.
• 🔧 Install custom firmware without GMS (LineageOS or Pixel Experience, but this will require you to abandon Google’s services.

If you don’t want to opt out of MIUI updates, the most reliable way is to check the app list regularly after the update and re-delete Chrome through ADB or freeze it with Titanium Backup (root required).

Google Chrome Alternatives for Xiaomi: Which browser to choose

If you have removed Chrome, you should find a replacement. Xiaomi has the following browsers:

For maximum performance on budget Xiaomi (for example, Redmi A1 or POCO M2), we recommend Bromite or Firefox in the “Light” mode. If synchronization with a PC is important, choose Edge.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Chrome from Xiaomi