How to remove Google Chrome from Xiaomi completely: 3 working ways

Why the standard removal of Chrome with Xiaomi does not work

You tried to remove Google Chrome from Xiaomi's phone through the normal app menu, but it stayed on? It's no coincidence that Google's browser is part of the GMS (Google Mobile Services) package that manufacturers pre-installe on most Android devices. Even if you clicked "Delete" in the settings, the system just disabled updates for the app, but didn't erase its files.

On Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, and others), Chrome is often integrated at the MIUI firmware level. This means that it cannot be removed as a regular user application. However, there are workarounds from disabling through ADB to completely removing using root rights. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (13, 14, HyperOS).

Before you start, consider that removing system applications can cause some features to function in an unstable way (such as syncing with a Google account or geolocation services). If you use alternative browsers like Firefox or Brave, the risks are minimal. But for users who are actively using the Google ecosystem, it is better to consider disabling, not completely removing.

Method 1: Disable Chrome without deletion (no root rights)

If you don’t need to completely erase your browser, but just hide it from the menu and stop background activity, use the built-in MIUI tools. This method does not require superuser rights and is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi 10, POCO F4 and others.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search bar, type “Chrome” and select the app.
• ⚙️ Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive, first click “Delete Updates»).
• 🔄 Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Once disabled, Chrome will disappear from the app menu, but its files will remain in the system.This method does not free up space on the internal drive, but stops the automatic update of the browser through Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14+ Disabling Chrome can cause errors in the Google Play Store.If the app store stopped opening after the procedure, return Chrome to active state.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (no root rights but with PC)

For users ready to connect the phone to a computer, there is a more radical method - deleting via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require root rights, but will require installation ADB-Drivers and Including Debugging USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate the USB debugging switch.

Connect your phone to your PC

• Use the original USB-Type C cable (for Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and later).
• On the phone, confirm the permission to debug (a request will appear).
• Remove Chrome via ADB: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome If the command didn't work, try an alternative: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.chrome

Once the command is executed, Chrome will be removed for the current user (not systemically). When the phone is reset to factory settings, the browser can return. This method works on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, but on some firmware, it may be necessary to unlock the bootloader.

⚠️ Attention: If after the team ADB phone stopped being used SIM-card or mobile network problems, reboot. In rare cases, reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings).

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights (for power users)

If you’re ready to root on your Xiaomi, you can delete Chrome at the system file level, a method that is guaranteed to erase all browser traces, including cache and data, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a customized backup (such as TWRP).

Instructions for users with root rights:

• 🛠️ Install a file manager with root support, such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
• 📁 Cross the path: /system/priv-app/Chrome/ or (for new versions) MIUI): /system/app/Chrome/
• 🗑️ Remove the Chrome folder or rename it to Chrome_bak (in case of restoration).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.

Chrome will disappear completely after the reboot, but note that some WebView-dependent features (such as displaying web pages in other apps) may not work properly. In this case, install an alternative Android System WebView from Google Play.

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Before removing Chrome through the root, back up /system/priv-app/ with TWRP. This will help restore the system if something goes wrong.

What to do if Chrome is back after the MIUI update

Even after successful removal, the browser may reappear after a firmware update, because Xiaomi includes Chrome in the MIUI system application package.

• 📵 Turn off automatic firmware update: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and disable the option “Automatic boot».
• 🔧 Use Magisk to block Chrome installation: Install Universal GMS Doze or Disabler for Magisk, which prevents the recovery of remote system applications.
• 🛡️ Install custom firmware without GMS: Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience doesn’t include Chrome by default, but it will require unlocking the bootloader and losing warranty.

If Chrome is back, repeat the removal procedure via ADB or root. HyperOS firmware (for Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 and later) may require additional disabling of the service com.google.android.gms via the command:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gms

⚠️ Note: Disabling com.google.android.gms will cause all Google services to fail, including Play Store, Gmail and YouTube. Use this method only if you are ready to switch to alternative services (for example, Aurora Store instead of Play Store).

Alternative browsers for Xiaomi: what to install instead of Chrome

If you delete Chrome, you will need an alternative browser.

• 🦊 Mozilla Firefox – supports extensions, sync between devices and has good optimization for the use of the browser. MIUI.
• 🛡️ Brave – blocks ads and trackers by default, saves traffic.
• 🌐 Kiwi Browser – based on Chromium but not tied to Google, supports extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
• 🔍 DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser – Focuses on privacy, automatically blocks trackers.

For maximum performance on weak models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), Firefox Lite or Opera Mini are recommended - they consume less RAM. If you want sync with the desktop version, choose Firefox or Brave.

After installing an alternative browser, configure it as the default application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Default Apps".
3. In the "Browser" section, select the installed application.

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On Xiaomi devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro), Chromium-based browsers can run faster than Firefox due to optimizing GPU drivers.

Chrome Restores If Something Goes Wrong

If you have problems after deleting your browser (for example, you stopped opening links in other applications or lost access to Google Play), you can restore Chrome.

• If you have disabled through settings: Return to Settings → Apps → Chrome and click “Enable”.
• If deleted via ADB: Follow the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.chrome
• If deleted via root: Restore the deleted folder from backup or download APK Chrome from APKMirror and install manually (you need to disable signature verification in the app). MIUI Adb shell settings put global package_verifier_user_consent 1).

If Chrome isn’t recovering, try resetting your phone to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset). Before reset, back up your data via Mi Cloud or locally on your PC.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Chrome from Xiaomi