How to Remove Google Chrome from Xiaomi Redmi 9: All Ways (Including System Browser)

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its owners often face a problem: preinstalled Google Chrome takes up space in memory, consumes resources in the background and is not always easy to use. Unlike most applications, Google’s browser is protected by Android and is not deleted in the standard way. In this article, we will discuss all possible methods of removing Chrome — from simple disabling to completely deleting system files through ADB.

It’s important to understand that on Redmi 9 (and other Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones), Chrome can be both a regular application and a system component integrated into firmware, which depends on which method is right for you, and we’ll also explain how to disable automatic browser recovery after removal and how to replace it so that you don’t lose functionality.

Why is Google Chrome difficult to remove from Xiaomi Redmi 9?

The fact is that Google Chrome on Android serves as not only a browser, but also a system component for:

• 🔗 Opening web links from other applications (such as Telegram or WhatsApp).
• 📦 Updates to Google Play Services (in some firmware).
• 🛠️ Functions like WebView (responsible for displaying web content in applications).

On Redmi 9 (models M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS), Chrome can be:

1. The usual app is installed via Google Play (removed easily).
2. System application - sewn into the firmware MIUI (requires superuser rights or ADB).
3. Part of Google Mobile Services (GMS) – in this case, the complete removal will lead to disruptions in the work of Google services.

Before you start deleting, check what type of Chrome is installed on your device:

⚠️ Note: If you uninstall system Chrome without replacing it with an alternative browser, some apps may stop opening links.We recommend installing a replacement first (e.g. Firefox or Brave).

Method 1: Standard removal (if Chrome is installed as a regular app)

If Chrome has been manually installed or updated through Google Play, it can be removed in the standard way:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type Chrome.
3. Click on Google Chrome → Delete.
4. Confirm the action.

If the Remove button is inactive or missing, then Chrome is a system application – go to the following ways.

Method 2: Turn off Chrome (without deleting)

If a complete deletion is impossible or risky, you can disable Chrome so that it doesn’t work in the background and take up space in the app menu:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Chrome and open its page.
3. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is not available).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• 📱 Chrome icon will disappear from the app menu.
• 🔄 The application will not be updated automatically.
• 🔗 Links will be opened in the browser by default (if installed).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Chrome that is disabled can be activated again after the system update. To avoid this, block its updates in Google Play (open the Chrome page in the Play Store). → press three points → Remove from auto-update).

Method 3: Remove Chrome Updates (Return to the factory version)

If Chrome is a system application, but you want to reduce its size and roll back to the factory version, follow the following steps:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Remove updates.
3. Confirm the action.

After that:

• 📉 The size of the application will decrease with ~200MB to ~50MB.
• 🔄 The functionality of the browser will be limited (some functions may not work).
• 🚫 Automatic updates will be blocked until you manually allow them.

To prevent a re-update:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Find Google Chrome.
3. Press three points. → Remove from auto-update.

Method 4: Remove System Chrome via ADB (for power users)

If Chrome is embedded in Redmi 9 firmware, it can only be removed using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires connecting the smartphone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Warning: Incorrect use of ADB can cause system failures. On some versions of MIUI, removing Chrome through ADB causes errors when opening links from other applications. Before starting, install an alternative browser (such as Firefox) and assign it to the default browser.

Step 1: Preparation

• 💻 Install. ADB Fastboot Tools on the computer.
• 📱 Enable Developer Mode on Redmi 9:
• 🔌 Turn on Debugging. USB:
• 🔒 Allow debugging on your computer at the first connection.

Step 2: Connecting and Executing Commands

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via USB (select File Transfer mode).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter a command to check the connection:
4. If the device is displayed, run the command to remove Chrome:

If the command doesn’t work, try an alternative (for some MIUI firmware):

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

Step 3: Checking the Results

• 🔍 Disconnect your smartphone from your computer and restart it.
• 📱 Check if the Chrome icon has disappeared from the app menu.
• 🔗 Try opening a link from another app (like Telegram) to make sure it opens in the browser you choose.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 12/13 After removing Chrome from the ADB You may have errors when you try to open web pages from apps. In this case, return Chrome back with the command:

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

Method 5: Remove Chrome via TWRP (for users with unlocked bootloader)

If your Redmi 9 has a custom TWRP recap, you can manually delete Chrome by editing system files.This method is only suitable for power users, as it requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 🛠️ Established TWRP Recovery.
• 📁 Backup of the system (nandroid backup).

Instructions:

1. Download to TWRP (turn off phone → pinch Power + Volume Up).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Open the /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/ folder.
4. Find the Chrome folder (or com.android.chrome) and delete it.
5. Reset the device.

After removal:

• 🔧 Assign another browser to the default application in Settings → Annexes → By default.
• 🔄 Check Google Services (Some Features May Require Chrome Restoration).

💡

Before you delete Chrome via TWRP, back up your /system/priv-app/Chrome folder to your memory card. If something goes wrong, you can return the files back.

How to replace Google Chrome with Xiaomi Redmi 9?

If you have removed Chrome, install one of the alternative browsers.

After installing an alternative browser:

1. Open Settings → Applications → By default.
2. Select the Browser and assign the installed application to the browser by default.

💡

If you have removed Chrome but have not assigned another browser by default, links from apps may not open. Always install a replacement beforehand!

Possible problems after Chrome is deleted and solved

Removing Chrome system can have unexpected consequences, and consider the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If you experience a major crash after you delete Chrome (e.g., Redmi 9 stopped downloading or apps crashed), follow these steps:

1. Load into Safe Mode (Put Power → Long tap on Turn Off → Safe Mode).
2. If the problem is gone, it's the remote app's fault. Return Chrome via ADB.
3. If the smartphone does not turn on, reset via Fastboot:

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Chrome with Xiaomi Redmi 9