How to remove Google Chrome from Xiaomi phone: working methods for 2026

Google Chrome is pre-installed on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones as a system application. Many users want to remove it — some because of high battery consumption, some prefer alternative browsers like Mi Browser or Firefox, and some simply do not trust Google for privacy. But here comes the problem: standard deletion through the app menu is often not available, and disabling does not solve the problem completely — Chrome continues to work in the background and updates.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove Chrome from a Xiaomi phone, from simple (for custom browser versions) to radical (for root-right system applications). You will also learn what hidden consequences Chrome removal can have for Android, and which browsers are better to install instead. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others based on MIUI 14/15 or HyperOS.

Why can’t Chrome be removed in the standard way?

On Xiaomi smartphones, the Google Chrome browser belongs to the category of system applications - those that are preinstalled by the manufacturer and integrated into the shell. MIUI/HyperOS. It means:

• 🔒 There is no “Delete” button in the app menu – only “Disable” or “Delete Updates".
• 🔄 Automatic Recovery: Even after you turn off Chrome can be activated again after you update your system.
• 📦 Embedded Dependencies: Some Android features (like web browsing in other apps) use Chrome by default.

Xiaomi is also entering into agreements with Google to pre-install their services (including Chrome, YouTube, Gmail) as part of Google Mobile Services (GMS) program, without which many apps (such as banking) simply won’t work, so removing Chrome completely without consequences is only possible on custom firmware or root rights.

⚠️ Note: If you uninstall Chrome as a system app without preparation, some features may stop working, such as opening links from Telegram or WhatsApp in the default browser, and browsing the web in apps like Twitter or Instagram.

Method 1: Turn off Chrome (without deleting)

The safest method is to turn off the browser, not delete it completely, which will stop background activity, but will keep the possibility of recovery if necessary.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Chrome in the list (you can use search).
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Disable.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Disable the application.

After that:

• ✅ Chrome will disappear from the app menu.
• ✅ Background activity and updates will stop.
• ❌ The app will remain in the phone's memory (taking up) ~100-200 MB).
• ❌ Some links may open in Mi Browser or another default browser.

To return Chrome, repeat the steps and click Enable.This is a good way to do it if you want to simply save battery power or get rid of an unnecessary app without risking the system.

💡

If after disabling Chrome links stopped opening, install another browser (such as Firefox) and assign it to the default browser in the Android settings.

Method 2: Removing Chrome Updates

If Chrome on your Xiaomi was installed as a custom app (for example, you updated it through Google Play), you can return it to the factory version and remove the updates.

Instructions:

1. Go to 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.

After that:

• 📉 The size of the application will be reduced to ~50–70 MB (factory version).
• 🔄 All bookmarks and history will be deleted.
• 🚫 Chrome will stop updating automatically (until you manually allow it).

⚠️ Note: If you then try to open Chrome, the system may suggest updating it via Google Play.To avoid this, disable auto-update for Chrome in the Play Store settings (Settings) → Auto-update of applications → Not update automatically).

Method 3: Remove Chrome through ADB (without root)

If Chrome is installed on your Xiaomi as a custom app (not a system one), it can be removed via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works without root rights, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Instructions:

Enable Developer Mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press)

Activate debugging over USB (Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB)

Connect your phone to your PC and allow debugging

Download and unpack. ADB Tools on the computer-->

1. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear serial number of your phone.
3. Remove Chrome by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome
4. Reboot the phone.

If the command is successful, Chrome will be removed for the current user.

• ⚠️ When you reset your phone or create a new user, Chrome can return.
• ⚠️ Some apps (such as Gmail) may stop opening links.

Method 4: Completely remove Chrome with root rights

If you’re willing to take risks, you can completely remove Chrome as a system app, getting root rights, a method that is suitable for power users, as improper actions can lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the phone.

What needs to be done:

1. Get root rights to Xiaomi (for example, through Magisk or OrangeFox Recovery).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
3. Find and delete Chrome files by the following route: /system/priv-app/Chrome/ /system/app/Chrome/ /data/app/com.android.chrome-*/
4. Clear cache and data in /data/data/com.android.chrome.
5. Reboot the phone.

Warnings:

• 💥 The risk of “brick”: Deleting system files can disrupt the Android.
• 🔄 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi does not provide warranty service for root phones.
• 🔧 Update issues: After the update MIUI Chrome may be back.

⚠️ Note: Before deleting system files, make a full backup through TWRP Recovery or OrangeFox. If you crash, you can restore your phone. Also check if your Chrome firmware is using critical features (like Google Assistant or Android Auto).

💡

Removing Chrome with root rights is the most radical method, but also the riskiest. Use it only if you are confident in your actions and ready for the possible consequences.

Method 5: Install custom firmware without Chrome

If you want to get rid of Chrome and other Google apps forever, you can install custom firmware without GMS (Google Mobile Services).

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface like Google Pixel, but without preinstalled Chrome.
• 📱 MIUI EU — modified MIUI without Chinese and Google apps.
• 📱 CalyxOS or GrapheneOS – firmware with a focus on privacy (without Google services).

Installation process:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Install custom Recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Download the firmware (for example, from the XDA Developers website) and transfer it to your phone.
4. Through the recavator, run Wipe → Format Data (complete cleaning!).
5. Install firmware and GApps (if you need Google services, but without Chrome).

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Full control over pre-installed applications.
• ✅ The ability to choose firmware without Google or with a minimum set of services.
• ✅ Regular updates from the community (not from Xiaomi).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Difficulty of installation for beginners.
• ❌ Loss of guarantee.
• ❌ Possible bugs (e.g., non-functioning) NFC orcamera on some firmware).

How to replace Chrome with Xiaomi: the best alternatives

If you removed Chrome, you'll need a different browser, and here are the best options for Xiaomi with performance and privacy in mind:

For maximum privacy, we recommend Bromite or Firefox with enhanced security settings. If the minimum battery consumption is important, Mi Browser (despite advertising) or Kiwi Browser.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Chrome on Xiaomi