Google Chrome browser is pre-installed on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with MIUI firmware. Even if you do not actively use it, the application takes up space in memory, consumes battery power in the background and receives automatic updates via Google Play. Complete removal of Chrome from Xiaomi is a non-trivial task: a standard uninstallation often leaves traces in the system, and on some models the “Delete” button is absent at all.
In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from disabling through settings to deep cleaning with ADB and root rights. You will learn how to remove Chrome without consequences for the work of other Google services, what files remain after uninstallation, and how to prevent re-installing the browser. The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 and all modern Xiaomi devices, including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13T.
Why can’t Chrome be removed in the standard way?
Google Chrome on Xiaomi is a system application, one that is integrated into MIUI firmware at the system image level. Even if you see the "Delete" button in the app menu, what's really happening is deactivation for the current user, and the browser files are left in the device's memory.
- 📱 Google Requirements: for Google Mobile Services Certification (GMS) Manufacturers must include Chrome in standard delivery.
- 🔄 System Dependencies: Some Functions MIUI (For example, web browsing in other applications uses the Chrome engine.
- 🔒 Security Policy: Removing Systems APK Google Play Protect and other services may be affected.
On nonroot devices, standard uninstallation via Settings → Apps only lead to the hiding of the Chrome icon.
- 📁 Browser files (/system/priv-app/Chrome) stay in place.
- 🔄 Updates continue to download via Google Play.
- 🕵️♂️ Chrome processes can run in the background (check Settings) → Battery).
Method 1: Turn off Chrome without deletion (for non-rooted devices)
If you don’t have root permissions, the only safe way to remove Chrome is to deactivate it for the current user and block updates.This won’t free up space in memory, but will stop background activity and hide the icon from the menu.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Google Chrome in the list (use search if you need to).
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner → Remove the updates (if the button is active).
- Return to the app information screen → click Disable.
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After that:
- ✅ Chrome icon will disappear from the app menu.
- ✅ The browser will stop running automatically.
- ❌ Files will remain in the system, and the next major update MIUI Chrome can be activated again.
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To prevent Chrome from being activated again, turn off automatic app updates in Google Play: open Play Store → Settings → Auto Update apps and select Never.
Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)
A more radical method is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to delete Chrome without obtaining root rights, but requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer, the advantage of which is that your browser files will be deleted completely, not just deactivated.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📥 Utility. ADB Tools by Google.
- 🔧 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the assembly number → Go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Turn on Debugging. USB).
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your computer and select File Transfer mode.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- Run the command to delete Chrome: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome
- Reboot your smartphone.
If the command is successful, Chrome will be removed for the current user (--user 0). To return the browser, just reinstall it from Google Play.
Debugging is on. USB|Drivers installed ADB|Download platform-tools|Smartphone connected in file transfer mode|The command line is open in the folder with ADB-->
Method 3: Complete removal with root rights
If your Xiaomi has root rights (for example, after unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk), you can delete Chrome at the system level.This will free up space in the /system section and permanently lock the browser.
⚠️ Note: improper root rights actions may result in bootloop or disruption of other Google apps. TWRP beforehand.
Instructions:
- Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Click on /system/priv-app/Chrome or (on some firmware) /system/app/Chrome
- Delete the Chrome folder completely or rename it to Chrome.bak.
- Go to /data/app/ and delete the folders that contain com.android.chrome in the title.
- Clear the cache and data through Settings → Apps → Google Chrome → Storage.
- Reset the device.
Chrome will then be removed without recovery via Google Play, and if you want to return the browser, you will have to refashion the device or manually copy the APK files back to /system.
What if other Chrome apps stopped working after you delete Chrome?
How to Remove Chrome Traces After Uninstallation
Even after Chrome is deleted via ADB or with root rights, residual files may remain in the system:
- 📁 Cash and data in /data/data/com.android.chrome.
- 🔗 Symbolic references to /system.
- 📋 Database records package.xml.
For complete cleaning:
| Type of file | Way | How to remove |
|---|---|---|
| Residual data | /data/data/com.android.chrome | Delete the folder through the root guide |
| Cash Dalvik. | /data/dalvik-cache | Delete files from com.android.chrome in the title |
| Default settings | /data/system/package.xml | Edit the file by deleting lines from com.android.chrome |
| Updates | /data/app/com.android.chrome-* | Delete all folders with a name template |
You can use SD Maid (root rights required) to clean automatically, run a scan for System Residues and delete any files you find associated with Chrome.
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After Chrome is completely removed, some MIUI features (like previewing links in messages) may not work properly.Install an alternative browser and designate it as the default link handler.
How to Prevent Chrome from Reinstalling
Even after a successful removal, Chrome can return after:
- 🔄 Updates MIUI oo TA.
- 📥 Restore from the Mi Cloud backup.
- 🛠️ Resetting settings to factory.
To avoid this:
- Turn off automatic MIUI update: Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Settings → Auto Download Updates (disable)
- Block Chrome installation via Google Play: Play Store → Settings → Auto Update → Never and blacklist Chrome in Google Play settings (if available).
- Use Magisk Modules (for rooted devices): Install Universal GMS Doze or DisableFlagSecure to limit background activity on Google services.
If Chrome is still back after the update, repeat the removal procedure through ADB or root explorer.
Alternatives to Chrome for Xiaomi
After removing Chrome, you'll need a different browser.The best options for Xiaomi are:
- 🦊 Mozilla Firefox: Supports extensions, sync and has good optimization for MIUI.
- 🌐 Bromite: Chrome fork with ad blocking and improved privacy (requires manual installation) APK).
- 🛡️ Brave Browser: Blocks Trackers, has built-in VPN and awards for viewing ads.
- 🔍 DuckDuckGo Browser: Maximum privacy, but limited functionality.
To designate an alternative browser as the default link handler:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the browser installed (such as Firefox).
- Click Open by default → Clear the default settings.
- When you next open the link, select a new browser and mark Always.
⚠️ Attention: Some System Applications MIUI (For example, Mi Browser may conflict with alternative browsers. If links do not open, disable Mi Browser in the application settings.