How to permanently remove Google Chrome from Xiaomi Redmi 9T: proven methods

Why Chrome is so hard to uninstall from Xiaomi and what to do

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9T often face a problem: the Google Chrome browser is not deleted in the standard way through the application menu.The fact is that on smartphones with a preinstalled MIUI shell, many system applications (including Chrome) are protected from removal — they can only be disabled or hidden. But even this does not always solve the problem: the browser continues to occupy space in memory, update in the background and consume traffic.

The problem is compounded by the fact that Redmi 9T (The lime model comes with Google Mobile Services (GMS) — The company blocks its removal to comply with Google's Android licensing requirements, but there are workarounds ranging from simple (disable via settings) to radical (delete via settings). ADB In this article, we will discuss all working methods that are relevant to the MIUI 12–14.

Before you start, consider that some methods require technical skills, such as working with ADB or unlocking the bootloader can lead to a loss of warranty or unstable system operation. If you are not sure, start with safe methods (sections 2–3).

Method 1: Turn off Chrome through MIUI settings (no root)

The easiest and safest way to do this is to turn off your browser, not delete it completely, and that will stop the background, updates, and remove the icon from the menu. MIUI 12.5–14:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type Chrome and select the app from the list.
3. Click Disable (the button may be gray if the application is system-based).
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window by clicking Disable the application.

After that:

• 🔄 Chrome will no longer be updated through Google Play.
• 📱 The icon will disappear from the app menu (but the com.android.chrome file will remain in the system).
• 📶 Background activity of the browser will be stopped, which will save battery power.

⚠️ Note: Disabled Chrome may be activated again after the update MIUI Check your status every 1-2 months.

Method 2: Remove Chrome Updates (Free Space)

Even Chrome that is disabled takes up space, especially if it has upgraded to the latest version, and to return the original size of the application (usually ~50-100 MB instead of 300-500 MB), you need to remove its updates:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Chrome.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Confirm action. The system will return the browser to the factory version.

After that:

• 📉 Chrome will be reduced by 3-5 times.
• 🔒 Updates via Google Play will be blocked (but only until the next reset).
• ⚠️ The functionality of the browser will be limited to the factory version (may be problems with compatibility of sites).

If you want to completely remove Chrome, rather than just disable it, go to the following methods: They require more effort, but they give guaranteed results.

Method 3: Remove Chrome via ADB (without root but with PC)

For power users, the most reliable way to remove it is through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which does not require root rights, but you need to:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Redmi 9T: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until the notification You become a developer appears!. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.
2. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
3. Connect Redmi 9T to your computer and enter in the terminal: adb devices If the device is determined (serial number will appear), enter: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome

After this command is executed, Chrome will be deleted for the current user (without affecting system files). When you reset your phone or add a new user, the browser can appear again.

⚠️ Note: If you see a Failure error after the team [DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER], This means that your device has a security policy active (for example, through Google Apps Device Policy), in which case you can not delete without resetting your settings.

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Before working with ADB, check if the bootloader unlocker is locked on your Redmi 9T. To do this, type the command adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate. If the answer is orange, unlock is possible; if green is not.

Method 4: Remove via TWRP (requires unlocking the bootloader)

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, you can uninstall Chrome through Custom Recovery (TWRP).

• 🔓 The bootloader has already been unlocked (bootloader).
• 📦 Installed. TWRP or other recovery.
• 🛠️ Ready for possible risks (data loss, breach) OTA-update).

Instructions:

1. Download TWRP for Redmi 9T (model lime) and install it via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
2. In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Find the folders: /system/priv-app/Chrome/system/app/Chrome /data/app/com.android.chrome*

Delete them (click on the folder → Delete).

Restart the phone. Chrome will be removed at the system level.

Advantages of the method:

• 🧹 Complete removal without traces.
• 🔄 It will not be rebuilt after the reset (unless the stock is stitched).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Risk of "brike" in an error.
• 🔒 Loss of ability to renew by air (OTA).

Method 5: Use of custom firmware (for advanced)

The most drastic way is to flash Redmi 9T to custom firmware without Google Services (GApps).

• 🐉 LineageOS (without GApps).
• 🔥 Havoc-OS (with optional GApps).
• 📱 Firmware from XDA (For example, the Pixel Experience).

Advantages:

• 🚀 Full control over system applications.
• 🛡️ No forced Google services.
• 🔧 Ability to fine-tune productivity.

How to stitch:

1. Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 720 hours to wait!).
2. Install TWRP (see section 4).
3. Download the firmware (like LineageOS 20 for lime) and transfer it to your phone.
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Fix the firmware through Install.

⚠️ Note: Custom firmware voids warranty and may cause some features to fail (e.g. Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD). Check compatibility with the Redmi model before firmware 9T (lime)!

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Custom firmware is the only way to permanently get rid of Chrome and other Google system apps, but it requires technical skills and a willingness to deal with possible compatibility issues.

What to do if Chrome is back?

Even after deleting Chrome, it may reappear. Causes and solutions:

If none of these methods have worked, consider alternatives:

• 🌐 Use Firefox or Edge as the default browser.
• 🔒 Install App Manager to block Chrome background activity.
• 📵 Turn off mobile data for Chrome in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data by annex.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Chrome from Xiaomi