How to Remove Google Chrome from Xiaomi Redmi Phone: From Shutdown to Complete Deletion

Why Xiaomi users want to get rid of Chrome and can it be done without consequences?

Google Chrome is preinstalled on most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones as part of Google’s service package (GMS). Even if you don’t use it, the app takes up space in memory, consumes resources in the background and is regularly updated via Google Play. The main reasons for deleting are: battery saving, freeing up 150-300 MB of memory, protecting against Google data collection or replacing it with alternative browsers like Firefox or Bromite.

However, there is a caveat: on MIUI Chrome is often integrated into system processes. It can not be removed as a regular application - workarounds will be required. In this article, we will analyze all working methods: from simple disabling to complete removal through ADB, including features for the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 models and the flagships K50/Pro.

⚠️ Important: Complete removal of Chrome may disrupt some features MIUI, Web browsing (e.g., opening links from messages or system notifications) If you are not ready for experimentation, use disabling or concealment techniques.

Method 1: Turn off Chrome through Settings (without root)

The safest way is to deactivate the browser so it doesn't start or update. It won't free up the memory completely, but it will stop the background activity. MIUI 12–14:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Show System.
3. Search for Google Chrome (could be called simply Chrome).
4. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After disabling the Chrome icon will disappear from the menu, but the application files will remain in the system. To return the browser, just find it again in the settings and click Enable.

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi firmware, after disabling Chrome, links from other applications (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp) can be opened in a standard browser. MIUI. To avoid this, install an alternative browser and assign it to the default browser in the settings.

Make a backup copy of bookmarks (export via chrome://bookmarks)

Install an alternative browser (e.g. Kiwi Browser or DuckDuckGo)

Check if Chrome is used to sync passwords (set up a replacement in Settings → Google → Manage your Google account)

Open the Settings. → Battery and performance → Battery management and disable optimization for new browser-->

Method 2: Removing updates and resetting to factory version

If Chrome doesn't shut down, try to return it to the original version, which takes up less space.This method works on all Redmis with MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three dots in the top corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Confirm the action. The browser will reset to the version preinstalled on the phone.
4. (Optional) Turn off Chrome Automatic Update in Google Play → Settings → Auto-Update Apps.

After the reset, Chrome will take 50 to 100 MB less, but will remain on the system. To prevent re-updating, add the app to the auto update blacklist:

1. Open Google Play and search for Google Chrome.
2. Slip on three points next to the Update button.
3. Uncheck the auto update box.

This method does not require superuser rights and is reversible – you can manually update Chrome at any time.

Firefox

Bromite (with ad blocking)

Samsung Internet

DuckDuckGo

Another (write in the comments)-->

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

For advanced users ready to connect the phone to a computer, there is a way to uninstall Chrome via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This does not require root rights, but requires enabling developer mode and installing drivers.

Step 1: Preparation

• 🔧 Install. ADB Tools on PC (Windows/macOS/Linux).
• 📱 On the phone, activate Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to turn on the developer mode).
• 🔌 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.
• 🖥️ Connect Redmi to your PC via cable and select File Transfer mode.

Step 2: Delete Chrome:

1. Open the command line (or Terminal) in the ADB folder.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear serial number of your phone.
3. Execute the deletion command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome

If the command is executed without errors, Chrome will be removed for the current user (not systemically).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Note) 11 Pro+ 5G) Chrome can be linked to system services. ADB Failure will make a mistake. [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]. The solution is to use the method of c --user 0 (As in the instructions) or try an alternative command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.chrome This will not delete files, but completely block the browser.

Method 4: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you have root access (e.g., through Magisk), you can delete Chrome systemically, which is irreversible and can cause MIUI to work unstable if the browser is used by system processes.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
3. Find folders with names: Chrome WebViewGoogle (if you want to delete it too)

Chrome_bak

Reboot the phone.

After deleting Chrome, it will disappear completely from the system, but there may be problems:

• 🚨 Some apps (such as Gmail or YouTube) may make errors when opening links.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI Can Restore Deleted Files.
• 🔧 You will need to re-flash the phone to recover.

On Redmi models with MIUI 13+, removing Chrome may disrupt the Quick Answers feature in notifications, as it uses web browsing to render link previews.

💡

Before removing Chrome with root rights, back up /system/priv-app/ via TWRP or Titanium Backup, which will allow you to recover files if MIUI starts to work incorrectly.

Method 5: Replacing Chrome with an alternative browser by default

If the goal is not to delete Chrome, but simply not to use it, just assign another browser to the primary browser, which will stop automatic link opening in Chrome.

How to change the default browser:

1. Install an alternative browser (such as Firefox or Kiwi Browser).
2. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Click on three dots → Applications by default.
4. Select the browser and specify the desired application.

It is also recommended that:

• 🔒 Disable Chrome in Google Account Settings (Settings) → Google → Managing a Google Account → Data and personalization → Web and application settings).
• 📵 To prevent Chrome from accessing the Internet in Settings → Mobile network → Use of data.
• 🗑️ Clear Chrome Cache and Data in Settings → Annexes → Chrome → Memory.

💡

Replacing Chrome with an alternative browser is the safest way to get rid of it without risk to the system.This method does not require root rights or ADB, but completely solves the problem of forced use of Chrome.

What to do if Chrome is back after the MIUI update

After major MIUI updates (e.g., 13 to 14), pre-installed apps, including Chrome, can recover.

1. Turn off automatic MIUI update: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Tap three points → Settings → Turn off Autoboot.
2. Use Magisk to block recovery: Install Universal SafetyNet Fix or App Systemizer. Add Chrome to the list of blocked packages (com.android.chrome).

Check system applications regularly:

• After the update, immediately open Settings → Apps and turn off Chrome again.

If Chrome is back from a factory reset, the only radical way is to reflash the phone to custom firmware without GMS (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), however, this requires unlocking the bootloader and may be unwarranted.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Chrome from Xiaomi Redmi