How to Remove Google Chrome from Xiaomi Phone: From Shutdown to Deep Cleanup

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

You're trying to make room for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro, but standard removal of Google Chrome through the app menu doesn't work? It's no coincidence - the browser is part of the Google Mobile Services (GMS) package that manufacturers are required to pre-installe on Android devices for certification. At MIUI, the situation is complicated by the fact that the system protects system applications from accidental removal, even if you do not use them.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods: from simple disabling to complete removal through ADB (no root rights!).We will also explain why Chrome can “recover” after a standard removal after MIUI updates, and how to prevent this. Importantly, on models with MIUI Global Stable (for example, Xiaomi 13T or Redmi A2+), the complete removal of Chrome without consequences is possible only before MIUI version 14 – new Google firmware strengthens the protection of system packages.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Phone model: Xiaomi for the Chinese market (without) GMS) Chrome is missing from the box, and Mi Browser is used.
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: In Settings → The phone. MIUI 15+ You may need to take an additional step to disable automatic updates. GMS.
• 🔒 Having Root Rights: If you have Magisk, the process is simplified, but we’ll look at methods without root.

Method 1: Turn off Chrome (without deleting)

The safest way to do this is to deactivate your browser so it doesn't waste resources or update, and it won't free up memory on the system partition, but it will stop the background and remove the icon from the menu.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type “Chrome” and select the app.
3. Click Disable (Password/pattern lock Confirmation may be required).
4. Agree with the warning about possible failures in the work of other services of Google (in practice, problems occur extremely rarely).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) after disabling Chrome, web browsing in other applications (for example, opening links in Telegram or WhatsApp) may stop working, in which case, use an alternative browser like Firefox or Kiwi Browser and configure it as the default application for links.

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If you don’t open links after you turn off Chrome, install any other browser and select the “Open Supported Links” option in its settings (usually located under “Settings → Opening Links by Default”).

Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

To completely remove Chrome without root rights, you will need ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on most Xiaomi models, except for devices with a locked bootloader (for example, the new Redmi or POCO from official stores).

Preparation:

1. Download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
2. Turn on USB debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times until the message “You’re a developer”) Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB (enable)
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the trusted device.

Commands for removal:

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome

If there is a Failure error [DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER], This means that your device has Google's security policy (often found on corporate phones or Android Enterprise devices), and only the method will help. 3 (factory-setting).

Method 3: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If the first two methods fail, there is a hard reset, which will delete Chrome along with all user data, so the method is only suitable if:

• 🔧 You are ready to reset your phone.
• 📦 You have a backup of important data (photos, contacts, SMS).
• 🔄 You agree to the update MIUI Up to the latest version (sometimes a reset triggers a forced update).

How to reset:

1. Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
4. After the reboot, do not restore data from your Google account – this can bring back Chrome.

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After reset, immediately disable automatic application recovery in Google Play: Play Store Settings → Settings → Auto-Restore (off).

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI for the Chinese market (without) GMS) Chrome won't appear after the reset, but many Google services (such as Play Market) won't work either. To avoid this, check the firmware version in Settings before resetting. → The phone. → Version. MIUI — if it ends with CN (for example, V14.0.4.0.TMBCNXM), Your device is designed for China.

What to do if Chrome comes back after the MIUI update

Even after successful removal, Chrome can automatically recover from a MIUI or Google Play Services update, because the system considers the browser a "critical" component.

1. Turn off automatic GMS updates: Settings → Apps → App management → Google Play Services → Disable updates
2. Use App Ops to lock (root required): - Install App Ops from F-Droid. - Find Google Play Services and turn off Packet Installation permission.

On Xiaomi with MIUI EU (unofficial firmware), the problem is less common, as these builds are often cleared of unnecessary Google services. However, note that installing custom firmware voids the warranty and can lead to problems with Google Pay or Widevine L1 (lowering the quality of streaming on Netflix/Disney+).

Chrome Alternatives for Xiaomi: Which browsers are not “returning”

If the goal is not just to remove Chrome, but to replace it with a lighter or more confidential browser, consider these options:

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ Some alternative browsers (such as Brave) may conflict with WebView, the system component for displaying web content in applications. If the alternatives stop opening links in messengers after installing them, return the standard Android System WebView to Settings. → Annexes.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When removing Chrome, users often face these problems:

• 🚫 Mistake. INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK When trying to install an alternative browser: Solution: Clear the cache and data of Google Play Market in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 Chrome reappears after reboot: Solution: Check if AutoRecovery is active in Google account settings.
• 🔒 ADB Chrome does not delete the error by giving a Failure error [not installed for 0]: Solution: Make sure you use the correct package identifier (com.android.chrome, not com.chrome).

If you see this package is part of the system image, then Chrome is embedded in the firmware at /system/priv-app. In this case, only reflashing or obtaining root rights and then deleting through Root Explorer will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions