How to Remove Google Chrome from Xiaomi Phone: A Step-by-Step Guide

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

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI often face a problem: the Google Chrome browser cannot be removed in the standard way through the application menu. Even after clicking "Delete", the system offers only to disable or reset the settings, but does not delete the program completely.

First, Chrome consumes up to 150-200 MB of memory even in the background, and its background processes can drain the battery 5-12% faster (data from the tests on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO X5 Pro). Second, many users prefer alternatives like Firefox, Brave or Mi Browser, but can not get rid of unnecessary duplication. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods – from simple (without root) to radical (with unlocking the bootloader).

Before you start, consider that some methods require USB debugging or permission to install from unknown sources. If you're a beginner, start with the first three ways, they're safe and they don't violate warranty. For power users, there are sections about ADB and debloat (delete system applications).

Method 1: Disable Chrome through MIUI settings (without deleting)

If you don’t have to completely remove Chrome, but just hide it from the menu and stop background activity, this method works best, it works on all Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) and does not require additional programs.

Instructions:

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 will become active if Chrome is not the default browser).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

What does it mean?

• 📱 The app will disappear from the menu and launcher.
• 🔋 Chrome Background Processes Will Stop Starting (Charge Savings Before) 3-7%).
• 📥 Chrome Updates via Google Play are Blocked.

⚠️ Note: Chrome is still disabled in the device’s memory (usually) ~100-150 To free up space, proceed to the following methods.

Method 2: Remove Chrome Updates (release up to 200MB)

Even if Chrome is embedded, its updates (which take up the lion's share of memory) can be removed, which will bring the app back to the factory version, save space and reduce background activity, and work on MIUI 12-15 without root rights.

How to remove updates:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Chrome.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Confirm action. The system will return Chrome to the version preinstalled in the factory (usually Chrome 7x-8x).

Advantages of the method:

• 🗃️ Frees him. 150-200 MB memory (tests on Xiaomi) 13 Lite and Redmi 10C).
• 🛡️ Reduces the risk of data leaks (older versions of Chrome less likely to collect telemetry).
• 🔄 You can repeat the process after each automatic update.

Disadvantages:

• 🔒 Chrome will remain on the system but will be less functional (e.g., does not support the latest web standards).
• 🔄 Google Play can update the app again when it first launches.

💡

To block an automatic Chrome update, open Google Play, search for Chrome, click three dots → Disable Auto Update.

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

If you need to remove Chrome completely, but you don’t want to unlock the bootloader or get root rights, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is the best option.This method works on 90% of Xiaomi devices (except models with MIUI for Europe, where locking is stricter).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to press to unlock the developer settings).

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the terminal (or CMD):

adb devices

(Your device name should appear, which means that the connection is established.)

1. Follow the command to delete Chrome:

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

If there is a mistake DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR, Try an alternative team:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.chrome

Results:

⚠️ Note: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra with the MIUI Global) Chrome can recover after a system update. To avoid this, repeat the command before upgrading. ADB.

Method 4: Remove Chrome with Magisk (for hard-to-stitch devices)

If your Xiaomi already has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk (or other root manager) installed, you can uninstall Chrome as a regular user app.This method provides a 100% uninstall warranty, but requires technical skills.

What needs to be done:

1. Install Root Explorer (like FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer) and give it root access.
2. Follow the path:

/system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore/

1. Find the Chrome folder (or the Chrome.apk file) and delete it.
2. Also check the folders:

/system/app/


/system/priv-app/

1. Reset the device.

Advantages of the method:

• 🧹 Chrome is permanently removed (including all of its components).
• 📉 Released until 250-300 MB of memory (including cache and data).
• 🔧 You can also remove other unnecessary system applications (e.g. Google Play Music or Duo).

Risks:

• 🚨 Google Services may fail (e.g., Play Market apps will stop updating).
• 🔧 On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) You may need to roll back to the stock firmware.

Method 5: Debloat (remove system applications) via TWRP

For the most experienced users willing to sacrifice the warranty for the sake of full control of the device, there is a method of debloat - removing all unnecessary system applications (including Chrome) through custom recovery TWRP.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi (the instructions for your model are on the official website).
2. Install TWRP for your model (you can download it on twrp.me).
3. Download Debloater Script (e.g. MIUI Debloater by XDA) or use Aroma File Manager.
4. Download to TWRP (Switch off phone → Press Power + Vol+).
5. Scroll down the debloat script or manually delete Chrome files:

/system/priv-app/Chrome/


/system/app/Chrome/




/data/app/com.android.chrome-*/

What's removed:

• 🗑️ Same as himself. Chrome.apk all his dependencies.
• 📂 Cache and data folders (/data/data/com.android.chrome).
• 🔗 Links to Chrome in System Settings.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect debloate can lead to a "bootloop" before the procedure, make a full backup through the TWRP (Backup → Select all sections).

💡

Debloat through TWRP is the most radical way, but it gives you complete control of the system. Use it only if you're prepared for possible problems with MIUI updates.

What to do if Chrome is back after the MIUI update

One of the most common problems is that you deleted Chrome, but it reappeared after the MIUI update, because it restores remote system applications when you install new firmware versions.

How to avoid this:

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings → Turn off auto-update.
• 📥 Install updates manually through TWRP, Pre-delete Chrome from the firmware (use tools like this one). MIUI ROM Editor).
• 🛡️ Block Chrome Recovery with Universal SafetyNet Fix or App Systemizer.

If Chrome is back,

1. Repeat the removal process through ADB or TWRP.
2. Install Package Disabler (root required) and disable Chrome at the system level.
3. Use the Xposed Framework with the App Hider module to mask the remote application.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Chrome from Xiaomi