How to install an old version of Chrome on Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide

Modern Google Chrome updates often bring not only new features, but also increased demands on the hardware of the smartphone. Owners of Xiaomi devices with previous generations of processors or limited RAM can face interface brakes, fast battery discharge and unstable tabs. It is in these situations that the only reasonable way out is to return to the previous, more optimized version of the browser.

The MIUI or HyperOS rollback procedure has its own nuances that make it different from standard application installation: you will not only need to download the installation file, but also properly prepare the system to avoid version conflicts and loss of personal data. In this guide, we will take a detailed look at each step, from finding a secure source to final settings.

Before you start taking action, it is important to realize that installing older software always carries certain security risks. Chrome versions below 120 may contain unpatched critical vulnerabilities that have already been fixed in current builds.

Why Chrome’s new version might be slowing down on Xiaomi

Browser developers are constantly introducing new rendering and security technologies that require more processing power. On Xiaomi’s flagship models, this is not noticeable, but budget and mid-range segments may not cope with the increased workload, especially for devices released more than three years ago, where the CPU architecture no longer meets modern standards for code optimization.

In addition, new versions often change the algorithms of working with background processes, which leads to aggressive energy consumption. Users notice that the smartphone begins to heat up even when simply watching the news feed. Optimizing the Android system in conjunction with the MIUI shell can conflict with new rules for memory management, implemented in fresh Chrome builds.

⚠️ Note: Installing an older version of your browser temporarily reduces the level of protection of your personal data when visiting unknown sites.

Also, consider the peculiarity of Google services on devices of Chinese brands, constant background updates can occur at the most inopportune moment, returning the problem a few days after a successful rollback. APK-file, but also competently configure the rules of auto-update, so that the system does not try to forcefully "improve" your version.

Device preparation and data backup

The first and most important step before manipulating system or semi-system applications is to store important information. While Chrome history and passwords are usually synced with your Google account, local data such as cache, cookies and open tabs can be lost when you force the current version to uninstall.

Next, you need to access hidden security settings. Xiaomi smartphones are not allowed to install apps from unknown sources by default. → Protection → Administration → Unknown sources and allow installation for your file manager or browser through which the download will be made.This is a critical step, without which the system will block the installation. APK-file.

Older versions may require less space, but the process of clearing data before installation requires a buffer zone. If your Xiaomi has a global firmware version, there are usually fewer problems, but the Chinese versions (CN) with the Google framework installed may have additional signature checks.

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Take a screenshot of a list of important sites or bookmark them, as when you reset the app, the story may clear if the sync has been turned off.

Where to download safely APK-file

Searching for an installation file is the point where users often make mistakes by downloading modified or infected versions. It is strongly discouraged to use random sites from the SERPs promising "accelerated" or "modified" Chrome. You need original distributions signed by the developer.

The most reliable and time-tested resource is the APKMirror archive. This site is strictly moderated, and every downloaded version is checked for digital signature of the original. Here you can find almost any version of the browser, starting from the earliest builds for Android. APKPure site can be an alternative, but rechecking the hash amount of the file in this case will not be superfluous.

When choosing a version, consider the processor architecture of your smartphone. For most modern Xiaomi devices, the arm64-v8a version is suitable. If you have a very old device (which is unlikely to be possible for Chrome installation), you may need an armeabi-v7a architecture. DPI is also important, although for browsers, a universal version of nodpi is usually enough.

After downloading the file, don't rush to launch it. First, check the file size: it shouldn't be suspiciously small (less than 100 MB for modern versions) or too large. The digital signature must match the one you have now, otherwise Android will show an error when installed on top of an existing application.

Removing Updates and Installing APK

The cleanest way to install the old version is to completely remove the current one first. On Xiaomi smartphones, the Chrome browser is often a system application, so the Remove button may not be available. In this case, we use the Remove Updates feature, which returns the browser to the factory version built into Android at the time (or the one that was in the firmware).

To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Chrome. In the menu that opens, find the Remove Updates button in the bottom right or left corner of the screen. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. After that, the browser icon may disappear or return to its original appearance, and the version will reset to the base one.

⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the process of uninstalling updates if the progress indicator is frozen. MIUI It might take up to 2-3 minutes due to the file system.

Now that the place is vacated, start the downloaded earlier APK-The installer manager will suggest the permissions to be accepted. If you see the message "Application not installed", check if the option is enabled"MIUI Optimization is a menu for developers, although for the usual APK It's rarely required. It's usually enough to just try again.

Once you have successfully installed, don't open your browser right away. You first have to stop it from automatically updating, otherwise Play Market will return you to the problematic version in a few hours. This step is the final step and consolidates the result of your work.

Set up auto updates and work with MIUI

MIUI shell and Google Play services aim to keep all apps up to date. To turn off auto-update for a particular app, open the Google Play Market, click on your profile avatar and go to App and Device Management → Manage. Search in the Chrome list, click on it and uncheck the box on "Enable Auto Update."

You should also check your browser settings. Inside Chrome, go to the three-dot menu, select Settings → About Google Chrome. There is sometimes an automatic update switch here (not in all versions), and in the phone settings under Security or Optimization, you can find a list of apps and disable background activity for Google Play Services if it updates software too aggressively.

Some versions of MIUI have a feature called "Game Acceleration" or "Game Turbo" that can force the browser's background processes to be difficult, add Chrome to the exceptions, or make sure it doesn't make it to the list of optimized apps with the wrong settings, which will help keep the version stable.

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Blocking auto-update in Google Play Market is a must-do step without which all efforts to install the older version will be gone in a few hours.

Solving installation problems and errors

One of the common problems is the "App Not Installed" or "Signature Conflict" error, which happens if you try to install a version signed with another key (like a modified build) on top of the official one solution: completely remove Chrome through the browser. ADB-commands or obtaining Root rights, which can be difficult for the average user. APK.

Another problem is the black screen or the constant crashes after installing the old version, which means that the version chosen is too old for the current version of Android installed on your Xiaomi. Android has minimal requirements for the versions of the system libraries, in which case you will have to find a compromise: the version is slightly newer, but more stable than the one that was before.

If you lose your passwords and history after you install them, don't panic. When you first log in to your Google account, your browser will try to pull data from the cloud. Make sure that sync is enabled in your account settings. If the data isn't restored, it may have been tied to a newer version and not compatible with the old one, but this is rare.

In conclusion, installing an older version of Chrome on Xiaomi is an effective way to extend the life of a device that has ceased to cope with modern web standards. The main thing is to be careful when choosing a file source and not forget about security when visiting sites.