How to Uninstall Chrome on Android: Step by Step Process

If you’ve ever tried to remove Google Chrome from your Android phone, you’ve probably noticed it’s not as simple as uninstalling any other app. On most Android devices, Chrome comes pre-installed as a system app, which means you can’t just delete it completely in the usual way. And with Chrome holding a massive 67.32% share of the global mobile browser market, far ahead of competitors like Safari, it’s clear why it’s so deeply integrated into Android.

Still, there are ways to stop Chrome from running, free up space, and keep it out of sight. With the right steps, you can remove it from your daily use and make your phone feel cleaner and faster.

In this guide, I'll show you exactly how to uninstall Chrome on Android step by step, explain why it can’t be fully removed on most devices, and share safe options to manage or replace it.

Can You Fully Uninstall Chrome on Android? (What You Need to Know)

In most Android devices, Google Chrome is built directly into the system, making it part of the default setup and impossible to completely remove without advanced tools or root access. In fact, it's estimated that Chrome is pre-installed on approximately 71% of Android smartphones.

If your phone isn’t rooted, you can’t fully uninstall Chrome, but you can disable it. Disabling Chrome removes it from your app drawer, stops it from running in the background, and hides it from daily use. It also frees up the updates it has stored, saving some storage space.

If your phone is rooted, you can remove Chrome entirely. But rooting comes with risks, it can void your warranty, expose your phone to security threats, or cause system instability.

Why You Might Want to Disable Chrome

While Chrome is fast and widely used, it’s not always the perfect fit for every Android user. In some situations, turning it off can make your device safer, faster, and more suited to your needs. Here are some common reasons:

• Parental Control – As a parent, you might want to keep your child safe from certain websites or limit their browsing entirely.
• Work Productivity – Avoid distractions by cutting off easy access to social media or entertainment sites during work hours.
• Save Battery Life – Stop Chrome from running in the background and draining power.
• Reduce Data Usage – Prevent background syncing, pre-loading pages, and automatic updates.
• Privacy Concerns – Switch to a browser you trust more or one with stronger privacy settings.

These are just some of the reasons you might want to disable or uninstall Chrome, there could be plenty more, depending on your personal needs and priorities.

How to Uninstall Chrome on Android (All Working Methods)

If you’ve decided Chrome isn’t the right fit for your Android device, there are a few ways to remove or limit it. Depending on your phone model, Android version, and technical comfort level, you can either disable it, remove updates, or completely uninstall it with advanced methods.

Method 1: How to Disable Chrome on Android Safely

Disabling Chrome is the simplest and safest way to stop it from running in your phone. This hides the app, removes it from your home screen, and stops it from working in the background, but it won’t delete it entirely.

Steps to Disable Chrome:

1. Open Settings on your Android phone.
2. Go to Apps or Apps & Notifications.
3. Find and tap Chrome.
4. Tap Disable & confirm when prompted.

Method 2: How to Uninstall Chrome Updates Quickly

If you can’t uninstall Chrome completely, removing updates is a quick way to free up space and return the app to its original factory version.

Steps to uninstall chrome updates:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Chrome.
2. Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
3. Select Uninstall updates & confirm.

Note: This will roll Chrome back to the version that came with your phone, which may have fewer features but could run lighter on older devices.

Method 3: Rooting Your Device to Fully Remove Chrome (Advanced Users)

If you truly want Chrome gone from your Android, not just hidden or disabled, you’ll need to root your device. This is an advanced process that gives you full control over your phone’s system files, including the ability to uninstall pre-installed apps like Chrome.

What is Rooting?

Rooting is like unlocking the “administrator” level of your Android device. Once rooted, you can change system settings, remove factory-installed apps, and install custom software. It’s powerful, but it also removes some of the safety nets built into your phone.

Risks of Rooting Your Android

Rooting isn’t risk-free. Here’s why most users avoid it:

• Voids Your Warranty – Manufacturers often won’t repair rooted devices.
• Security Risks – Root access makes it easier for harmful apps to exploit your phone.
• Software Instability – Incorrect rooting can cause crashes, bugs, or even brick your device.
• No Automatic Updates – You might lose official system updates from your phone maker.

Why This Method Is Not Recommended for Most Users

Unless you experienced Android customization and understand the risks, rooting just to remove Chrome is not recommended. Disabling Chrome or using another browser as your default is much safer and achieves almost the same result for everyday use.

Method 4: Using ADB to Remove Chrome (No Root Needed)

If you want to remove Chrome from your Android without rooting, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is your best option. It’s a powerful tool that lets you send commands directly to your device from a computer which is an advanced method.

However, this method is not for beginners. It requires at least a basic understanding of software tools, drivers, and command prompts. If you’re not comfortable with these, you might find the process tricky, and mistakes can cause issues with your device.

What is ADB and How It Works

ADB is part of Google’s Android SDK (Software Development Kit). It allows you to connect your phone to a computer via USB and control it using commands.

With ADB, you can uninstall or disable system apps like Chrome without unlocking your device’s bootloader or rooting.

It works by:

1. Enabling Developer Options and USB Debugging on your phone.
2. Connecting your phone to a computer.
3. Running specific ADB commands to remove or disable Chrome.

Step-by-Step Commands to Remove Chrome

1. Enable Developer Options on Your Android
• Go to Settings → About Phone.
• Tap Build Number 7 times until you see “You are now a developer!”
2. Turn on USB Debugging
• Go to Settings → Developer Options.
• Enable USB Debugging.
3. Install ADB on Your Computer
• Download the Android SDK Platform Tools from Google’s official site.
• Extract the folder to a location you can easily find (like Desktop).
4. Connect Your Phone via USB
• Plug your Android into your computer.
• Allow USB debugging permissions when prompted.
5. Open Command Prompt or Terminal in the ADB folder.
• On Windows: Shift + Right Click → “Open Command Window here” or “Open PowerShell here”.
• On Mac: Open Terminal and navigate to the ADB folder using “cd”.
6. Check if Your Device is Connected

command- adb devices

• If your phone appears in the list, you’re good to go.
7. Run the Command to Remove Chrome

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

• This removes Chrome for the current user without affecting the system files permanently.
8. (Optional) Disable Instead of Removing

command- adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.chrome

• This keeps Chrome on the system but makes it inactive and hidden.

Note: ADB is safer than rooting, but it still requires careful steps. Removing Chrome with ADB means you’ll need to install it again manually if you ever want it back.

Troubleshooting Issues After Removing Chrome

Once Chrome is disabled or removed, you might run into a few unexpected problems. Here’s how to fix the most common ones:

• Links Won’t Open – If tapping a link does nothing, set a new default browser. Go to Settings → Apps → Default apps → Browser app and choose another browser like Firefox, Edge, or Brave.
• Some Apps Crash or Freeze – A few Android apps rely on Chrome for web functions. Try installing Android System WebView (if it’s missing) or update it from the Play Store.
• Google Features Don’t Work Properly – Services like Google Assistant or certain in-app browsers might behave differently. Switching to another browser as default usually solves this.
• Battery or Performance Issues – Rare, but if you notice lag or battery drain, clear cache and restart your phone.

Tip: If problems persist, you can always re-enable Chrome from Settings → Apps → Chrome → Enable.

Conclusion

While you can’t completely uninstall Chrome on most Android devices without advanced methods like rooting, there are still plenty of ways to remove it from daily use. Whether you disable it, roll back updates, or use ADB, the right method depends on your comfort level and needs. The safest option for most users is to disable Chrome and switch to a browser that better fits your privacy, speed, and usability preferences.

By following the steps in this guide, you now know exactly how to uninstall Chrome on Android, or at least keep it from getting in your way.

Thanks for reading!..