Browser Google Chrome is preinstalled on most smartphones Huawei s Android (or HarmonyOS in new models), even if you do not use it. It takes up memory space, drains battery power in the background, and can conflict with other apps. It is often impossible to remove it using standard means - the system blocks uninstallation as for system software. In this article we will look 5 proven methodshow to get rid of Chrome on devices Huawei of different generations, including models without Google services (GMS).

Important to understand: on phones Huawei after 2019 (especially with HarmonyOS) Chrome can be integrated into the firmware as part of web engine for system processes. Its complete removal without root access can cause problems with some functions, such as displaying web content in applications. We will indicate which methods are safe for your model, and where caution is required.

Why Chrome cannot be removed in the standard way

On smartphones Huawei browser Google Chrome belongs to the category system applications, even if you installed it later via Play Market. This is due to:

  • 🔹 License Agreements between Huawei and Google (before the 2019 ban). Chrome is built into the firmware as part of the GMS (Google Mobile Services) package.
  • 🔹 System process dependencies. Some functions EMUI/HarmonyOS use the Chrome web engine to display content (for example, built-in browsers in instant messengers).
  • 🔹 Huawei Policy. The company blocks the removal of pre-installed applications to avoid compatibility problems.

If your Huawei is installed HarmonyOS 2.0+Chrome may not be present at all - a Chromium-based browser is used instead. In this case, the instructions below are not relevant. You can check the OS version in the menu Huawei Browser based on Chromium. In this case, the instructions below are not relevant. You can check the OS version in the menu Settings → About phone.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei P40/Pro+, Mate 40/Pro and newer (without GMS), Chrome is not initially installed. If you see it in the list of applications, it was added manually - it can be removed like regular software.

Method 1: Disabling Chrome through settings (without uninstalling)

If you just need free up resources and stop background Chrome activity, just disable the application. This will not delete its files, but will stop all processes and hide the icon from the menu.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Applications (or Application Manager).
  2. Find Google Chrome in the list (use search if there are many applications).
  3. Tap on it and select Disable (or Suspend in HarmonyOS).
  4. Confirm the action in the dialog box.

After disabling:

  • 📱 The Chrome icon will disappear from the menu applications.
  • 🔋 The application will stop consuming battery and traffic.
  • 🔄 Updates via Play Market will stop.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Huawei (for example, Mate 30 Pro) disabling Chrome may lead to operational errors Google Play Services. If you notice any glitches, turn it back on.

☑️ What to do before disabling Chrome

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Uninstall via ADB (without root access)

If disabling is not enough, you can remove Chrome using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a tool for debugging Android devices. This method works on most models Huawei c Android 8.0+ and does not require superuser rights.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable USB debugging:
    • Go to Settings → About phone.
    • Tap 7 times on the item Build numberto activate Developer mode.
    • Go back in Settings → System → Developer Mode and enable USB Debugging.
  • Install ADB on PC:
    • Download Platform Tools from the Android Developer website.
    • Extract the archive to the root of the disk C:\ (for example, C:\platform-tools\).
    • Connect the phone to the PC and run the commands: 
      adb devices

      adb shell
      

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

    If the command is successful, Chrome will be uninstalled for the current user (without losing system files). To get it back, just reinstall from Play Market.

    Huawei model ADB uninstall support Notes
    P30/P30 Pro ✅ Yes You need to disable HDB (Huawei Debug Bridge) in the developer settings.
    Mate 20/Mate 20 Pro ✅ Yes After deletion, push notifications from some applications may disappear.
    Nova 5T ⚠️ Partially Only the user part is deleted, system files remain.
    Huawei Y6/Y7 (2019) ❌ No ADB blocks commands for system applications.
    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.chrome

    This will disable Chrome at the system level, but will not remove files.-->

    Method 3: Removal using Magisk (for rooted devices)

    If your Huawei has been installed (a tool for obtaining root access), you can remove Chrome as a system application without consequences. This method is suitable for. experienced users and requires: Magisk (rooting tool), you can uninstall Chrome as a system application without consequences. This method is suitable for advanced users and requires:

    • 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader).
    • 📱 Installed Magisk (version 24.0+).
    • 🛠️ Module App Systemizer or Universal Debloater.

    Instructions:

    1. Install the Magisk Repo module Universal Debloater.
    2. Restart the phone.
    3. Open the application Debloater and find it in the list Google Chrome.
    4. Tick it and select Delete.
    5. Confirm the action and reboot the device.

    On Huawei devices with Kirin 980/990 processors (for example, Mate 30 Pro, P40 Pro), uninstalling Chrome via Magisk may result in a system boot error. Before the procedure, create a backup copy via TWRP!

    What to do if, after uninstalling Chrome, web previews stop working?

    Install an alternative browser (for example, Huawei Browser or Firefox) and assign it as the default browser in the settings. System processes will use its web engine instead of Chrome.

    Method 4: Using third-party uninstallers

    For users who don't want to bother with ADB or root access, there are applications to remove system apps. The most reliable:

    • 📌 App Inspector —shows all installed packages and allows you to disable system ones.
    • 📌 Package Disabler Pro —paid solution with advanced features (works without root).
    • 📌 Debloater Tool —for PC, requires ADB connection.

    Example of working with Package Disabler Pro:

    1. Download and install the application from APKMirror (it is not in Play Market).
    2. Grant access to Accessibility (in security settings).
    3. Find in list Google Chrome (package com.android.chrome).
    4. Select Uninstall updatesthen Disable.
    ⚠️ Attention: Uninstaller applications may contain advertising or collect data. Before use, check reviews on 4PDA or XDA Developers.
    📊 Which browser do you use instead of Chrome?
    Huawei Browser
    Firefox
    Opera
    Samsung Internet
    Other

    Method 5: Reset to factory settings (extreme) case)

    If Chrome was installed as part of the firmware and is not removed by other means, it remains full reset of the deviceThis is a radical method, which:

    • 🔄 Will delete all user data and applications.
    • 📦 Will return the phone to its out-of-the-box state.
    • ⚠️ Does not guarantee removal of Chrome if it is built into the firmware.

    How to reset:

    1. Back up important data (photos, contacts, messages).
    2. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset to factory settings.
    3. Select Delete everything and confirm the action.
    4. After reboot, set up the phone as new.

    On devices with HarmonyOS the path to reset may be different: Settings → System and updates → Reset.

    💡

    Resetting to factory settings will not remove Chrome if it is part of the firmware. This method is only effective for removing manual browser settings.

    How to replace Chrome with Huawei: TOP 5 alternatives

    After removing Chrome, you will need another browser. The best options for Huawei:

    Browser Advantages Disadvantages
    Huawei Browser ✅ Optimized for EMUI/HarmonyOS
    ✅ Huawei Cloud support (synchronization)    		 ❌ Slower than Chrome on complex sites
    ❌ Limited extensions
    Firefox ✅ Support for extensions
    ✅ Strong privacy protection    		 ❌ High consumption batteries
    ❌ Sometimes slow on weak devices
    Opera ✅ Built-in VPN and ad blocker
    ✅ Turbo mode (saves traffic)    		 ❌ Intrusive advertising in the free version
    ❌ Chinese version collects data
    Brave ✅ Blocks trackers by default
    ✅ Fast page loading    		 ❌ No official support on Huawei AppGallery
    ❌ Few Russian-language extensions
    Samsung Internet ✅ Lightweight and fast
    ✅ Support for extensions    		 ❌ Not optimized for EMUI
    ❌ Rare updates via AppGallery

    For maximum performance on Huawei we recommend Huawei Browser (if you do not need extensions) or Firefox (if privacy is important).

    Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    When uninstalling Chrome, users often encounter problems. Let's look at typical errors and their solutions:

    • 🚫 "Command not found" in ADB:

      Problem: ADB utilities are not added to environment variables PATH.

      Solution: Run commands from the folder platform-tools or add it to PATH.

    • 🚫 Chrome returns after update:

      Problem: Play Market automatically restores deleted system applications.

      Solution: Disable auto-update for Chrome in settings Play Market.

    • 🚫 Huawei Mobile malfunctions Services:

      Problem: Uninstalling Chrome breaks the functionality HMS Core (for example, web links in applications do not open).

      Solution: Install Huawei Browser and set it as the default browser.

    💡

    If after uninstalling Chrome links from applications (for example, from Telegram) stopped opening, clear the application cache Android System WebView in the settings.

    Is it possible to remove Chrome on Huawei P50 Pro (HarmonyOS)?

    On Huawei P50 Pro s HarmonyOS Chrome is not preinstalled - instead Huawei Browseris used. If Chrome appears in the list of applications, it was installed manually and can be removed in the standard way via Settings → Applications.

    Will Google Pay work after uninstalling Chrome?

    Google Pay depends on Google Play Servicesand not on Chrome. However, on some models Huawei (for example, Mate 20 X), uninstalling Chrome may result in authorization errors in Google Pay. If this happens, reinstall Chrome or use alternatives like Huawei Pay.

    How to get Chrome back if you need it to work?

    If you uninstalled Chrome via ADB or Magisk, you can restore it:

    1. Reinstalling from Play Market (if available).
    2. Or by running the command: 
      adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.chrome

    On devices without GMS (for example, Mate 40 Pro) Chrome can only be installed via APK, but it will work with restrictions.

    Is it true that uninstalling Chrome speeds up Huawei?

    Partially. Chrome in the background can consume up to 100–300 MB RAM and up to 5% battery per day (data from tests on Huawei P30). Removing it will free up resources, but the performance increase will only be noticeable on devices with 4 GB RAM or less. On flagships (for example Mate 40 Pro) the difference is minimal.

    Is it possible to uninstall Chrome on Huawei without a computer?

    Yes, but with limitations:

    • 📱 On non-rooted devices - only disablement through settings.
    • 📱 On rooted devices - using applications like System App Remover (requires Magisk).

    Full removal without a PC is only possible if Chrome was installed as a regular application (not a system one).