How to completely disable YouTube on Xiaomi MIUI 12: From simple methods to deep cleaning

Are you tired of the annoying YouTube notifications on your Xiaomi, but don’t know how to get rid of the app once and for all? MIUI 12, one of the most common Android shells, is that removing Google preinstalled services is often blocked at the system level. However, there are at least 5 working methods to disable YouTube, from standard settings to deep firmware manipulation.

In this article, we will discuss all the options available – from the simplest (hiding the icon) to the radical (removing through the icon). ADB We'll focus on the hidden settings. MIUI 12, which allow you to deactivate the application without root rights, and also warn against common errors that cause the smartphone to stop properly updating. 10 Pro, Poco X3 or any other model on the MIUI 12/12.5 — This instruction is for you.

Why YouTube Cannot Be Deleted From Apps

Unlike third-party software, YouTube on Xiaomi is a system application (or bloatwer) that is integrated into firmware.

• 🔹 The application is protected from removal by standard Android tools - the “Delete” button in the menu is simply absent.
• 🔹 Even after disconnecting through settings (Settings) → Annexes → YouTube → Disable) it continues to occupy space in memory and may be activated when the system is updated.
• 🔹 On some models (e.g., Mi) 10T or Redmi K40) YouTube linked to Google Play services, and forced removal could disrupt the operation GMS (Google Mobile Services).

In addition, in MIUI 12 is a mechanism for autorepairing system applications, which means that even if you manage to delete them, APK-Youtube file manually, after restarting or updating the OS, it can appear again, which is why it is important to choose the method of disabling depending on your goal:

Before you get to the instructions, consider that some methods can affect the stability of the smartphone. ADB Poco F3 Sometimes it causes a disruption to the Google Play Store, and we recommend starting with the safest ways and only if necessary, moving to radical measures.

Method 1: Hiding the YouTube icon without removing it

If you're just annoyed by having a YouTube shortcut on the home screen or in the app menu, but you don't mind using the app, this is for you. It doesn't require any technical skills and is completely reversible.

V MIUI 12 There Are Two Ways to Hide an Icon:

1. Move to the folder: 📁 Click the YouTube icon on the home screen. 🔄 Drag it to another icon (like Google or Play Store) to create a folder. 👁️‍🗨 Name the folder neutrally (like Google) and hide it on the second screen.

Shutdown at launcher

POCO Launcher

MIUI Launcher

• 🔧 Click the empty space on the main screen → Select "Startup Settings».
• 🔍 Go to the section "Hidden applications».
• ✅ Mark YouTube in the list and confirm it.

This method doesn't remove the app itself, but it visually removes it from view. Note that even after the icon is hidden, YouTube will still:

• 🔔 Receive notifications (unless manually disabled).
• 🔄 Update through the Play Store.
• 📱 Take up space in memory (about 50-100 MB depending on the version).

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If you use an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher), hiding icons is even easier: just hold your finger on the YouTube icon and select Hide in the context menu.

Method 2: Disable YouTube through application settings

This method deactivates YouTube at the system level, preventing it from running and background activity, while the application file remains in memory, but does not consume resources.

Instructions for MIUI 12/12.5:

1. ⚙️ Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
2. 🔍 Type in “YouTube” (or scroll through the list to “All Apps” section»).
3. 🚫 Click “Disable” (the button may be gray if the app is active).
4. ✅ Confirm the action in the window that appears.

After the shutdown:

• ✅ The application will stop starting (when you try to open it, the message “The application is disabled” will appear»).
• ✅ Notifications and background activity will cease.
• ❌ The icon can remain in the app menu (but nothing happens when you click it).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Google Assistant and Voice Search stop working after YouTube is disabled. If these features are important to you, use a method that restricts background activity (see Method 3).

To get YouTube back on track, you just need to reopen its settings and click "Enable," which doesn't require superuser rights or affect the warranty.

Method 3: Limit background activity and notifications

If you need to keep YouTube working (for example, for infrequent video viewing), but remove intrusive notifications and reduce battery consumption, use this method. It allows you to tame the application without turning it off completely.

Steps for MIUI 12:

1. 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → YouTube.
2. 🔔 Select Notifications and turn off all switches (or leave only important ones, such as Answers to Comments»).
3. 🔋 Go back and select “Battery» → «Limitation of background activity».
4. 🚫 Set a limit on “Background Activity” and “Autostart».
5. 📶 In the Mobile Data section, turn off background traffic for YouTube.

Additionally, access to geolocation and contacts can be restricted:

• 📍 In YouTube settings, select “Permissions” and disable Location, Microphone and Contacts.
• 🔒 If you use MIUI 12.5+, activate the option “Prohibit changing system settings” (located in the additional settings of the application).

These measures will significantly reduce the impact of YouTube on smartphone autonomy, for example, on the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite after such restrictions, the battery consumption from YouTube is reduced from 5-7% to 1-2% per day.

Notifications disabled|Background activity is prohibited|Limited auto-start|Mobile traffic is disabled in the background|Permits checked (geolocation, microphone)-->

Method 4: Delete YouTube via ADB (rootless)

If the previous methods do not suit you, and you do not want to get root rights - you can use it. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method allows you to completely remove YouTube from your device, but requires you to connect to your computer and execute commands manually.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Deletes the application at the system level (releases up to 100-150 MB of memory).
• ✅ Does not require root rights (does not violate the warranty).
• ✅ It works on all devices with MIUI 12 (including Redmi Note 9 Pro, Mi 10, Poco) X3 NFC).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ After updating MIUI YouTube may return (re-deletion required).
• ⚠️ On some devices, this may disrupt Google Play Services (reset).

Step-by-step:

1. 💻 Install. ADB Fastboot Tools on the computer (Windows/macOS/Linux).
2. 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (turn on debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Click on version 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
3. 🖥️ Open the command prompt (or Terminal) in the adb folder and type:

adb devices

(Your device name should appear as a confirmation of your connection.)

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.youtube

If the command is successful, you will see a message of success.

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🗑️ YouTube will disappear from the app menu and will no longer take up space in the user’s memory section.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition) instead of completely removing, only disabling can work:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.youtube

To return YouTube, you just need to install it again from the Play Store or execute the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.youtube

Method 5: Complete removal with root rights (for power users)

This method is suitable for those who are willing to take drastic measures and have experience with root rights or custom firmware, and allows you not only to remove YouTube, but also to prevent it from reappearing after updates.

Pre-launch warnings:

• ⚠️ Warranty Violation: Getting Root Rights Will Cancel Xiaomi Guarantee.
• ⚠️ Risk of “bricking”: Incorrect actions can lead to the inoperability of the device.
• ⚠️ Problems with OTA-Updates: After removing system applications update MIUI may be installed error-prone.

If you are prepared for risk, follow the instructions:

1. 🔓 Get root rights with Magisk or SuperSU (see the forum for instructions for your model) XDA Developers).
2. 📱 Install a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. 🗑️ Cross the path. /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore or /system/app/ and find the files:

• 📄 YouTube.apk
• 📄 YouTube.odex (if available)
• 📁 Folder com.google.android.youtube (in /data/app/)

Delete these files and folders, then:

1. 🧹 Clear cache and data through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
2. 🔄 Reset the device.

To prevent YouTube from re-installing after updates:

• 🛡️ Install a Magisk module called Universal Debloater or Xiaomi Debloater.
• 📝 Add com.google.android.youtube to the blacklist in the module settings.

The alternative is the use of TWRP Recovery and Aroma File Manager Tool for System Removal APK. However, this method requires unlocking the bootloader, which on new Xiaomi models (for example, Mi 11 Ultra) can be difficult due to the company’s policy.

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Before removing system applications through root, be sure to back up your firmware in TWRP! This will help restore the device in case of failure.

What to do if YouTube is back after the MIUI update

One of the most common problems is YouTube auto-recovery after installation. OTA-It's because it's an update. MIUI It contains a list of system applications that should be present on the device. When you update, the system checks the current list against the reference list and restores the missing ones. APK.

Solutions to the problem:

• 🔄 Re-deletion through ADB: Just run the deletion command again (see Method 4).
• 📵 Blocking updates for YouTube: 🛡️ Install an App Blocker (like Island or Shelter) and blacklist YouTube. 🔧 In Play Store settings, disable auto update for YouTube.
• 🔧 Firmware modification: 📦 Install custom firmware without GMS (LineageOS or Pixel Experience). 🛠️ Use it. MIUI Mix Explorer for File Editing /system/etc/sysconfig/google_build.prop (delete the line from ro.com.google.youtube).

If you use MIUI 12.5 or later, you can try disabling automatic system application recovery via a hidden menu:

1. 📱 Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636##.
2. 🔧 Go to the section "Phone Information» → «Network selection (or "Usage Statistics»).
3. 🔄 Find the “App Recovery” option and turn it off.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro), disabling app recovery may cause Google Play Services to crash!

YouTube Alternatives: Which Apps to Use Instead

If you’ve removed YouTube for battery or memory savings, but sometimes still want to watch videos, consider alternative apps. Many are lighter, no ads, or offer unique features.

If you want to sync with your Google account, the best choice is NewPipe with OAuth 2.0 setting (the instructions are on the official website). SkyTube or Invidious (web version) will be suitable for watching videos without registration.

On weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 8A POCO C3) We recommend using NewPipe in Lightweight mode - this will reduce the load on the processor and increase battery life.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling YouTube on Xiaomi