How to completely remove the YouTube app on Xiaomi smartphone: all working methods

Are you tired of the intrusive YouTube notifications or want to make room on Xiaomi? The built-in YouTube app on MIUI devices often behaves like a system — it can’t be removed in the standard way through the Apps menu. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to put up with unnecessary software. In this article, we’ll discuss 5 proven methods to get rid of YouTube on Redmi, POCO or any other Xiaomi smartphone — from simple tricks to radical solutions for power users.

It's important to understand that some of the ways require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which can affect the warranty and security of the device. We'll detail the risks and alternatives for each method so you can choose the best option. If you're a beginner, start with the first three. For advanced users, we've prepared instructions using ADB and custom firmware.

Before you start, check the MIUI version in settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version). Some methods only work on certain versions of the firmware. Also note that once you delete YouTube, Google services, such as auto-sign in to your account via your browser, will stop working.

1. disable YouTube via settings (without deletion)

If you don’t have to completely remove the app, just hide it and stop background activity, this method is for you.It doesn’t require root rights and is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and older devices.

Disabling suspends YouTube, but it doesn't free up disk space, but it doesn't affect the warranty, it doesn't require technical skills, and it's going to stay on the system, but it won't show up in the menu and consume resources.

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management
• 🔍 In the search bar, type "YouTube" and select the application from the list
• ⚙️ Click Disable (if the button is inactive – tap first on Warehouse, then Clear the data)
• 🔄 Confirm the action in the dialog window

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The "unplug" button may not be available. In this case, try the method with ADB (section).

Once you turn off the YouTube icon, it disappears from the home screen and from the app menu, and to bring it back, repeat the steps and click Enable. This method is reversible and does not harm the system.

2.Removal of YouTube Updates (Emptying Space)

Even if you can't uninstall the application itself, you can return it to the factory version, saving up to 100-150 MB of space, which works because MIUI allows you to roll back updates for some system applications.

The procedure takes less than a minute and does not require a PC connection, and the main advantage is that you will retain the basic functionality of YouTube (for example, the ability to open links), but get rid of unnecessary data.

• 📦 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → YouTube
• 🗑️ Press Warehouse. → Remove updates
• 🔄 In the window that appears, confirm the action
• 🚫 To prevent automatic updates, open Google Play, search YouTube, click three dots, and uncheck Auto Update.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global over 12.5 rollbacks could cause Google Play Services to crash.In this case, reboot your phone.

If the Remove Updates button is inactive, it means that YouTube on your device is a full-fledged system application, in which case proceed to the next method using ADB.

3. YouTube Delete via ADB (no root)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is the gold standard for removing system applications without obtaining root permissions. It works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including new models from 2023-2026. You will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and USB debugging enabled.

The advantage of this method is that it does not violate the warranty (unless you use root) and allows you to delete YouTube forever. However, when you reset your phone to factory settings or update MIUI, the application can return. To avoid this, save the deletion command and repeat the postmajor update procedure.

Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC

Download and unpack ADB Tools

Connect your phone to your PC via USB

Allow debugging on the smartphone screen-->

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times. Go back to the basic settings, find the Developer section and enable Debugging by USB.
2. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (use the original cable for connection stability). On the smartphone screen, select File Transfer mode.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and execute the commands: adb devices adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtube
4. Restart your phone. The YouTube app should disappear from the system.

If you see a Success message, congratulations, YouTube is deleted! [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR], This means that on your Xiaomi model, the app is protected from removal:

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

This command does not remove the app, but completely blocks it from working, including the background processes. To return YouTube, use:

adb shell pm enable com.google.android.youtube

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If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers through the Mi Flash Tool or using another one USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

4. YouTube Deletion with Root Rights

If previous methods have failed and you are willing to take drastic measures, getting root permissions will open up unlimited possibilities for managing system applications, which is suitable for advanced users, since it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk or SuperSU.

We warn you that unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone and may result in a loss of warranty. On new Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the unlocking process takes up to 7 days due to the company’s security policy, and after receiving root, some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online) may stop working.

To remove YouTube from root, use one of the specialized applications:

• 🛠️ Root App Deleter – a simple interface with backup
• 🗑️ System App Remover – Supports packet removal
• 🔧 Titanium Backup – allows you not only to delete, but also to “freeze” applications

Instructions:

1. Install one of the apps above via Google Play.
2. Provide root access when requested.
3. Find the list at com.google.android.youtube (YouTube).
4. Select the option "Delete" or "Uninstall".
5. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Removing system applications through root can lead to a bootloop ( looped reboot). TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

If you encounter errors in Google Play Services after deleting, try reinstalling them via APKMirror or rolling back to the factory version using App Inspector.

5. Install custom firmware without YouTube

The most dramatic, but also the most effective way is to completely replace the firmware with a custom one, which is not YouTube, which is suitable for enthusiasts who want to not only get rid of unnecessary applications, but also get advanced customization options.

Popular firmware for Xiaomi without preinstalled YouTube:

• 🌍 LineageOS – pure Android without extra software
• 🔥 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel functionality
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Optimized for Performance
• 🛡️ Havoc-OS – with advanced privacy settings

The process of installing custom firmware includes:

1. Unlock the bootloader (via Mi Unlock Tool).
2. Installation of custom recavery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Formatting the system, data, cache partitions.
4. Installation ZIP-Firmware and GApps archives (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may cause the device to run unstable if the incorrect version is selected. Before you install the firmware, make sure you download the build specifically for your model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ It has the code name ruby, and POCO F5 — marble).

If you're not sure about your abilities, start with MIUI Pro, a modified version of the standard firmware without Blaatware, which is easier to install and less likely to cause compatibility problems.

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Custom firmware gives you maximum freedom, but requires technical knowledge. Start by learning the XDA Developers and 4PDA forums for your model to avoid building up the device.

Alternative ways: Hiding and replacing YouTube

If deleting YouTube seems too risky, consider alternative options:

• 👁️ Hiding icons: Use launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher to hide YouTube from the app menu.
• 🔄 Replacement with alternatives: Install NewPipe (an open source YouTube client) or SkyTube – they do not require Google services and do not display ads.
• 🛡️ Traffic blocking: With NetGuard or built-in firewall MIUI (Settings → Communication and exchange of data → Firewalls: Block YouTube's access to the Internet.
• 📵 Limit Notifications: Open Settings → Notifications → YouTube and turn off all alerts.

For users who want to keep access to YouTube, but without bothersome recommendations, Vanilla Music is suitable - a player that can play audio from YouTube in the background without video and advertising.

If your goal is to save traffic, pay attention to the MIUI settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data.
2. Select Background Limitation and add YouTube to your list of limited apps.
3. Activate the option to save traffic for mobile data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing YouTube on Xiaomi