The YouTube app on Xiaomi smartphones is often installed as a system app, which cannot be removed in the standard way through the Apps menu, which creates problems: the app takes up space in memory, consumes traffic in the background and can conflict with alternative customers (for example, Vanced or ReVanced). In this article, we will discuss all possible methods for removing YouTube from Xiaomi devices, including models on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, taking into account the peculiarities of system applications and the manufacturer’s limitations.
It is important to understand: on most Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) YouTube is integrated into the firmware as com.google.android.youtube — it can't be removed without additional tools. ADB Or custom restoration. We'll look at options for users without any ROOT-And for those who are willing to do more manipulation of the system.
Why can’t YouTube be removed in the standard way?
On Xiaomi smartphones, YouTube is classified as a Google System Services (GMS) app, which means:
- 📦 Established in section /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/, which is protected from change without change ROOT.
- 🔒 There is no “Delete” button in the application settings – only “Disable” or “Delete Updates".
- 🔄 After resetting settings or updating the firmware, YouTube is automatically restored.
- 📱 On some models (e.g. Xiaomi for the global market), YouTube is pre-installed as part of the Google Play Services package.
Even if you remove app updates through Settings → Apps → YouTube → Remove updates, the base version will remain in the system.This is due to the licensing agreements between Xiaomi and Google: the manufacturer is obliged to include key Google services in the firmware for devices with Google Mobile Services (GMS) certification.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices for the Chinese market (without the GMS) YouTube may not be there at first. If you bought a phone in China, you'll need to install Google Play Services first, but then YouTube will be a system app.
Method 1: Disable YouTube without deleting (for beginners)
If you don’t need to completely remove the app, but just hide it and stop background activity, use the built-in MIUI tools:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find YouTube in the list (use search if necessary).
- Slip on the app and select Disable.
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After the shutdown:
- 🚫 YouTube icon will disappear from the app menu.
- 📵 The app will not be updated via Google Play.
- 🔄 Background processes (e.g. notifications) will cease.
- 🔙 To return YouTube, go to the same settings and click Enable.
This method does not free up space on the device, but completely stops the application, suitable for users who want to avoid complex manipulation of the system.
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If YouTube continues to appear in app search results after disabling, clear the Launcher cache (the standard Xiaomi launcher) in the app settings.
Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version
If YouTube has been updated through Google Play, you can return it to the original version that takes up less space:
- Go to Settings → Apps → YouTube → Storage.
- Click Clear the cache and Delete data (this will reset the app settings).
- Select Remove Updates (if the button is active).
After that:
- 📉 The size of the application will be reduced to ~20-30 MB (instead of 100 MB)+ MB with updates).
- 🔒 Functionality will be limited to the basic version without the latest features.
- 🚫 Auto Update via Google Play will be blocked (but you can manually enable it).
| Action. | The result | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|
| Disabling the application | The icon disappears, the background processes stop | Yes (includes in settings) |
| Removal of updates | Reset to factory version (~20 MB) | Yes (updated via Play Market) |
| Clearing cache and data | Delete temporary files and settings | Yes (data is restored upon entry) |
| Removal via ADB | Complete uninstallation for current user | Only through re-installation |
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F4 or Redmi K50) After removing updates, YouTube can automatically update when you next connect to the Internet. To avoid this, disable auto-update for the app on Google Play.
Method 3: Completely delete YouTube via ADB (without ROOT)
For users who are ready to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), There is a way to delete YouTube without receiving it. ROOT-It's not gonna delete. APK from the system, but will make it inaccessible.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging over USB.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devicesMake sure the device is identified (serial number should appear). Then execute the command to delete YouTube for the current user:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtubeAfter completion:
- 🗑️ The app will disappear from the menu and list of installed.
- 🔄 Updates via Google Play will be impossible.
- 🔙 To get YouTube back, you just need to reinstall it from the Play Market.
USB debugging enabled
Installed drivers Xiaomi on PC
ADB added to environment variables (or in the same folder with the terminal)
The phone is connected in file transfer mode (MTP).
Backup of important data is made-->
This method works on all modern versions of MIUI (12-15) and HyperOS. However, after resetting settings or creating a new user, YouTube can return.
Method 4: Removal of the system APK s ROOT-rights
If you have ROOT-access (e.g. via Magisk), you can completely remove YouTube from the system. This is the most radical method, but it ensures that the app will not return after updates.
Instructions for Root Explorer or Mixplorer:
- Open a file manager with ROOT support (such as Mixplorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore/ or /system/app/.
- Find files with names: YouTube.apk YouTube.odex (if any) Folder com.google.android.youtube (if any)
.bak
Reset the device.
Alternatively, you can use the command in Terminal Emulator or through ADB shell with ROOT:
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
rm -rf /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore/YouTube*
rm -rf /system/app/YouTube*
reboot⚠️ Attention: Removal of system APK This can cause Google Play Services or other Google services to be unstable, and on some firmware, it causes security check errors (SafetyNet) if you use banking applications or Google Pay, this method can block them from working.
What if Google services stopped working after YouTube was deleted?
Method 5: Use custom firmware (for experienced)
If you’re ready for drastic measures, installing custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS) will get rid of YouTube and other unnecessary apps forever.
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
- 🛠️ Established custom restoration (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
- 📥 Compatible firmware for your Xiaomi model.
Advantages:
- 🧹 Complete lack of pre-installed Google apps (if you choose firmware without Google’s pre-installed apps) GMS).
- 🔧 Ability to fine-tune the system.
- 📱 Better performance due to lack of background processes.
Disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
- 🔒 SafetyNet problems (some applications will not work).
- 🔄 The need for manual firmware updates.
To install custom firmware, follow the instructions for your model on the XDA Developers forum or in thematic communities. For example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Pixel Experience without GMS will work, and for POCO F3, LineageOS.
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Custom firmware is the only way to permanently get rid of YouTube and other system apps, but it requires technical skills and can lead to data loss.
YouTube Alternatives: What to Use Instead of a Standard Client?
If you have removed YouTube but want to continue watching videos, consider the alternatives:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|
| NewPipe | No advertising, background playback, video download | No Google account, manual update |
| ReVanced | Modified YouTube with Ad Blocking | Requires manual installation, possible account bans |
| SkyTube | Open source, privacy | Limited functionality, no official updates |
| YouTube in the browser | No installation, always the current version | No notifications, less user-friendly interface |
To install NewPipe or ReVanced, download APK from the official sites:
- NewPipe (available on F-Droid)
- ReVanced (requires patching of the original APK)
If you prefer the web version, add a YouTube shortcut to the home screen via your browser (Chrome or Firefox): open m.youtube.com, click Share → Add to the home screen.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you delete YouTube, users often face problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
- 🔄 YouTube is back after an update MIUI: This is because the firmware restores the system applications, so the solution is to disable the firmware auto-updates or use the software to reset the system. ADB Removal after each update.
- 🚫 Google Play is not working after YouTube is deleted: Critical files are deleted GMS. The solution is to restore YouTube or reflash the device.
- 🔒 I can't get it. ROOT: On new Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi 14), unlocking the bootloader may be limited. Check the unlock status on the Mi Unlock site.
- 📱 Phone doesn't turn on after system manipulation: Most likely, system files were damaged. The solution is to flash the device through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.
⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new shell from Xiaomi) some commands ADB For example, to delete an application, you may need to specify a different user ID (not a user ID). --user 0, --user 10). Check the list of users by adb shell pm list users.