How to completely remove YouTube from Xiaomi Redmi 9A: all the ways from simple to complex

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9A often face a problem: preinstalled YouTube takes up space in memory, consumes traffic in the background and does not allow itself to be removed by standard methods. Even after clicking “Delete” in the application menu, the system only resets it to the factory version, leaving all updates and cache in place. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods - from temporary shutdown to complete removal of the system APK without superuser rights.

The Redmi 9A (M2006C3LG/M2006C3MII) feature is that YouTube is integrated into MIUI firmware as a system application, which means that simply dragging the icon into the cart won’t work — it will require workarounds. We tested all methods on current versions of MIUI 12.5-14 (Android 10-11) and highlighted those that don’t require unlocking the bootloader or installing custom firmware.

1. Disable YouTube Updates via Google Play

The safest way to do this is to block the app from being automatically updated, and that will stop the growth of space and background activity, which is good if you want YouTube, but only in the factory version without the extra features.

How to do this:

• 📱 Open the Google Play Store and find YouTube in search.
• 🔍 On the app page, tap on three dots in the upper right corner. → Choose to Remove Updates.
• ⚙️ Return to the home page of the app, click three dots again. → Settings → uncheck the auto update box.
• 🚫 For reliability, turn off background activity: go to Settings → Annexes → YouTube → Battery and select Limit background activities.

This method doesn’t remove YouTube completely, but it reduces its impact on the system: the app will stop updating and the cache will not grow. Minus – the icon will remain on the menu, and the factory version of YouTube may work unstable.

2. reset YouTube to factory version (no root)

If the application has already been updated, you can roll it back to its original state, which will free up to 100-150 MB of space, but will not delete it. APK-The whole file. It works on all versions. MIUI without additional tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find YouTube in the list (use search if necessary).
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner → select Remove Updates.
4. Confirm action. The system will return the app to the factory version (usually YouTube 14.21.56 or older).
5. Clear the cache: in the same menu, click Warehouse → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: After a reset, YouTube may request an update the next time it runs. To avoid this, immediately disable auto-updates in Google Play (see method 1).

This method does not require superuser rights and is reversible: you can always update YouTube back, but it is not suitable if you want to get rid of the app completely.

Turn off auto-update in Google Play|Reset the app to factory version| Clear cache and data |Return important data (in case of a crash)| Check the MIUI version (Settings → About phone)

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3. Removal via ADB (without root rights)

For those willing to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there's a way to delete YouTube completely without getting root.This is an official tool from Google that lets you manage system files via a computer.The method works on Redmi 9A with any version of MIUI, but requires you to enable Debugging over USB.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Utility. ADB Tools (download and unpack in a separate folder).

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect the phone to your computer, select File Transfer mode and confirm debugging permission.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB and type:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, follow the command to delete YouTube:

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

Once the phone is rebooted, the YouTube icon will disappear.The app will be removed only for the current user (without affecting system files).To return it, you just need to update through Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: Some firmware MIUI Block the removal of system applications through ADB. If the team returns the Failure error [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR], Try the alternative command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.youtube This won't delete APK, but hides it from the system. 4. Use of Freezing Applications (without root) ADB It seems complicated, you can freeze YouTube with third-party utilities. They don't delete the file, but they block its launch and background activity. 9A: Appendix Root Required? Features Link App Inspector ❌ No Allows you to disable any application, including the Google Play Package Disabler system ❌ No Freezing apps with the ability to defrost Google Play Debloater (via) ADB) ❌ No Removal/Disable Systems APK through ADB graphical XDA Developers How to Freeze YouTube via Package Disabler: Install the app from Google Play. Give access to Special Features (in your phone settings). Find com.google.android.youtube in the list and click Disable. Confirm the action and restart the phone. The advantage of this method is reversibility: you can always defrost the application. The disadvantage is that YouTube will remain in memory, just won't start. 💡Before using third-party utilities, check their Google Play rankings and reviews.Some freeze apps may contain ads or request unnecessary permissions. 5. Complete removal with custom recovery (for advanced) If you are willing to go for radical measures, you can delete YouTube through custom recovery (for example, TWRP). This method requires unlocking the bootloader and installing an alternative recovery, which resets the phone to factory settings and voids the warranty.What to do: Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait). 7–15 Install. TWRP for Redmi 9A (Download the current version from twrp.me. Download the phone in recovery mode (hold Power). + Volume Up when on. TWRP Go to Advanced. → File Manager. Delete the files: /system/priv-app/YouTube/YouTube.apk /system/priv-app/YouTube/YouTube.odex (If you have, wipe the cache (Wipe) → Cache and restart your phone. ⚠️ Attention: Deleting system files manually can result in a bootloop (locked phone turn on).Before the procedure, make a backup through TWRP (Backup → System. This is the most effective method, but it is risky. It is only suitable for advanced users who understand the consequences of unlocking the bootloader. What if the phone does not turn on after deleting YouTube? If after manipulating Redmi system files, the phone does not turn on after you delete YouTube? 9A If you're stuck on the logo or go to the bootloop, try: 1. TWRP and restore the backup (if you did). 2. Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the official firmware (download from the Xiaomi site). 3. If it does not help, contact the service center (indicate that the phone was not stitched by unofficial firmware). How to live without YouTube on Redmi 9A If you can’t remove YouTube or are afraid to take risks, consider alternatives: 🌐 Use the web version of YouTube via a browser (such as Chrome or Firefox). Add the site to the home screen as a shortcut. 📺 Install alternative clients: NewPipe is a lightweight client with background playback (download from newpipe.net). SkyTube is an open client without ads (requires F-Droid). 🔄 Turn off YouTube Autostart: Go to Settings → Annexes → YouTube → Autostart and deactivate all permissions. Alternative customers have the advantage of no ads, background playback and battery savings. ~20 MB and does not require a Google account. 💡Before you delete YouTube, consider the risks: if your phone is used for work or school, it is better to limit yourself to turning off auto-updates or freezing. Complete removal is only relevant if you are prepared for possible system failures. FAQ: Frequent questions about removing YouTube from Redmi 9A Can you delete YouTube without a computer? Yes, but only partially. You can: Reset the app to the factory version (the way to do it). 2). Disable it through Settings → Annexes → YouTube → Disable (not working on all versions) MIUI). Use applications for freezing (method) 4). Complete removal without ADB Or custom recovery is impossible. Why, after the team? ADB YouTube not being removed? Possible reasons: Firmware MIUI It blocks the removal of system applications. Try the adb shell pm disable-user command. --user 0 com.google.android.youtube. Not included debugging by USB or not confirmed by the computer permission. ADB. Download the current Platform Tools. Will YouTube go back to factory settings after resetting the phone? Yes. When fully reset (through Settings) → Reset or Mi Recovery) all system applications, including YouTube, are restored.To avoid this: Before reset, delete YouTube via YouTube ADB (Or scrolle your phone with custom firmware without GApps (e.g. LineageOS). Can you delete YouTube without losing the warranty? Yes, if you use methods without unlocking the bootloader: Disable updates (mode 1). Reset to factory version (mode 2). Freeze through ADB or third-party utilities (methods 3-4) Unlocking the bootloader or installing TWRP How to return YouTube after deletion? Recovery methods: If deleted through ADB: Follow the command adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.youtube. If you have disabled: go to Settings → Annexes → Show it all. → Unplugged and press Enable. Install YouTube from Google Play (unless the APK is corrupted).