YouTube is pre-installed on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones as a system. Even after standard removal through the menu, it often returns after updates or resets. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods - from simple disabling to complete removal using ADB and TWRP, including methods for devices with unlocked bootloader and no root rights.
The MIUI feature is that many system applications (including YouTube, Google Play Music and Duo) are integrated into firmware, which means that simply clicking “Delete” in the app menu only hides the icon, but does not clear the cache, data or background processes. We tested all methods on Xiaomi 13 Pro (MIUI 14), Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 – the results are summarized in the comparison table below.
1. disable YouTube without deletion (for beginners)
If you just have to hide an app and stop it from working in the background, it's the safest method. It doesn't require superuser rights and it's reversible.
Go to Settings → Applications → App Management and find YouTube in the list. Click on it and select:
- 🔄 Disable – the application will disappear from the menu and will stop updating.
- 🚫 Remove updates – return the version preinstalled in MIUI (frequently-outdated).
- 📵 Limit background activity – prohibit auto-start and notifications.
⚠️ Note: After resetting settings or major update MIUI The application may be activated again. To avoid this, back up the list of disabled applications through Settings before resetting. → Additionally. → Backup.
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If YouTube continues to appear in MIUI search after disabling, clear the Launcher cache (settings → apps → Launcher → Storage → Clear cache).
2. Removal via ADB (without root rights)
The method is suitable for users who are ready to connect the phone to a PC. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to remove system applications without superuser rights, but requires enabled debugging over USB.
First, download Platform Tools from Google's official website and unpack the archive.
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to unlock the developer menu), then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Delete YouTube by command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.youtube For YouTube Music use: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.apps.youtube.music
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A and POCO M3) This method can return the application after you restart. TWRP.
Debugging by USB| Installed drivers Xiaomi| Downloaded platform-tools| Phone connected in file transfer mode-->
3. Complete removal via TWRP (for advanced)
If you have a custom TWRP recavator installed, you can delete YouTube permanently, even if it is integrated into firmware.This method works on 100% of Xiaomi devices with an unlocked bootloader, but requires caution - wrong actions can lead to bootloop ( looped on).
Instructions:
- Download. TWRP for your model (for example, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-davinci.img for Redmi K20 Pro).
- Reboot to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down when the phone is off).
- TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager and delete files: /system/priv-app/YouTube/ /system/app/YouTube/ (the path may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
- Wipe your cache (Wipe → Cache) and restart.
🔹 Advantage: YouTube will be removed at the firmware level and will not return after updates, but when reset to factory settings or reflash through the Mi Flash Tool, the application may appear again.
What if the phone is not turned on after TWRP removal?
4.Use of Magisk and Universal Debloater
If you have root rights (obtained through Magisk), the safest way to remove YouTube is to use the Universal Debloater module, which allows you to selectively remove system applications with the ability to restore.
Steps:
- Install Magisk (instructions for Xiaomi here).
- Download the Universal Debloater (.zip) module.
- In Magisk, click Modules → Install from storage and select the downloaded file.
- Restart your phone and open the Debloater app (appears in the menu).
- Find com.google.android.youtube in the list and click Delete.
✅ Pros of the method:
- 🔧 Ability to restore the application in one click.
- 🛡️ Security – the module checks for dependencies before removal.
- 📱 It works on all versions. MIUI (including MIUI 14 on Android 13).
Disconnection through settings|ADB|TWRP|Magisk|No, it's my first time.-->
5. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
Not all methods are equally effective. Below is a table with the pros and cons of each option, as well as compatibility with Xiaomi models.
| Method | Need root? | Returns after the update? | Difficulty | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shutdown | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐ | All models. |
| ADB | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Sometimes. | ⭐⭐ | MIUI 12-14 (except for Redmi Go) |
| TWRP | ✅ Yes (unlocked loader) | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | POCO F1, Mi 11, Redmi K40, etc. |
| Magisk + Debloater | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Any Magisk models |
| Manual deletion of files | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Only for experienced users |
💡 Tip: If you are unsure of your skills, start by turning off or ADB. Methods with TWRP Magisk is suitable for users who have already worked with custom firmware.
6.How to save the changes after resetting?
Even after successful removal, YouTube may return after:
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings (all system applications are restored).
- 📥 Updates MIUI through OTA (The firmware can return deleted files).
- 🛠️ Recovery via Mi Flash Tool (complete flashing).
To avoid this:
- Back up your TWRP (Backup) after you delete YouTube. Restore it after you reset.
- Use the script to automatically delete after updating (example for Magisk: #!/system/bin/sh pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.youtube Save as remove_youtube.sh into /data/local/userinit.d/).
- Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update.
⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T for the European market) backup through TWRP In this case, the only reliable way to do this is to use Magisk and the Universal Debloater.
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The most reliable way to get rid of YouTube on Xiaomi forever is a Magisk combination + Universal Debloater + shutdown OTA-update.
7. YouTube Alternatives: What to install instead?
If you removed YouTube due to ads, high battery consumption, or surveillance, consider alternatives:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NewPipe | ✅ No advertising.✅ Background reproduction✅ Lightweight (5 MB) | ❌ There is no official Google account.❌ Sometimes he lays | newpipe.net |
| Vanced (informal) | ✅ Built-in ad blocker✅ Dark subject matter✅ Bringing back the old design | ❌ Support terminated❌ Requires MicroG | vancedapp.com |
| SkyTube | ✅ Open source code✅ No tracking.✅ Support 4K | ❌ Fewer features than NewPipe❌ Rare updates | skytube-app.com |
🔹 Important: Alternative clients (e.g. NewPipe) do not support:
- 🎮 YouTube streams Premium.
- 💰 Buying movies or subscribing to channels.
- 🔔 Notifications for new videos (manual verification required).