Xiaomi smartphone owners often face intrusive system applications that cannot be easily taken and removed by standard means. In particular, Google YouTube is an integral part of the Android ecosystem, so the “Delete” button in the settings menu is usually hidden or replaced with “Disable”. However, for MIUI 12 users seeking to free up space or increase privacy, there are proven ways to completely remove this component.
The process of getting rid of embedded software requires caution, as interference with system files can affect the stability of the operating system. Unlike conventional programs, system services have deep connections with other Android modules. We will look at safe methods, from simple settings to advanced debugging tools that will allow you to completely clean the device of excess debris.
It's important to understand that complete deletion is different from simple deactivation. If you just disable an application, its files will remain in memory, taking up precious space. ADB-commands allow you to physically erase the package from the system, which is especially important for owners of models with a small amount of internal memory.
Why YouTube can’t be deleted through settings
The standard MIUI 12 interface hides the possibility of completely removing system applications for the sake of device stability. When you see the “Disable” button instead of “Delete”, it means that the package manager considers this component to be critical to the functioning of some Google Play Services services.
Google and Xiaomi are in agreement that the set of preinstalled software must remain unchanged, ensuring compatibility and security updates, but for advanced users, this is a barrier that can be circumvented by gaining rights to deeper file system management.
It is worth noting that normal deletion through the file manager is impossible without root rights. APK-files from the system folder without the appropriate tools can lead to a “bootloop” – a cyclical reboot of the smartphone.
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Before any manipulation of system applications, be sure to create a complete backup of data, as errors can lead to loss of information.
Preparing a smartphone to remove system components
Before you start taking action, you need to set up your Xiaomi correctly. The first step is to activate the hidden menu for developers. Without this step, any attempts to connect to the system will be blocked at the security protocol level.
You will need to go to the About Phone section and quickly click on the build number seven times. MIUI. After the message of successful activation appears, a new item "Advanced settings" will appear in the settings menu, where the desired switches are hidden. USB» and, if possible, “Debug over Wi-Fi” for wireless connection.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI.
- 🔓 Go to Settings. → Additional settings → For developers.
- 🔌 Activate the debugging switch on USB.
- 💻 Install the drivers. ADB on your personal computer.
Also make sure that your computer has the right drivers for your device installed. In a Windows environment, this may require manual installation through Device Manager if the system does not recognize the phone automatically. For macOS and Linux, the Android SDK platform is usually sufficient.
☑️ Xiaomi Preparing to Remove Applications
Removal of the Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
The most effective and safe way is to use tools. ADB. This method does not require root rights and allows you to delete packets for the current user, making the application invisible to the system, effectively removing it. ADB from the official developer website.
Connect your smartphone to your computer with a cable. You'll see a request for debugging permission on your phone screen -- make sure you tick "Always Allow" and confirm the action. Open the command line or terminal in the ADB folder and type in the adb device command to make sure the device is correctly identified.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtubeExecuting this command will instantly remove YouTube from user space, and it is important to know the exact name of the package, since it may vary slightly from region to region, although it is standard for global versions of MIUI 12. If the command is successful, the system will return the message "Success".
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Using ADB allows you to uninstall the application without violating the integrity of the system partition, which retains the guarantee and the ability to update over the air.
Using third-party utilities for uninstallation
For those who do not want to mess with the command line, there are graphic shells that work on the base. ADB-One of the most popular and trusted programs is Universal Android Debloater, an open-source cross-platform application that automatically identifies connected devices.
Once you run the utility and connect your smartphone, you'll see a list of all the packages installed. The interface lets you filter the applications by "System" or "User" category. If you find it in the list of com.google.android.youtube, you can click the delete button, and the program will generate and send the necessary command to the device.
⚠️ Note: When using automatic uninstallers, read package descriptions carefully. Deleting critical system libraries from the Google Framework could disrupt the Play Market store and other dependent services.
The advantage of these tools is that if you delete YouTube and find that a widget or feature has stopped working, it will allow you to put the package back in place with a single button, which makes the process of experimenting with the system much less risky.
Comparison of disposal methods and their consequences
The choice of method depends on your goals and level of training. Simply disabling through settings leaves files on the disk, but it is safe. Using ADB frees up space but requires a PC. Root rules give full control, but carry security risks.
| Method | Required rights | Liberation of the place | Risk to the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection in settings | No. | No (only cache) | Absent. |
| ADB (User 0) | USB debugging | Yes (full) | Low. |
| System App Remover | Root rights | Yes (full) | High-pitched |
| ADB (Global uninstall) | Root rights | Yes (full) | Medium. |
As you can see from the table, the ADB method for user 0 is the middle ground, and it removes the application so that it stops taking up space and executing, but when you reset it to factory, it automatically recovers, which is the perfect balance between cleanliness and the ability to roll back changes.
Using root rights for global removal (pm uninstall without user 0 flag) erases the application from the system partition forever. This action is irreversible without flashing the device. On MIUI 12, obtaining root rights will also unlock the bootloader, which can lead to data loss on the first boot.
What will happen when the MIUI is updated?
Possible problems and ways to solve them
There may be errors in the removal process. ADB It can return to Failure status. [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]». This often happens if the application is actively used in the background or has dependencies that the system considers critical.
Sometimes, after YouTube is removed, weather widgets or newsfeeds that use Google's video player to play content stop working, the solution is to install an alternate client or restore a remote package, and there may be problems with authorization on other Google services if shared libraries have been affected.
- 🔄 Connection error: Check the cable USB Try another port, preferably. USB 2.0.
- ❌ Denial of access: Make sure that the debugging permission is confirmed on the smartphone screen.
- 📦 Packet dependency: Do not delete com.google.android.gms, this will cause most applications to fail.
If your Xiaomi stopped booting after a failed experiment, the only way out is to enter Recovery mode. To do this, press the power and volume button (usually "Up" or "Down" depending on the model). From the recovery menu, select Wipe Data, which will return the phone to factory state along with all the remote applications.
⚠️ Warning: Never delete packages that have the words "framework," "provider" or "services" in their name unless you are 100% sure of their purpose».
Alternatives to the standard YouTube app
After removing a standard client, many users are looking for a replacement. The official web interface through the browser is often heavy and uncomfortable. Fortunately, the development community offers lightweight and functional alternatives that do not require Google Play services for basic work.
A popular solution is the NewPipe project, which is an open-source video player that doesn't use official video. API YouTube, which allows you to watch videos without ads, in the background and even download content. APK-file, since the application is not in the official store.
Another option is SmartTubeNext (formerly Smart TV), which was originally designed for TVs but works great on tablets and smartphones with MIUI 12. It offers advanced playback settings, HDR support and no trackers, and using such applications returns the user control over content consumption.
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Using alternative clients like NewPipe not only replaces functionality, but also significantly increases privacy by blocking Google trackers.