How to permanently remove YouTube from Xiaomi smartphone: step-by-step instructions for all models

Are you tired of the intrusive YouTube notifications on your Xiaomi, but can’t find a way to completely remove this app? You’re not alone: many users of Redmi, POCO and other lines are faced with the fact that YouTube is preinstalled as a system application and not removed by standard methods. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways from simple disabling to complete removal through ADB, including nuances for different versions of MIUI and Android.

It’s important to understand that even if you don’t use YouTube, the app continues to work in the background, using up to 15% of the battery (according to the tests on Xiaomi 12T and Redmi Note 11) and taking up to 300 MB of memory. Moreover, it automatically updates through Google Play, which can conflict with MIUI optimizations. But the good news is that you can remove it even without root rights – the main thing is to choose the right method for your model.

Why can’t YouTube be removed in the standard way?

The YouTube app on Xiaomi smartphones is a Google System Services (GMS) that is integrated into the firmware at the Android level.

• 🔹 It is set out in the section /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/, change-proof;
• 🔹 Removal through Settings → Applications are blocked by the “Delete” button (it is simply inactive);
• 🔹 Even after “remove updates”, the application returns to the factory version when restarted.

Xiaomi has also entered into an agreement with Google to pre-install services, so removing the service completely could disrupt other features, such as:

• 📱 Google Play Protection (Virus Scanning);
• 🔄 Synchronization of contacts and calendar;
• 📍 Google Maps and Geolocation.

However, this does not mean that deletion is impossible, but we will look at methods of varying degrees of complexity, from secure shutdown to radical removal via ADB.

Method 1: Turn off YouTube without deleting (the safest)

If you just have to hide the app and stop it from working in the background, this is the best way to do it, and it doesn't require any technical skills, so we can reversing it.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management;
2. Find YouTube in the list (you can use the search).
3. Slip on it and select Disable (or “Delete Updates” if the button is active);
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After that:

• ✅ The app will disappear from the menu and stop sending notifications;
• ✅ It will not be updated through Google Play;
• ✅ Released before 100-150 MB of memory (due to cache and data).

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If the "Disable" button is inactive, try removing the updates first, then disabling. Some models (e.g. POCO F4) require you to first press "Reset" settings.

The downside of the method: the application will remain in the system and can be activated again after resetting settings or updating MIUI.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

This is the most effective way to completely remove YouTube without getting root access, and it takes a computer and 10 minutes.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux;
• 📱 USB Type C C Cable (Original or Quality);
• 🔧 Included Debugging by USB phone-on;
• 📥 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and unpack ADB to any folder on your computer.
2. On your phone, turn on: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times to become a developer) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB (enable)
3. Connect the phone to your computer and select File Transfer mode;
4. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with ADB and type: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
5. Follow the command to delete YouTube: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtube

If the command is executed without errors - YouTube is deleted! app will disappear from the system, but the MIUI updates will not restore it (unlike the standard shutdown).

Method 3: Delete with Magisk (for root users)

If your Xiaomi has Magisk installed (for example, after unlocking the bootloader), you can uninstall YouTube as a system application using the App Systemizer module or Universal Debloater.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Complete removal without traces;
• 🔄 The ability to restore the application later;
• 📱 It even works on MIUI blocking changes to system files.

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk Manager and check root status.
2. Download the Universal Debloater module from the Magisk repository.
3. In the list of applications, find com.google.android.youtube and mark it;
4. Apply the changes and restart the phone.

Method 4: Removal via TWRP (Advanced Method)

This method is suitable for users who have customized TWRP recaps installed. It allows you to remove system applications directly from firmware files.

Warning: Wrong actions in TWRP can lead to a device blink! we recommend you to make a backup before starting.

Instructions:

1. Download your phone to TWRP (usually Power + Vol Up)
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to /system/priv-app/YouTube or /system/app/YouTube.
4. Delete the entire folder or files with the.apk extension;
5. Reboot the phone.

YouTube will be removed at the firmware level, but the next MIUI update may bring the app back.

Method 5: Blocking through Hosts (alternative)

If you need to block access to YouTube but do not delete the app itself (for example, for parental control), you can edit the hosts file.

How it works:

• 🌐 Hosts file redirects YouTube requests to a non-existent address;
• 📵 The application will remain in the system, but will not be able to connect to the servers;
• 🔄 It's easy to undo changes.

Instructions:

1. Download any file manager with root access (e.g. Root Explorer)
2. Open the file /system/etc/hosts.
3. Add at the end of the line: 127.0.0.1 www.youtube.com 127.0.0.1 m.youtube.com 127.0.0.1 youtubei.googleapis.com
4. Save the file and restart the phone.

Now, when you try to open YouTube, you'll see a connection error, and this method doesn't delete the app, but it completely blocks it.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To help you decide, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

For most users, the best way to do this is to use ADB — it doesn't require root, it removes the app completely for the current user, and it's easy to undo. If you're an experienced user with an unlocked bootloader, you can use Magisk or TWRP for a deeper cleanup.

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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the standard YouTube shutdown may not work due to Google’s policy, in which case ADB is the only reliable way to do so without root rights.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you delete YouTube, users often face some problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If after removal through ADB YouTube reappears after the reboot, which means that your device is active Google Play System Updates. Turn it off in the Google Play settings or use Magisk for deep removal.

Error 1: "Device Unauthorized" in ADB

It means that the phone doesn't trust the computer.

1. Turn off the cable and reconnect it.
2. The phone will be asked for debugging permission - confirm it;
3. If the request does not appear, check if debugging over USB is enabled in the developer settings.

Error 2: "Failed to install" in Magisk

This may be due to:

• 🔹 Magisk version (update via Magisk Manager);
• 🔹 Conflict with other modules (unplug them before installation);
• 🔹 Incorrectly downloaded module (download only from the official repository).

Error 3: Google Services Are Not Working After Deletion

YouTube is linked to other Google services through Google Play Services. If Gmail, Maps, or Play Market stop working after you delete it, do:

adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms

This will reset the Google Play Services cache and restore the rest of the apps.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions