How to Remove YouTube on Xiaomi: From Disabling to Remove the System App

YouTube is preinstalled on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones as system software, and cannot be removed by standard methods through the settings menu. Even after “deleting” through Settings → Apps, it stays in the device’s memory, taking up to 200-300 MB, and is automatically updated via Google Play. This article will explain how to completely get rid of YouTube – from simple disconnection to radical removal through ADB or custom software.

The problem is that MIUI (even in the latest versions of MIUI 14/13) blocks the removal of key Google apps, including YouTube, Gmail and Chrome. But there are workarounds, from manually disabling updates to using Debloater tools or superuser rights, we'll look at all the methods, from the most secure to those that require unlocking the bootloader and potentially disenfranchising warranties.

⚠️ Important: Some methods (for example, removal through the ADB) Google Play Services may be disrupted or may cause errors in Google Play Services. If you are unsure of your actions, limit yourself to disabling the app or removing updates.

1. Why can't YouTube be removed in standard ways?

YouTube on Xiaomi is classified as a system application (/system/priv-app/ or /system/app/) that is protected from removal for two reasons:

• 🔒 Google license agreement: Manufacturers must pre-installe Google's core services (GMS) certification.
• 🛡️ Protection MIUI. The operating shell blocks changes in the system partition without root or unlocked bootloader rights.
• 🔄 Auto Updates. Even if you delete the app through the menu, it will recover the next update through Google Play.

The table below compares removal methods by difficulty and risk:

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi with a locked bootloader (by default on all new devices), methods with the ADB or root can cause a phone to fail. Before experimenting, check the bootloader status with a team:

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the unlock will require a wait of 7 days (Xiaomi policy).

2. Method 1: Disable YouTube without deletion (the safest)

If you just need to hide YouTube and stop it from running in the background, just turn off the app through the settings. This won't free up memory, but will stop auto-updates and notifications.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find YouTube in the list (use search if necessary).
3. Click Disable (the button may be gray if the application is system-based).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• 📱 The icon will disappear from the app menu.
• 🔄 Auto Updates via Google Play will stop.
• 🚫 Background activity will be blocked.
• ⚠️ But: the application will remain in memory and take place in the section /system.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) the "Disable" button may be blocked. In this case, try the following method.

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If the “Disable” button is inactive, try removing all YouTube updates first (see Method 2) and then try again.

3. Method 2: Remove YouTube Updates (releases up to 150 MB)

The system version of YouTube weighs only ~30-50 MB, but after updates through Google Play, its size grows to 150-300 MB. Removing updates will return the application to the factory version and stop auto-updates (before the first reboot or manual update).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → YouTube.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Confirm the action.
4. (Optional) Go back to the YouTube menu and click Disable (now the button must be active).

To prevent repeated updates:

1. Open Google Play.
2. Find YouTube in search.
3. Click on the three dots next to the Update button and uncheck the Auto Update box.

⚠️ Restriction: After resetting settings or updating MIUI YouTube can update automatically again. To avoid this, use the method of using the following: ADB (Method 4).

Method 3: Delete YouTube via ADB (without root)

This method allows you to completely remove YouTube from your device, but requires a computer connection and the use of Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO on MIUI 12–14.

⚠️ Warning: The wrong teams ADB They may disrupt other system applications. Follow the instructions accurately!

Step 1: Preparation

• 💻 Install. ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
• 📱 On the phone, activate Developer Mode: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and press 7 times.
• 🔧 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• 🔌 Connect your phone to the PC by USB (Select the File Transfer Mode).

Step 2: Checking the connection

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, the connection is successful.

Step 3: Delete YouTube

Enter two commands in turn:

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

If the first command fails (Filure error) [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]), try:

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

✅ Result: YouTube will be removed for the current user (without affecting system files) and the app will not recover after the reboot, but will return after a full reset or update. MIUI.

5. Method 4: Complete removal with Magisk (root required)

If you already have root rights (like through Magisk), you can delete YouTube at the system file level.This method permanently deletes the app, even after resetting, but requires an unlocked bootloader and a Magisk installed.

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk Manager and check root status → Magisk → Status).
2. Download Universal Debloater for Magisk.
3. Install the module via Magisk and restart the phone.
4. After the reboot, open Universal Debloater and find it in the list of com.google.android.youtube.
5. Check the tick and click Apply.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications via Magisk may result in:

• 🔴 Errors in Google Play Services (e.g. Google Play Services).
• 🔴 Loss of functionality of other Google services (Gmail, Chrome).
• 🔴 Problems with OTA-update MIUI.

💡 Tip: Before deleting, back up the system partition via TWRP or adb backup.

💡

Magisk removal is the most radical method, but it's irreversible without flashing it, and only use it if you're confident in your actions and prepared for the consequences.

6. Method 5: Install custom firmware (for advanced)

If you're willing to go to extremes, you can install custom firmware without Google services (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that will completely remove YouTube and other system apps, but:

• 🔓 You will need to unlock the bootloader (wait for 7 days on the new Xiaomi).
• 🔧 You'll have to hand-stitch. TWRP and the firmware.
• 🚨 Risk of a device blink (inoperability) in case of an error.
• 📱 You will lose official updates MIUI and guarantee.

If you do, follow the official instructions for your model on the XDA Developers forum, for example, the Pixel Experience firmware for the Redmi Note 11 and LineageOS 20 for the POCO F3.

⚠️ Critical moment: After installing custom firmware, you can not return to MIUI They can't completely reset through fastboot, they can also stop working:

• 📸 Camera (due to lack of Xiaomi drivers).
• 🔋 Fast charging.
• 📶 Some modem functions (e.g. VoLTE).

7.Alternatives: How to use YouTube without an app

If you need to save space, but sometimes you still use YouTube, consider alternative ways to do this:

• 🌐 Mobile version. Open m.youtube.com in Chrome or Firefox and add the site to the home screen as PWA-attachment.
• 📱 Easy clients. Apps like NewPipe (no ad, background play) or SkyTube (open source).
• 💾 Streaming via Kodi.Install Kodi and add a YouTube plugin to watch without an official customer.

💡 Advantages of alternatives:

• ✅ Not occupying a place in the system section.
• ✅ You can block ads via uBlock Origin (in the browser).
• ✅ Background playback and video download (in NewPipe).

⚠️ But: Unofficial customers may violate YouTube’s terms of use, which theoretically threatens to block the account (in practice, it is extremely rare).

FAQ: Frequent questions