How to permanently remove YouTube from Xiaomi Redmi 7: from deactivation to deep cleaning

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 7 often face a problem: preinstalled YouTube takes up space in memory, consumes traffic in the background and is not deleted by standard means. Even after clicking “Delete” in the app menu, it remains in the system as an updated version on top of the factory, this is due to the policy of Google and Xiaomi, which integrate services at the MIUI firmware level.

But there are ways to get rid of it forever, from simply shutting it down to completely deleting system files. In this article, we will discuss 3 working methods (including root-free solutions), as well as alternative options for those who want to save memory but are not willing to risk system stability. Importantly, on Redmi 7 with MIUI 12+ firmware, some methods require additional steps due to the changed structure of the system folders.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. This depends on the choice of method.
• 🔒 Root rights: If they are not available, only methods 1 and 2 will work.
• 📦 Free space: after removal, free ~150–200 MB (excluding cache).

1. disable YouTube without deletion (safe way)

If you just hide an app and stop it from working in the background, this method is the easiest and doesn't require superuser rights. It's suitable for users who want to keep the ability to bring YouTube back.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find YouTube on the list and tap it.
3. Click “Disable” (the button will become active if the app has been updated through Google Play).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

What's going to happen?

• 🚫 The app will disappear from the menu and stop updating.
• 📵 Background activity (traffic and battery consumption) will stop.
• 🔄 If necessary, you can turn it back on in the settings.

⚠️ Warning: The disabled application still takes up space on the device (~50–70 MB) For complete removal, proceed to the following methods.

💡

If the “Disable” button is inactive, try first to delete all YouTube updates through Settings. → Annexes → YouTube → ⋮ → Remove updates

2. Removal via ADB (without root but with PC)

This method allows you to completely remove YouTube from your phone without getting root rights, you will need a computer with ADB drivers installed and USB debugging enabled on Redmi 7.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC

Open the command line (Windows)

adb

Take the commands in turn.

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed)

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

If the command is successful, YouTube will be removed for the current user (without affecting system files), and when you reset your phone or create a new profile, the application can return.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 12.5+ The team can return the error DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER. In this case, try an alternative command: adb shell pm hide com.google.android.youtube (steal the application, but will not delete files).

3. Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you have root access, you can delete YouTube at the system file level, which will permanently rid the phone of the app, but it takes care: wrong actions can cause MIUI to crash.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore or (for newer versions of MIUI): /system/priv-app/YouTube
3. Delete the YouTube folder or files with the.apk and.odex extensions.
4. Clear the cache and data through Settings → Apps → YouTube (if the item is still displayed).
5. Reboot the phone.

B. Restriction of background activity

1. Go to Settings → Apps → YouTube → Battery.
2. Select “Limit background activity”.
3. Turn off auto-start in Settings → Battery and Performance → Auto-start Management.

B. Use of the browser

• 🌐 Log in to m.youtube.com via Chrome or Firefox.
• 📌 Add the site to the home screen as a shortcut (“Add to the home screen” in the browser menu).
• ⚡ Saves up to 100 MB of memory compared to a full application.

💡

A lightweight version of YouTube Go or a web version of the site is the best choice for users who want to save memory without risking the system.

5. How to prevent YouTube from being re-installed

Even after deleting, Google Play may try to restore the app.

Method 1: Freeze through ADB

If you have removed YouTube via ADB, then write the following command:

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

This will block the possibility of automatic recovery.

Method 2: Disabling Automatic Updates

1. Open Google Play.
2. Go to profile → Settings → Auto-update applications.
3. Select “Do not update automatically”.

Method 3: Delete your Google account (radical)

• 🔄 Delete your main Google account in your phone settings.
• ⚠️ This will disable all related services (Gmail, Play Market, etc.).
• 🔙 To return access, just add the account again.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you delete YouTube on Redmi 7, users face typical problems:

Error 1: “Can’t delete the package”

• 🔹 Reason: No rights ADB or the application is protected by politicians MIUI.
• 🔹 Solution: Check if debugging is included USB. Reconnect the cable (use the original one). Try the flag command. --user 0 (see section 2).

Error 2: YouTube is back after the reboot

• 🔹 Reason: GmsCore System Process Recovers Remote Applications.
• 🔹 Solution: Remove updates for Google Play Services. Use ADB for freezing (pm hide).

Error 3: Google Play is not working after deleting

• 🔹 Reason: Google's critical libraries have been removed.
• 🔹 Solution: Restore GmsCore.apk Backup. Fastboot phone over (extreme case).