Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi 7, come with a pre-installed set of apps that cannot be discarded by standard methods. One of these “undetectable” components is Google YouTube, which takes up space in the system’s memory and consumes CPU resources even in the background. For many users, the need for this video service to be present at all times is unnecessary, especially if they prefer alternative platforms or just want to make room.
The procedure for completely removing a system application requires a deeper intervention in the Android operating system than simply uninstalling through the settings menu. Redmi 7 owners need to understand the difference between disabling a function and physically erasing it from the system partition. In this article, we will look at all the available methods, from secure disabling to advanced methods using a computer.
It is worth noting that any manipulation of system files carries certain risks. Incorrect removal of critical components can lead to unstable operation of the Xiaomi device. Therefore, before starting any actions, we strongly advise you to back up important data and carefully follow each step of the instructions to avoid errors.
Why You Can't Just Delete YouTube Through Settings
The standard interface of the Android operating system, the MIUI shell in particular, blocks the ability to remove key Google applications. This is done to ensure the basic functionality of the ecosystem and to comply with license agreements between smartphone manufacturers and Google. When you try to remove YouTube through the app menu, the “Delete” button is either missing or replaced with “Disable”.
The disable feature hides the application icon and prevents it from running, but the installation file (APK) itself remains in the system partition of memory. It continues to occupy space that cannot be used for other purposes without obtaining superuser rights.
⚠️ Note: Attempts to delete system files through file managers with root rights without proper preparation can lead to a "bricking" of the device, that is, a complete loss of the functionality of the Redmi 7 smartphone.
To remove the entire device, you need to use debugging tools that allow you to send commands directly to the Android package manager, ignoring the limitations of the user interface, which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer or using specialized software with advanced rights.
Redmi 7 Prepares for System Application Removal
Before you start removing YouTube, you need to prepare your Xiaomi Redmi 7 for debugging. Without a special developer mode, your computer will not be able to interact with the system at the required level. This process is safe unless you change other unknown parameters in the developer menu.
First, activate the hidden menu. Go to Settings → About Phone and find the MIUI Version. You need to quickly click on this item 7-10 times in a row until you see a pop-up notification that you have become a developer.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Additional settings → For developers.
- 🔌 Find the item "Debugging by" USB» and activate the switch.
- ✅ When connecting to a PC, confirm the debugging permission in the pop-up window on the smartphone screen.
It is also important to check the operating system version on your Redmi 7.The process may vary slightly on different versions of Android (e.g. Android 9 Pie vs Android 11), but the basic principles remain the same.Make sure the battery is at least 50% so that the device doesn't turn off at a critical moment.
☑️ Readiness check for Redmi 7
Deletion method through ADB (Command Line)
The most reliable and clean way to remove a system application is to use the Android Debug Bridge toolkit (ADB). This method does not require superuser (Root) rights, making it safe to guarantee the device.You will need a computer with a Windows, macOS or Linux operating system and USB-cable.
Once you connect your smartphone and enable debugging, open the command prompt or terminal on your computer in the folder with ADB installed. Enter the adb device command to check the connection. If all is correct, you will see your Xiaomi serial number and device status.
The packet manager command is used to remove YouTube, and the standard YouTube package name looks like com.google.android.youtube. The removal command looks like this:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtubeThe --user 0 option indicates that the application is removed for the main user, which effectively removes it from the system. The -k flag saves data and cache in case you want to restore the application (although if completely removed, this may not work without reinstalling the APK). If the command is executed successfully, the terminal will see a Success message.
⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages that you do not know the purpose of. Deleting system components of Google Play Services may disrupt other applications.
What if the ADB can’t see the phone?
Use of uninstallation software
For users who don’t want to mess with the command line, there are graphical shells for ADB. Programs like Universal Android Debloater or Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools provide a user-friendly interface with a list of all installed applications, which greatly simplifies the process for owners of Redmi 7.
Once you run this program and connect your smartphone, the software will automatically scan the device and display a list of packages. You need to find it in the list of com.google.android.youtube. Often programs have a search, which makes navigation easier. Selecting the desired item and pressing the button "Uninstall" or "Remove" will perform the same operation as the manual command in the terminal.
The advantage of using specialized software is that it has package descriptions, and it can warn you that removing the selected component can lead to system instability, reducing the risk of accidentally deleting critical files that are necessary for MIUI to work.
| Method | Difficulty | I need a Root. | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection in settings | Low. | No. | Tall. |
| ADB (Command Line) | Medium | No. | Tall. |
| ADB Deinstallers | Low. | No. | Tall. |
| System App Remover (Root) | Tall. | Yes. | Medium |
Alternatives: Modified YouTube clients
Often the reason for wanting to remove the official app is the abundance of advertising, the lack of playback backgrounds or the need for a Google account. Instead of completely removing the functionality of the video service, many users of Xiaomi Redmi 7 choose to install modified versions.
Popular projects like YouTube ReVanced (the successor to Vanced) or NewPipe offer enhanced functionality, allowing you to watch video without ads, enable playback in the background and block sponsored inserts, and these apps do not require removing the YouTube system, as they can work in parallel or replace it functionally.
Installation of such applications is done bypassing the Google Play store. APK-When installing, Android can warn about the danger of installation from unknown sources - you must allow this action for the browser or file manager.
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Use micro-G or GmsCore to run modified YouTube clients if you need to sign in to a Google account. Without this component, login to your account in third-party apps may not be possible.
Possible problems and solutions
Unforeseen situations may occur when you uninstall your system applications on Xiaomi. One of the common problems is the Failure error. [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]» when attempting to remove ADB. This may mean that the application is critical to the current firmware version or blocked by the device administrator.
Sometimes, after YouTube is deleted, other Google apps, such as desktop widgets or smart assent, stop working correctly, in which case you need to restore the deleted package. If you used ADB, the recovery command looks like this:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.youtubeIf recovery through ADB is not possible, the only option is to reset the smartphone to factory settings (Wipe Data), which is why backing up before manipulation is a critical stage in the preparation of the Redmi 7.
⚠️ Warning: After deep cleaning of the system, update the firmware "over the air» (OTA) A non-standard state of the system partition can cause an error when installing the update.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I delete YouTube without a computer?
Will the vacant space be taken after removal?
Is it safe to use a modified YouTube on Redmi 7?
What if the phone stops turning on after removal?
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Complete removal of the system YouTube is possible only through ADB or Root-rights, the standard menu allows you to only disable the application, hiding it from the screen.