Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 7A Often faced with a problem: preinstalled YouTube app takes up space in memory, consumes traffic in the background and is not deleted by standard means. Even after clicking “Delete” in the application menu, it only deactivates, continuing to occupy up to 150-200 MB on the system partition. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways - from simple disabling to complete deletion of system files, including methods for devices without any system. ROOT-rights and with an unlocked loader.
Feature of Redmi 7A (The codename pine is that YouTube is integrated into the firmware here. MIUI It's like a system application. It means that you can delete it through Settings. → But there are workarounds: from using ADB-It is important to understand that some methods require technical training - incorrect actions can lead to malfunctions of the phone.
Before you start, check: 1) MIUI Version (in Settings → About Phone). On older versions (below MIUI 12), some methods may not work. 2) Availability of a backup. Even if you don't plan to get ROOT, it's better to be safe. 3) bootloader status: if it's unlocked, all methods are available, including deleting via TWRP.
Method 1: Disable YouTube without deletion (without ROOT)
The safest way to do this is to deactivate the application so it doesn't start or update, and it won't make room on the system partition, but it will stop the background activity.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search bar, type “YouTube” and select the app.
- Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive, first click “Delete Updates”).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After the shutdown:
- 📱 YouTube icon will disappear from the app menu.
- 🔄 Automatic updates via Google Play will stop.
- ⚠️ But the application files will remain in memory (/system/priv-app/YouTube).
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After YouTube is disabled, the sound in other applications may disappear (the bug is associated with Google Play Services.
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without ROOT)
If the shutdown is not enough, you can delete YouTube using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require ROOT-Right, but we need to debug. USB computer.
Step-by-step:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder on your PC.
- On your phone, activate Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to turn on Developer Mode).
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect Redmi 7A to your PC and type in the command line (from the folder with ADB):
adb devices
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtubeIf the team is successful, you will see success. DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER This means that the device has a security policy (for example, a corporate profile) – deletion is blocked.
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC
Enable debugging over USB on your phone
Download ADB Tools with the latest version
Connect your phone to the original cable-->
Method 3: Remove system APKs via TWRP (unlocked bootloader required)
To completely remove YouTube from the system partition, you’ll need a custom recovery (TWRP) and unlocked bootloader, a method that permanently deletes the app’s files, but requires caution.
Steps:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (account binding is mandatory!).
- Install TWRP for Redmi 7A (the version should match your firmware).
- Download to TWRP (Power buttons + Volume up).
- Go to Advanced → File Manager and delete the folders: /system/priv-app/YouTube /system/app/YouTube (if any)
Wipe → Cache
| Action. | Risk | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Removal via ADB | Low. | The application is hidden to the user, but the files remain |
| Removal via TWRP | High (possible bootloop) | YouTube Deleted, Place vacated |
| Disconnection in settings | Absent. | Background activity stopped, icon hidden |
⚠️ Note: If after removal through TWRP phone does not load, restore deleted files via adb push or reflash MIUI Make sure you have a backup persist and vendor partitions!
What if Google services stopped working after YouTube was deleted?
Method 4: Use Debloater Tools (for power users)
There are specialized utilities for removing system applications, such as Universal Android Debloater (UAD) or App Inspector. They work through ADB and allow you to selectively remove MIUI components.
How to use UAD:
- Download Universal Android Debloater and unpack.
- Connect Redmi 7A to USB with debugging enabled.
- Launch it. uad_gui.exe (for Windows) or a script for Linux/macOS.
- In the list, look for com.google.android.youtube and tick.
- Click on “Uninstall selected” and confirm.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔍 Visual interface is easier than manual ADB-team.
- 📊 You can remove other unnecessary apps (Mi Browser, Mi Music, etc.).
- ⚠️ Risk is lower than manual editing of system files.
adb shell pm list packages > packages_backup.txtThis will help restore the removed components if something goes wrong.-->
Method 5: Reflashing custom ROM (radical solution)
If you need to not only remove YouTube, but also get rid of all MIUI blobate, consider installing custom firmware, for example:
- Pixel Experience is a firmware with Google Pixel features.
Installation process:
- Unlock the bootloader (see Method 3).
- Install. TWRP And make a full backup. → System + Data).
- Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS for Redmi 7A) and GApps (if you need Google services).
- You can use TWRP (Wipe → System → Install ZIP).
⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may have bugs with: 📶 Module. 4G/LTE (Problems with connection on some assemblies). 🔋 Power management (fast battery discharge). 📷 Camera (not all functions) MIUI Before installing, check the reviews on the camera. XDA Developers or 4PDA for your model (pine).
💡
Installing custom ROM is the only way to get rid of Xiaomi’s pre-installed apps completely, but requires unlocking the bootloader and risking loss of warranty.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When you delete YouTube, Redmi 7A users often face the following problems:
1. Mistake. INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK When you try to reinstall YouTube, cause: Damaged cache files. Solution:
adb shell pm clear com.google.android.youtube2. After deleting, the sound in other apps disappeared. Cause: YouTube is linked to audio_policy_configuration into MIUI. Solution: Restart your phone or restore the app.
3. Unable to unlock the bootloader. Reason: Mi Account is not tied to the device or wait 7 days (Xiaomi policy). Solution: use the official Unlock Tool and wait.
4. After custom ROM firmware is installed, the mobile network is not working. Reason: There are no modem files for your region. Solution: run vendor and firmware from stock firmware.