How to permanently remove YouTube from Xiaomi Redmi 9A: from blackout to deep cleanup

Why YouTube is so hard to remove from Redmi 9A and what to do about it

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9A often face a problem: YouTube application can not be removed in the standard way – the “Delete” button is simply not on the menu. The fact is that on smartphones with MIUI firmware (and Redmi 9A works on it), many Google applications are integrated into the system as system services, which means that they are protected from accidental removal, but not from targeted.

The good news is that you can uninstall YouTube with Redmi 9A in a number of ways, from simply disabling to completely erasing with ADB or root rights. In this article, we’ll break down all methods, including those that work without losing warranty. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or installing additional tools, so choose the option based on your skills.

Before you start, check the MIUI version on your Redmi 9A: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. It depends on which method is best. For example, on MIUI 12.5 and later, some system applications are more protected than on MIUI 12.

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

If you don't have to completely erase an app, but just hide it and stop background activity, this method is the perfect choice. It doesn't require root rights or ADB, doesn't affect warranty, and takes less than a minute.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search bar, type “YouTube” and select the application from the list.
• 🚫 Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive, first click “Stop»).
• ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.

What happens after the shutdown:

• 📱 YouTube icon will disappear from the main screen and from the app menu.
• 🔄 The app will stop updating through Google Play.
• 📵 Notifications and background activity will cease.
• 💾 Free up to 50-100 MB of memory (depending on the cache).

⚠️ Warning: The disabled application stays in the system and takes up space. If you need to free up the maximum amount of memory possible, use methods with complete deletion (see below).

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

If YouTube was pre-installed by the manufacturer (as on most Xiaomi), it can’t be removed completely without ADB or root, but you can return the app to the factory version, freeing up space occupied by updates.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → YouTube.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Delete Updates”.
3. Confirm the action. The app will go back to the version that was on the phone out of the box.
4. Now turn it off as described in Method 1.

This method saves up to 150-200 MB (depending on the number of updates), but keep in mind that Google Play may suggest updating the app again the next time you connect to the Internet.

• 📵 Open Google Play, find YouTube.
• 🔧 Click on three dots next to the “Update” button and uncheck the “Auto Update” box».

⚠️ Note: If YouTube stopped working correctly after you removed the updates (for example, it gives up startup errors), return it to factory settings via Settings. → Annexes → YouTube → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Method 3: Completely delete YouTube via ADB (without root)

For those who are willing to go beyond just disabling but don’t want root rights, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is the official tool from Google that allows you to manage system files without unlocking the bootloader.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 No root.
• 📱 Works for Redmi. 9A any version MIUI.
• 🗑️ Remove the application in its entirety (including cache and data).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 ADB Tools (download and unpack in a separate folder).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Redmi 9A: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times in a row).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB. 🔄 Allow unlocking OEM (optionally, but recommended).

File Transfer (MTP)

cmd

ADB

adb devices

If the device appears on the list, go ahead. If not, check the drivers.

YouTube

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

Reboot the phone.

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

Sometimes. MIUI Blocks the first version due to the features of the firmware.-->

Important: This method removes YouTube only for the current user. If there are multiple accounts on the phone, the app will remain available for other profiles.

Method 4: Removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you are willing to sacrifice the warranty and have experience with root rights, this method will allow you to remove YouTube forever, including all its system components. 9A that will be required:

1. Unlock the bootloader (bootloader).
2. Install custom recovery (e.g., TWRP).
3. Get root through Magisk.

Warning: Mistakes can lead to a device blink.If you are unsure of your skills, use rootless methods.

Instructions for experienced users:

1. Install Root Explorer or Titanium Backup from Google Play.
2. Open the app and find it in the list of com.google.android.youtube.
3. Select the option “Delete” (or “Frozen” if you want to be able to recover).
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

How to hide YouTube in Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Press the free space on the home screen and select “Settings”.
3. Go to the “Hidden Apps” section.
4. Check YouTube and save the changes.

Pros of the method:

• ✅ Does not require technical skills.
• ✅ Reverse (you can return the icon at any time).
• ✅ Does not affect the operation of the system.

Cons:

• ❌ The application stays in the system and takes place.
• ❌ Can still send notifications (unless disabled in settings).

💡

Using third-party launchers is the safest way to remove YouTube without risk to the system, but it does not free up memory, it only hides the application from the user.

What to do if YouTube is back after the MIUI update

One of the common problems with the Xiaomi Redmi 9A is returning remote system applications after the MIUI update, which is because the firmware restores the standard set of programs.

How to prevent the reappearance of YouTube:

• 🔧 Turn off auto-update MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings → Turn off “Downloading».
• 📵 Use it. ADB Adb shell pm hide com.google.android.youtube (not available on all versions) MIUI).
• 🛡️ Install Magisk Module “Debloater” (requires root) that blocks the recovery of remote applications.
• 🔄 If YouTube is back, re-delete it via ADB root.

If you are updating MIUI manually:

1. Download the firmware from en.miui.com.
2. Before installing, delete YouTube via ADB.
3. Install the update via Settings → System Update → Select a firmware file.
4. After the reboot, check if YouTube is back and delete it again if necessary.

FAQ: Frequent questions about YouTube removal with Redmi 9A