How to permanently remove YouTube from Xiaomi Redmi: from a simple shutdown to a deep cleaning

The YouTube app on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is often a source of annoyance: it takes up space in memory, consumes traffic in the background and prevents you from completely removing yourself from standard settings, especially devices with MIUI firmware, where Google services are integrated at the system level. But there is a way out – even without superuser rights (root), you can at least turn it off so that it stops interfering.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from basic shutdown through settings to deep cleaning with ADB and alternative firmware. Each method is tested on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and other popular devices with Android 10–14 and MIUI 12–14. Importantly, some steps require caution – improper actions with system files can lead to a firmware failure, so follow the instructions carefully.

Why is YouTube not being removed in the standard way?

On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, YouTube is classified as system or pre-installed (bloatware).

• 🔹 It's sewn into the firmware. MIUI Protected from removal without additional rights.
• 🔹 Even after "deleting" through Settings → Applications remain scraps of code that continue to consume resources.
• 🔹 Google requires manufacturers to pre-install their services, so Xiaomi can not completely eliminate them.

YouTube is also updated frequently through Google Play, making it harder to control it, for example, if you turn off an app but don't block the updates, it can "resurrection" after another update, so a comprehensive approach is required to completely remove it.

Method 1: Disable YouTube without deleting (safe for beginners)

If you don't have to completely erase an app, you just have to stop it and hide it from the menu, it's the easiest and safest method, and it doesn't require any special knowledge, and it works on all Redmi models.

⚠️ Warning: The app that is disabled won't receive updates, but its data (cache, settings) will remain in the phone's memory. If you plan to return YouTube later, this is the perfect way to do it.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type YouTube (or scroll to the Google section).
3. Click on the app, then select Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After that:

• 📱 YouTube icon will disappear from the main screen and from the app menu.
• 🚫 The app will stop running even if you try to open it through a search.
• 🔄 To return YouTube, go to Settings → Annexes → Unplugged and press Enable.

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

If YouTube has been updated through Google Play, it can be rolled back to a factory version that takes up less space and has no unnecessary features.This method does not remove the app completely, but reduces its weight from ~100-150 MB to ~10-20 MB.

How it works:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → YouTube.
2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Confirm action. The app will return to the version that was preinstalled on the phone.
4. Then we turn off automatic updates: Open Google Play. Search YouTube, open its page. Click on three dots → Remove from the waiting list for updates.

To consolidate the result, prohibit background activity:

1. Go back to the YouTube app settings.
2. Select the Battery → Background Activity.
3. Set a limit to Limit or Prohibit.

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If YouTube continues to update after the rollback, check Google Play settings: go to Settings → App Auto Update and select Never or Only via Wi-Fi (if you rarely connect to wireless networks).

Method 3: Delete YouTube via ADB (without root)

For those willing to go further, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to manage system applications without superuser rights.This method removes YouTube completely, but requires you to connect your phone to your computer.

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB You can have a system malfunction. Before you start, back up your data and make sure your phone is debugging. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB on your computer: Download Platform Tools from the official Android website. Unpack the archive into a folder (e.g., C:\adb). Open the command prompt in this folder (Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
2. Connect the phone: Enable debugging by USB On Redmi (see above). Connect your phone to your PC via USB-In the command line, type: adb devices Should appear the name of your device (if not, check the drivers).
3. Delete YouTube: Enter the command to uninstall: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtube If an error appears DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR, Try the alternative command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.youtube

After the command is executed:

• 📱 YouTube will disappear from the system (including icons and background processes).
• 🔄 To return the application, just install it again from Google Play.
• 🔧 If the team does not work, check if the debugging is blocked in the MIUI (Sometimes you need to unlock. OEM developer-side).

Method 4: Use of alternative firmware (for advanced ones)

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, you can install custom firmware without Google services (GApps), a method that is suitable for Redmi models that support unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP or OrangeFox.

Pros of the method:

• 🧹 Complete removal of all Google system applications, including YouTube.
• 🚀 Increased productivity (no background processes).
• 🔒 Greater control over the device.

Cons:

• ⚠️ The risk of “bricking” the phone in case of an error.
• 🔧 Requires unlocking the bootloader (resets all data!).
• 📵 Some features (like Google Pay) will stop working.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader: Apply for unlock through the official Xiaomi website. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (Switch off) → Hold the Power. + Vol−). Start the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.
2. Install custom recovery: Download TWRP for your Redmi model (e.g. from twrp.me).Sweat it through fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. Install firmware without GApps: Download firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience (vanilla version without Google). In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data). Install firmware through Install.

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Installing custom firmware voids Xiaomi’s warranty. If you’re not sure about your skills, it’s best to use methods without unlocking the bootloader (ADB or disabling the app).

Method 5: Root rights and Titanium Backup (for experts)

If you're ready to get root rights, Titanium Backup or System App Remover can permanently delete YouTube, including all traces of it in the system, which gives you maximum control, but also maximum risk.

What will be required:

• 📱 Phone with unlocked bootloader (see Method 4).
• 🔧 Established custom recovery (TWRP).
• 🔑 Root rights (for example, through Magisk).

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk via TWRP (you can download it on GitHub).
2. Download Titanium Backup or System App Remover from Google Play.
3. Open the app, find YouTube in the list of system applications.
4. Choose Remove (or Freeze if you want to be able to recover).
5. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: Removing root-righted system applications can result in a cyclical restart (bootloop) or failure of individual functions (such as a camera or mobile network). TWRP before removal!

Advantages of the method:

• 🗑️ Complete removal of all YouTube files, including cache and data.
• 🔧 Ability to remove other unnecessary system applications.
• 🔄 Easy recovery through backup.

What if YouTube is back after the MIUI update?

Sometimes, after updating the MIUI firmware, remote applications (including YouTube) may reappear, because Xiaomi restores system components with major updates, to prevent YouTube from returning:

1. Block system updates: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Click on three points → Update settings → Turn off Auto Boot over Mobile and Wi-Fi.
2. Use ADB after each update: Repeat the uninstall command (see Method 3).
3. Install a patch with Magisk: In Magisk, find the Universal GMS Doze module or DisableFlags – they help block the recovery of system applications.

If YouTube is back, check out:

• 🔍 Have there been new packages with similar names (e.g. com.google.android.apps.youtube.kids).
• 📦 Google Play Services has been updated, sometimes it restores remote apps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing YouTube from Xiaomi Redmi