YouTube is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and often takes up precious space in memory, consumes traffic in the background and drains the battery. Even if you don’t use it, the system keeps updating it via Google Play, and MIUI doesn’t allow you to remove it by standard means. In this article, 5 proven ways to completely get rid of YouTube on Xiaomi, including hidden system methods and ADB commands.
Xiaomi’s peculiarity is that it blocks the removal of most Google apps through the settings menu, which is due to license agreements and Google Mobile Services (GMS) requirements, but there are workarounds ranging from simple shutdowns to deep cleaning of system files, and we will analyze each method taking into account MIUI 14/15 versions and features of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi models (including the 13/14 series).
Why YouTube can’t be removed in the standard way
When you try to delete YouTube through Settings → Apps, you will see a gray button “Delete” or a message “App is disabled”.
- 📦 YouTube refers to system applications that are integrated into firmware MIUI.
- 🔗 Removing it violates Google’s license terms, so Xiaomi blocks this feature at the software level.
- 🔄 Even after "deleting" through ADB The application can be restored after the update MIUI or reset.
It's important to understand that disabling and deleting are different processes. An application that is disabled remains in memory but does not work. A remote application that disappears completely, but can return when you update the system, and we'll look at both options below.
⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI, errors in Google services or inability to update firmware. Before actions, back up to Settings → The phone. → Backup.
Method 1: Turn off YouTube without deleting (the safest)
If you just need to stop YouTube background activity and hide it from the menu, you just need to turn off the app, which does not require root rights and does not affect the stability of the system.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find YouTube in the list (use the search at the top).
- Tap on the app. → select "Disable".
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After that:
- 🚫 YouTube icon will disappear from the menu.
- 📵 The app will stop updating through Google Play.
- 🔄 Google account features (such as sync) will not be affected.
☑️ What to do after you turn off YouTube
The downside of the method: YouTube will remain in the phone’s memory and will take ~100-150 MB.
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is Google’s official tool for managing Android devices via a computer, which allows you to delete YouTube without getting root rights.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
- 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
- ⚙️ Included debugging by USB phone-on.
Steps:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Turn on USB Debugging.
File transfer
ADB Tools
cmd
Terminal
ADB
adb devices(Your device should appear)
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtubeIf the command is executed without errors, YouTube will be deleted for the current user.
- ✅ The app will disappear from the system.
- ⚠️ After resetting settings or updating MIUI It could come back.
- 🔧 To re-install, use the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.youtube
💡
If the command doesn't work, try replacing --user 0 with --user current. On some Xiaomi firmware, that solves the problem.
Method 3: Remove with Magisk (for hard-wired phones)
If your Xiaomi has Magisk installed, you can use modules to deep clean system applications, a method that is suitable for advanced users.
Procedure:
- Install Magisk and get root.
- Download the Universal Android Debloater module from the Magisk repository.
- Install the module via Magisk Manager and restart the phone.
- After the reboot, open Settings → Apps and check if YouTube has disappeared.
Advantages of the method:
- 🧹 Complete removal without traces.
- 🔄 The ability to restore the application through Magisk.
- 🛡️ Protection against automatic recovery after updates.
⚠️ Warning: Improper use of root rights can disrupt work MIUI or cause a device to "brick" (inoperability) before installing Magisk, unlock the bootloader through the official tool Xiaomi Unlock Tool.
How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi?
Method 4: Manually delete system files (for advanced ones)
This method requires root rights and file system work, and it's good if ADB and Magisk don't work, and the risk of system damage is high, and you can only use it if you understand the consequences.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root access (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore or /system/app/YouTube
- Delete the YouTube folder or files with the.apk and.odex extensions.
- Clear the cache in the folder: /data/data/com.google.android.youtube
- Reboot the phone.
Possible problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube rebounds after reboot | MIUI defense is working | Use ADB to lock the package: adb shell pm hide com.google.android.youtube |
| The error "Android system has stopped" | Critical files deleted | Restore the firmware through Fastboot |
| Google Play is not working. | Google services are damaged | Reinstall GMS via Open GApps |
💡
Before manually deleting system files, create a full backup via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.This is the only way to recover your phone if you make a mistake.
Method 5: Use of alternative firmware
If you're willing to drop MIUI, you can install custom firmware without Google services (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), a radical method, but it's guaranteed to remove all pre-installed apps.
Pros:
- 🚀 Full control of the system.
- 🔒 No forced updates from Xiaomi/Google.
- 🛠️ Ability to fine-tune productivity.
Cons:
- ⚠️ Loss of guarantee.
- 🔌 Risk of "brike" in case of installation error.
- 📱 Certain functions (e.g, IR-blaster NFC) They may not work properly.
Recommended firmware for Xiaomi:
- 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
- 🎨 Pixel Experience – The interface is like Google Pixel.
- ⚡ ArrowOS – Optimized for Performance.
What to do if YouTube is back after the update
Even after deletion, YouTube can recover from the MIUI or Google Play Services update.
- Freeze the package via ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.youtube
- Turn off auto-updates in Google Play: Open Google Play → click on avatar → Settings → App Auto-Update. Select "Do not update automatically."
App Quarantine
If YouTube is still showing up, check out:
- 🔍 Availability of updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 📦 folder /data/app YouTube files available.
- 🔧 Google account settings (sometimes the app is restored through synchronization).