Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where embedded apps take up space they would like to use for other purposes. YouTube is a system component in the MIUI shell, and it will not be possible to simply remove it through the standard menu. However, there are proven methods to get rid of intrusive service or limit its operation.
In this article, we will discuss all available methods of uninstallation, from simple settings to advanced use of computer utilities. Xiaomi provides users with extensive system management options, but requires care when working with root rights and system processes.
Why not just remove the app
The standard procedure for deleting by long-pressing an icon does not work for system components, but it is done by the developers of MIUI to ensure the stability of the Android operating system. When you try to delete critical files, the system can go into an endless reboot.
However, YouTube is not a critical component of the kernel, so it can be disabled or forcibly removed.The user needs to understand the difference between "remove updates", "disable" and completely uninstall via ADB.
It's worth noting that once you reset the settings to factory settings, the remote application can come back, which is normal behavior for re-enhanced or modified system partitions.
⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulations, be sure to create a full backup of data. Interference with system files can lead to unstable operation of the smartphone.
Preparation of the smartphone for the procedure
To perform complex operations to remove system components, you will need to activate hidden capabilities of the device. First of all, you need to turn on developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI version.
After you have a message about activation of the developer mode, go back to the main settings menu. → For developers, we're interested in two things here: Debugging by USB and Installation through USB.
- 📱 Turn on the "Debugging by" switch USB» Allow the computer to interact with the phone.
- 🔒 Activate “Installation through” USB», Linking the Mi Account (insert required) SIM-map).
- 💻 Install the drivers. ADB on your personal computer or laptop.
Without these steps, the computer will not be able to send a command to remove the system packet.Make sure the USB cable is working and supports data transfer, not just charging.
☑️ Readiness for removal
Method of disabling through settings
The safest, though not always effective, way is to turn off the standard shutdown, which won't completely free up memory, but it will remove the icon and prevent the app from working in the background. → Annexes → All applications.
In the list, find YouTube. If the Delete button is inactive (gray), click on the "Disable" button. The system will warn you that the app will stop working. Confirm the action.
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Disabling the application is the most secure method that does not require a computer and does not violate the device warranty.
This is ideal for users who want to simply hide the application from view and stop its processes. However, the space in the System section will remain occupied.
Removal via ADB AppControl and PC
The most effective way to remove the entire site is to use the Android Command Line Interface (ADB). To simplify the process, we recommend using the ADB AppControl program for Windows. It has a user-friendly graphical interface.
Connect your phone to your computer with a cable. You'll see a request for debugging permission on your smartphone screen -- check the "Always Allow" box and click OK. In the PC program, you'll see a list of all the packages installed.
Find the package com.google.android.youtube, select it and select the action "Delete" or "Disable" and the program will generate and send the necessary command to the system.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtubeThis command is executed in the background when using graphical slits, and after it is executed, the icon will disappear, and the application will be listed as remote for the current user.
| Parameter | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| pm | Package Manager | Android Package Manager |
| uninstall | Team team. | Effect of removal |
| --user 0 | Main user | Removal for current profile |
| com.google... | Packet name | Unique YouTube ID |
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Using ADB allows you to remove system applications without Root rights, which is a safe trade-off.
Alternative methods and launchers
If you don't want to mess around with your computer, you can use third-party launchers that can hide system applications, like installing a Nova Launcher or a Microsoft Launcher from the Play Market store.
In the launcher settings, look for Hidden Apps or Drrawer, add YouTube, and the icon will disappear from the desktop and menu, even though the app will remain on the system, and it's a visual solution that doesn't affect resource consumption.
There are also dedicated uninstallation utilities that work without root rights, but their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI and the level of security of the system, often just duplicate the function of a standard shutdown.
Can I uninstall YouTube on Android 13 and later?
Possible problems and solutions
You can make mistakes in the process of deleting, and most often, the computer doesn't see the phone, check the cable, and try another one. USB-Make sure the connection mode is set to File Transfer (MTP), Not "Only charging».
If YouTube has been removed, Google widgets or other apps may have been affected, and only a complete data reset or re-installation will help. APK-file.
- 🔌 The problem with drivers: reinstall ADB drivers through the Device Manager.
- 🚫 Failure's mistake [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]»: The application is critical to your firmware version.
- 🔄 App is back: check if automatic update of system components is enabled.
It is important to keep an eye on the versions of Google Play Services components, and sometimes they automatically restore remote system applications when they are updated.