How to completely remove YouTube from Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: from shutdown to root rights

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 goes on sale with pre-installed YouTube, an app that many users consider unnecessary or even intrusive. Although it can not be removed by standard means (like most system applications from Google), there are workarounds: from simple disabling to complete removal with ADB or root rights. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways for the Redmi Note 9 (including the Note 9 Pro and Note 9S models), taking into account the features of the MIUI firmware and Android version.

It’s important to understand that on devices with MIUI Global, removing system applications can cause disruptions to Google services, including Play Market and account sync. If you’re not willing to risk it, limit yourself to disabling the application or hiding its icon.

Why can’t YouTube be removed in the standard way?

The YouTube app on Redmi Note 9 is a system app (or bloatware) that is embedded in MIUI as part of Google’s GMS service package, so:

• 🔹 There is no “Delete” button in the app menu – only “Disable” or “Delete Updates".
• 🔹 Protected by superuser rights: even after shutdown, the process can start in the background.
• 🔹 Related to other services: Deletion may affect the performance of Google Play, Google account or even MIUI.

Manufacturers (including Xiaomi) block the removal of such applications for several reasons:

1. License agreements with Google that require pre-installing key services.
2. System Stability: Deleting system APKs can cause errors or "outages."
3. Monopolizing the ecosystem: Google and Xiaomi are interested in using their services.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI YouTube may not be available initially, but manual installation will result in the same restrictions as on the global version.

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

If you just have to hide an application and stop it from running in the background, this is the best way to do it. It doesn't require superuser rights, and we'll reversing:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find YouTube in the list (use search if necessary).
3. Click Disable (the button will become active if the application has not been updated).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• 📱 The icon will disappear from the main screen and the app menu.
• 🔄 The app will not be updated through the Play Market.
• 📵 Background processes (e.g. notifications) will cease.

To return YouTube, repeat the steps and click Enable. This method does not delete the app data — it will remain in the device’s memory (usually ~50-100 MB).

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If the “Disable” button is inactive, delete all YouTube updates through the Play Market first, then try again.

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

YouTube on Redmi Note 9 consists of two parts: the system version (stitched into firmware) and updates downloaded through the Play Market. Removing updates will return the application to its original state, which sometimes solves problems with intrusive advertising or crashes.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → YouTube → Storage.
2. Click Remove Updates (if the button is active).
3. Confirm action. App rolls back to version preinstalled in MIUI.
4. Return to the main YouTube menu and click Disable (now the button must be active).

This method will reduce the space it occupies and reset the app's settings, but it won't remove it completely. For radical measures, read on.

Method 3: Delete YouTube via ADB (without root)

If you don't have enough shutdowns, you can delete YouTube using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which doesn't require root rights, but requires a command line.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 📱 USB-cable (original or quality).
• 🔧 Installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 🔐 Included Debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Redmi Note 9: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the computer on the device screen.
4. Open the command prompt (or Terminal) on your PC and execute: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
5. Enter the command to delete YouTube: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtube
6. Reboot the phone.

Once executed, YouTube will disappear from the system, but its system files will remain in memory (they will not take up space, since they are deactivated).

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.youtube

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After YouTube is removed, ADB Google PlayFilms or Google may stop working TV. If you need these services, use other methods.

Method 4: Complete removal with root rights

If you're willing to go to extreme lengths to get root access, you can delete YouTube permanently, including all system files, which is suitable for advanced users, because:

• 🔓 Requires bootloader unlock and Magisk or SuperSU installation.
• 🚫 Cancellation of Xiaomi warranty (if it is still valid).
• ⚠️ Risk of “brick” (turning the phone into a “brick”) when making mistakes.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-14 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) for your Redmi Note 9.
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Install Titanium Backup or Root App Deleter from Play Market.
5. Find in the list of applications com.google.android.youtube and select Delete completely.
6. Reboot the phone.

The advantage of this method is the complete freeing up of space (up to 150-200 MB) and the absence of traces of the application in the system.

• 🔄 Some updates MIUI Can Restore Remote System Systems APK.
• 🛑 Rejection of services dependent on Google (e.g. Google Pay).
• 🔒 Loss of opportunity to receive OTA-Updates (you will need to install them manually).

Method 5: Hiding the YouTube icon without deleting it

If you are disturbed only by the icon of the application, but YouTube itself is sometimes needed (for example, to watch videos on links), you can simply hide it from the menu.

Option 1: Through the MIUI launcher

1. Click and hold the YouTube icon on the home screen.
2. Drag it up to the inscription Delete (or Hide, depending on the version of MIUI).
3. Confirm the action. The icon will disappear, but the app will remain in the system.

Option 2: Use a third-party launcher

Install an alternative launcher (such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) and:

1. Open the launcher settings.
2. Find the Hidden Apps or App Drawer section.
3. Add YouTube to the list of hidden ones.

This method does not affect the app's performance, but visually cleans the interface.YouTube will still be accessible through search or direct links.

What if YouTube is back after the MIUI update?

After major MIUI updates (e.g., version 12 to version 13), some system applications, including YouTube, may recover.

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update (off)
• 📦 Freeze YouTube with the help of ADB (If removed by them: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.youtube
• 🔒 Install a patch for Magisk that blocks system recovery APK (For example, Universal SafetyNet Fix).

If YouTube does return, repeat the deletion procedure in the previously chosen way, and in extreme cases, you can use a packet blocker (such as the Package Disabler) to keep the application permanently disabled.

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On MIUI China firmware, YouTube doesn't recover from updates, because it's not originally part of the system, and if you're ready to switch to Chinese firmware, that's a radical solution.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing YouTube from Xiaomi Redmi Note 9