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

YouTube is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and often takes up too much memory, consumes traffic in the background and interferes with concentration. Unlike conventional programs, it can not be removed in the standard way - the "Delete" button in the app menu is simply absent. This is due to the fact that YouTube is included in the package of Google services (GMS), which manufacturers are required to install on Android devices.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to get rid of YouTube on Xiaomi, from temporary shutdown to complete deletion of system files (including methods for root users). Each method is tested on current MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14 firmware, including the Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5 and Xiaomi 13/14.

Why YouTube can’t be removed in the standard way

The fact that YouTube on Xiaomi installed as a system application – its files are in a protected section /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/. Even if you find it. APK-file in this directory, it will not be possible to erase it simply: the system will block the attempt due to lack of rights.

Google is also actively fighting to remove its services:

• 🔄 Automatic Recovery: After Rebooting or Updating MIUI The app can come back by itself (if you don't turn it off correctly).
• 📦 Dependences on other services: YouTube is linked to Google Play Services, Google Account Manager, and other components that may disrupt your device.
• 🔒 Protection against modifications: new versions of Android (starting with 10) introduced system file integrity check (DM-Verity), which locks the device when you change protected partitions.

This doesn't mean that removal is impossible, it just requires workarounds, and then we'll look at them in terms of complexity, from safe to radical.

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

If you don’t have to completely erase the app, but just hide it and stop background activity, use the built-in Android tools.This method does not require root rights and is suitable for any Xiaomi models, including the budget Redmi A2+ and the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type “YouTube” and select the app from the list.
3. Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive, first click “Stop”).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After that:

• 📱 YouTube icon will disappear from the app menu (but will remain on the list of all programs).
• 🚫 The app will stop updating through Google Play.
• 🔄 Background processes (such as notifications) will be stopped.

Clear the app cache|Delete data (if you do not need saved videos)|Disable autostart in battery settings|Check for duplicates (YouTube Music, YouTube Kids)-->

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ The application will remain in the device memory (takes up) ~50–100 MB).
• ❌ After resetting settings or updating MIUI YouTube may be activated again.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI the disabled application can be turned on again after connecting to Google Play. To avoid this, turn off automatic updates of applications in the Play Store settings.

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, which does not require root rights, but only applies to the user part of the application (system files will remain).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → YouTube → Three points (⋮) → Remove updates.
2. Confirm action. The app will return to the version that was preinstalled on the device.
3. (Optional) Clear the cache and data in the same menu.

To prevent a re-update:

• 🛡️ Open Google Play, search YouTube, click three dots and uncheck the box with Auto Update».
• 📵 In the settings of the Google account (Settings) → Google → Managing Google Account: Turn off YouTube data sync.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F4 GT) After removing updates, access to YouTube Music or YouTube Premium may be lost if they were associated with the main application.

Method 3: Delete YouTube via ADB (without root but with PC)

For users willing to connect a smartphone to a computer, there is a more radical method - removing the YouTube package via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but requires the activation of the developer mode and install drivers.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB on PC: Download Platform Tools from the Android Developers site. Unpack the archive and open the command prompt in this folder (Shift + right mouse button → Open PowerShell window here).

Connect the phone and execute commands.

adb devices

(Your device should appear)

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

What's going to happen?

• 🗑️ The application will be removed for the current user (without affecting system files).
• 🔄 After resetting or creating a new user, YouTube may return.
• 🛠️ The method works MIUI 12–15 and Android 10–14.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi firmware (especially Chinese versions), the pm uninstall command may not work due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case, try the alternative command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.youtube This will disable the app at the system level.

Method 4: Completely remove YouTube with root rights

If you are ready to get root access (for example, through Magisk), you can delete YouTube permanently, including system files, which is suitable for advanced users and requires unlocking the bootloader.

Pre-launch warnings:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone.
• 🛡️ Root rights can disrupt Google Pay, Netflix and other secure apps.
• 📵 Xiaomi’s warranty will be cancelled.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) for your model.
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Use a root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer) and delete: /system/priv-app/YouTube/ or /system/app/YouTube/ /data/app/com.google.android.youtube-*/ (if any)

Dalvik Cache

TWRP

Alternatively, through Magisk:

• Install the Universal Debloater or Debloater module.
• In the list of system applications, search com.google.android.youtube and mark it for removal.
• Reset the device.

💡

Before you delete your system files, back up the /system partition to TWRP, which will help you recover your phone if something goes wrong.

What to do if YouTube is back after being deleted

Even after successful removal, YouTube may reappear on the device for the following reasons:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: Firmware restores system applications.
• 📦 Restore via Google: If you are logged in to a Google account, some services may be reinstalled.
• 🔧 Resetting: Returns the device to factory state.

How to prevent return:

• 📵 Turn off automatic application recovery: adb shell settings put global package_verifier_user_consent -1
• 🛡️ Freeze the package via Titanium Backup or App Quarantine (requires root).
• 📥 Block Updates: On Google Play, disable auto-update for YouTube. Use Firewall (like NetGuard) to block YouTube's access to the Internet.

💡

If YouTube has returned after the MIUI update, repeat the removal procedure via ADB or root. Newer versions of the firmware may require an updated list of deactivation packages.

YouTube Alternatives on Xiaomi: What to Use Instead

If you removed YouTube due to ads, high traffic consumption, or other issues, consider alternative apps:

To install alternative clients:

1. Download APK from the official website (not from third-party sources!).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
3. Install the file and set up the app (for example, NewPipe allows you to import subscriptions from YouTube).

⚠️ Note: Some alternative customers (e.g. Vanced) require MicroG installation to operate a Google account.This may conflict with the original Google Play services on the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing YouTube on Xiaomi