Block YouTube on Android TV may be needed for various reasons: from protecting children from unwanted content to limiting viewing time for yourself. Unlike mobile devices, where it is enough to delete the application or use screen time, TVs on Android TV (including models Sony Bravia, Xiaomi Mi TV, NVIDIA Shield and others) require a different approach. The problem is that standard methods often do not work: the application can be built into the system, and removal via Settings → Applications is not available.

In this article we will look into 5 proven methods of blocking, including hidden parental control functions, router settings, and even modification of system files for advanced users. Important: some methods may differ depending on the version Android TV (from Android 9 Pie to Android 14) and the TV manufacturer. If you use a prefix like Google TV Chromecast or Fire TV Stick, some of the instructions are also applicable, but with amendments.

Before you begin, decide on the purpose of blocking:

  • 🔒 Time limit (for example, at night or for children)
  • 🚫 Full removal (if the application interferes with the TV)
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Parental control (filtering content by age)
  • 🌐 Blocking via router (for all devices on the network)

1. Method: Parental controls in Android TV

The most obvious and safest method is to use the built-in functions parental control. It is available on most TVs, but the interface may vary. For example, on Android TV 10+, but the interface may differ. For example, on Sony Bravia the path to the settings is one, and on Xiaomi Mi TV there is another. General algorithm:

Open Settings → Accounts and login → Parental controls. If there is no item, try an alternative path: Settings → Applications → System applications → Parental controls. Here you will be asked to create PIN code (remember or write it down!). After activation, you will be able to:

  • 📺 Block launching specific applications (including YouTube)
  • 🎭 Limit content by age rating (for example, 12+, 16+)
  • ⏰ Set a usage timer (useful for children)

On some models (for example, Philips with Android TV) parental controls are hidden more deeply. If If you don’t find the item, use the search in the settings for “control.”

⚠️ Attention: On TVs with older firmware Android 9 Pie parental controls may be absent or work unstable. In this case, proceed to the following methods.
📊 What brand is your TV?
Samsung
LG
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Xiaomi
Philips
NVIDIA Shield
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2. Method: Disabling YouTube through application settings

If parental controls are not suitable, try disable YouTube as a system application This method. works on most devices, but requires caution: incorrect actions may disrupt the operation of the TV.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Find YouTube in the list (may be called "YouTube for Android TV")
  3. Select Disable or Uninstall updates.
  4. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a PIN code administrator).

On some TVs (for example, Sony X80J) there will be a Reset settings.button instead. This will also delete your account data and cache, but the application itself will remain. To get YouTube back, you will need to reinstall it via Google Play Store.

☑️ Preparing to disable YouTube

Done: 0 / 4

If the “Disable” button is inactive, this means that YouTube is system application and is deleted only through ADB (more on this in method No. 4).

3. Method: Blocking via router (for all devices)

This method is suitable if you want to block YouTube on all devicesconnected to your network, including smartphones, tablets and TVs. For this, functions are used. content filtering in the router settings.

Action algorithm:

  1. Open the router control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  2. Find the section Parental Control, URL Filtering or Firewall.
  3. Add domains to the blacklist: 
    youtube.com

    youtu.be
    

    googlevideo.com
    

    ytimg.com

  4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Router manufacturer Path to blocking settings Features
TP-Link Additional settings → Parental control Supports time blocking
ASUS AiProtection → Parental control Automatic update of the database of prohibited sites
Keenetic Home network → Parental Control Can be blocked by device MAC address
Xiaomi Mi Router Settings → Parental Control Requires an application Mi WiFi to set up

Disadvantages of this method: blocking affects all devices on the network. If you need to restrict only the TV, use filtering by MAC address (you can find it in the TV settings: Settings → Network → Connection status).

⚠️ Attention: Some modern TVs (for example, Samsung QLED with Tizen) use their own DNS servers and can bypass router blocking. In this case, changing the DNS on the TV manually will help (for example, to 1.1.1.3 for the family filter from Cloudflare).

4. Method: Removing YouTube via ADB (for experienced)

If the previous methods did not work, the only option left is radical method - deleting YouTube via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This requires connecting the TV to the computer and knowledge of the command line. On some TVs (for example, Sony with protected firmware) this method can lead to a warranty reset or system inoperability.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable USB debugging on the TV: Settings → About TV → Build number (press 7 times until the message “You have become a developer” appears).

    Then: Settings → Developer Preferences → USB Debugging.

  2. Connect the TV to the computer via a USB cable (OTG adapter may be required).
  3. Install ADB Tools on your PC and run the commands: 
    adb devices

    adb shell
    

    pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtube.tv

If the command did not work, try the alternative: 

pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.youtube.tv

This command does not remove the application, but only disables it for the current user.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

1. Make sure that you are using an original USB cable (not all cables support data transfer).

2. Try connecting via Wi-Fi ADB (command adb connect [TV IP address]).

3. Check if the drivers for your TV are installed on your PC (especially important for NVIDIA Shield).

4. On some TVs (for example, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S) you need to enable Network debugging in the developer settings.

After deleting, YouTube may disappear from the menu, but its icon sometimes remains in the application list (it will generate an error when clicked). To return everything back, do: 

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

5. Method: Alternative firmware and launchers

If you need to not just block YouTube, but to completely change the Android TV interface, consider installing a third-party launcher or firmware. This method is suitable for advanced users and owners of set-top boxes like NVIDIA Shield or Mecool.

Popular solutions:

  • 📱 ATV Launcher or Hal Launcher - allow you to hide unnecessary applications, including YouTube.
  • 🛠️ LineageOS for Android TV —custom firmware without pre-installed YouTube (requires unlocking the bootloader).
  • 🎮 SmartTubeNext —an alternative client for YouTube with advanced content blocking settings.

Installing an alternative launcher:

  1. Download the APK file of the launcher (for example, from APKMirror).
  2. Transfer it to the TV via a USB flash drive or Send Files to TV.
  3. Install it through any file manager (for example, FX File Explorer).
  4. In the Android TV settings, select the new default launcher: Settings → Applications → Default Launcher.

The advantage of this method: you not only block YouTube, but also get more flexible interface the ability to hide other unnecessary applications (for example, Netflix or Prime VideoHowever). Be careful: some launchers may conflict with the TV's proprietary software.

💡

Before installing third-party firmware, check its compatibility with your TV model on the forum XDA Developers or 4PDAIncompatible firmware can turn your TV. into a “brick.”

What to do if nothing helps?

If none of the methods worked, perhaps your TV uses protected firmware (for example, Sony or Philips with proprietary shells). In this case, radical measures remain:

  • 🔌 Physically disconnecting the Internet for the TV (through router settings or pulling out the cable).
  • 🔄 Resetting the TV to factory settings (will delete all applications, including YouTube, but also erases everything data).
  • 🛡️ Using an external device (for example, Fire TV Stick or Apple TV), where the blocking is set up simpler.

On On some TVs (for example LG with WebOSYouTube is built in at the system level, and it is impossible to remove it without hacking the firmware. In this case, the only way out is restrict access to the Internet or use external devices to view content.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting the TV to factory settings will delete all installed applications, accounts and personal data. Before the procedure, write down your network settings and login information for services (for example, Google Account or Netflix).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking YouTube on Android TV

Is it possible to block YouTube only for children, but leave access for yourself?

Yes, for this use parental controls with the creation of separate profiles. Multi-user accounts are supported: create a separate profile for your child and set up restrictions only for him. An alternative is third-party launchers like Android TV 12+ Multi-user accounts are supported: create a separate profile for your child and set restrictions only for him. An alternative is third-party launchers like ATV Launcher, where you can hide applications selectively.

Why, after disabling YouTube via ADB, does it appear again after updating?

This happens because Google Play Services automatically restores system applications. To prevent this:

  1. Disable automatic update for YouTube: Settings → Applications → YouTube → Auto update.
  2. Use the ADB command to completely remove (not disable): pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtube.tv.
  3. Install an alternative application store (for example Aptoide TV), where updates are not tied to Google.

Will SmartTubeNext work if I block standard YouTube?

SmartTubeNext is a separate application that replaces standard YouTube. It will work even if the original YouTube is deleted or. disabled. Moreover, SmartTubeNext has built-in content blocking functions (for example, by keywords or channels), which can be useful for parental controls.

To install SmartTubeNext:

  1. Download the APK from the official site (not from third-party sources!).
  2. Enable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Security → Unknown sources.
  3. Install the application and select it as the default launcher.

Can it be blocked? only individual channels or videos on YouTube?

Yes, but not through the Android TV settings. Options:

  • Use SmartTubeNext —it has a function for blocking channels and keywords.
  • Configure restricted mode in YouTube itself (but this works only for a Google account linked to TV).
  • Install a browser extension (if you watch YouTube via Chrome on TV) like BlockTube.

Restricted mode in YouTube is enabled like this:

  1. Open YouTube on TV.
  2. Go to Settings → General → Restricted mode.
  3. Enable the function and set a password.

How to block YouTube on TV without remote control?

If you do not have a remote control, use:

  • Remote application for Android/iOS (for example, Android TV Remote Control from Google).
  • Gamepad (many TVs support connection via Bluetooth).
  • Keyboard and mouse via USB or Bluetooth (convenient for menu navigation).
  • Voice search (if TV supports Google Assistant): say “Open settings."

If the TV does not respond to anything, try reset via the button on the body (usually you need to hold Power + Volume Down 10-15 seconds).