Users of mobile devices based Android are increasingly faced with the intrusive format of short videos in the YouTube application. The platform developers are aggressively promoting YouTube Shorts, integrating them into the recommendations feed and highlighting them with a separate button in the bottom navigation menu. For many, this becomes an annoying factor that disrupts the usual experience of viewing long content.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to officially remove this function or hide a separate tab using the standard application tools. Google views Shorts as a strategic element of its ecosystem that competes with TikTok, so it doesn't provide users with a checkbox to disable it. However, there are workarounds that allow you to minimize the presence of shorts in your feed or completely change the application interface.
In this article, we will look at all the available methods: from simple steps to clear history to using third-party software. It is important to understand that some methods require obtaining root access or installing unverified modifications, which may pose data security risks. We will analyze each option so that you can choose the most suitable one for your use case.
Why you can’t just disable Shorts in the settings
Many users look for a switch in the settings menu, hoping to disable the short video format. However, in the official version of the application YouTube this option does not exist. This is due to the platform's business model, where short videos generate huge engagement and ad impressions. The algorithms are specially trained to feed you content in vertical video format if you even glance at it.
Even if you try to hide the tab through experimental features, Google often brings them back after updates. The application interface is strictly regulated on the server side, and local phone settings rarely affect the structure of the main screen. Understanding this architecture helps you realize that to actually fix the problem, you'll need to do more than just change menu options.
⚠️ Attention: The official YouTube app doesn't allow you to permanently remove the Shorts button. Any claims of "secret codes" to disable this feature in the stock app are a myth.
However, you can influence how often shorts appear in your main Home feed. Recommendation algorithms respond to your actions. If you consistently ignore such content or mark it as “not interesting,” the system may temporarily reduce the frequency of its appearance. This will not remove the separate tab at the bottom of the screen, but will make viewing more comfortable.
Use the “Not interested” function as often as possible. Click on the three dots next to the video short in the feed and select the appropriate item - this is a signal to the algorithm to change your search results.
Clearing history and resetting recommendations
The safest method of dealing with intrusive content is to work with your browsing history. The algorithm YouTube makes assumptions about your preferences based on what you have watched previously. If you have short videos in your history, the system will assume that you like them and will continue to suggest them.
To break this cycle, you need to completely clear your browsing and search history. This action “resets” your interest profile for the algorithm, forcing it to relearn your preferences. During this period, the number of shorts may temporarily decrease until the system accumulates new data about your tastes.
To perform cleaning, go to the application settings and find the history management section. You will need to confirm the action, as it will be impossible to recover deleted data. This will also affect recommendations on other devices where you are signed in with the same Google account.
- 🗑️ Go to the section
Historyin the side menu of the application. - 🧹 Click on the trash icon or item
Manage all history. - ✅ Select an option
Delete all browsing historyand confirm the action. - 🔄 Repeat the procedure for the section
History search.
After performing these steps, the feed may become empty or show general popular videos. Don't rush to watch short videos right away, otherwise the cycle will repeat. Give the algorithm a few days to adapt, viewing only the long content that you are really interested in.
Using third-party YouTube clients
The most effective way to completely get rid of the Shorts tab is to replace the official application with a third-party client. There are several popular open source projects that allow you to customize the interface by removing unnecessary elements. One of the most famous is YouTube ReVanced.
This tool is a patcher that modifies the original APK file of the application. In the ReVanced settings you can find a special section dedicated to navigation. There the user can disable the display of the Shorts button, removing it from the bottom panel forever. In addition, such clients often block ads and allow playback in the background.
The installation process requires caution. You need to download the original APK of the desired version of YouTube (often this is critical for the patcher to work) and the ReVanced Manager utility itself. After this, the assembly process occurs, as a result of which you receive a ready-made application without shorts and with expanded functionality.
| Client | Installation complexity | Presence of the Shorts tab | Ad blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official YouTube | Low | Required | No (without Premium) |
| YouTube ReVanced | Average | Can be hidden | Yes |
| NewPipe | Low | Absent | Yes |
| LibreTube | Low | Absent | Yes |
An alternative to the complex installation of ReVanced can be the application NewPipe. It does not use Google Play services, which means it does not require an account login. NewPipe's interface is minimalist and does not include short video tabs by default. However, it has a drawback: you will not be able to synchronize subscriptions and history with the main account without complex manipulations with data export.
Where is it safe to download ReVanced?
The official website of the project is on GitHub. Avoid third-party sites offering ready-made "ReVanced" APK files, as they may contain malicious code. Always use the official build manager.
Interface modification via Vanced MicroG
If you decide to use modified clients, you will most likely need to install a special framework for Google services to work. Usually this MicroG or its forks. Without this component, logging into your account in third-party applications will be impossible, and you will lose access to your playlists.
In the settings of some mods you can find an option to force the interface to be redesigned. Sometimes developers of experimental versions add hidden flags that allow you to change the layout of the bottom panel. For example, you can replace the Shorts icon with a “Library” icon or simply make it invisible.
To access such settings, you often need to activate developer mode inside the YouTube application itself. This is done by repeatedly clicking on the version number in the About section. After this, a new menu item appears in the main settings, where fine-grained interface settings are available.
⚠️ Attention: The use of modified applications violates the terms of use of the YouTube service. In rare cases, Google may block access to your account or require re-verification. Use such methods at your own risk.
Remember that updates to the official application may break the operation of mods. You will have to constantly monitor the versions and reinstall the patcher when new YouTube updates are released. This requires a certain level of technical literacy and a willingness to spend time maintaining the software.
☑️ Preparing to install the mod
Restricting access through Digital Wellbeing
If installing third-party software is unacceptable for you, you can use the built-in tools control of digital well-being. It Android has a Digital Wellbeing feature that allows you to limit the time you use specific applications or even their functions.
Although you can't directly remove the button, you can set a timer to use YouTube. When the time limit expires, the application icon will turn gray and launch will be blocked until the next day. This helps combat the addiction to endless scrolling of the feed, including the Shorts section.
There is also a “Focus Mode” function. You can set it so that during certain times of the day (for example, during work or school) the YouTube application is completely unavailable. This will not remove the visual element from the interface, but will prevent accidental launching and sticking in short videos.
To configure, go to Settings → Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls. Select YouTube and set the app timer. Be careful: this method limits access to the entire application, not just the short videos section.
Digital Wellbeing Tools does not technically remove the feature, but it does help discipline yourself and reduce the time spent in the Shorts section.
Blocking via DNS and network filters
Advanced users can try to block the loading of Shorts content at the network level. This is done by setting up DNS filtering or using applications like AdGuard. The essence of the method is to block domain names or paths that are used to download a stream of short videos.
However, this method has significant drawbacks. The YouTube API structure is complex, and short videos are often loaded from the same servers as regular videos. Rough blocking can result in comments, previews, or even the main video stream stopping loading. The application interface may begin to work incorrectly, displaying connection errors.
However, in some AdGuard configurations you can create a custom filter. You'll need to find the latest blocking rules for YouTube Shorts, which are updated periodically by the community of enthusiasts. These rules are added to the “Custom Filters” section in the ad blocker settings.
||youtube.com/shorts/*$important
||googlevideo.com/shorts$important
The use of such filters requires constant monitoring. YouTube regularly changes its request structure, so the rules that work today may not apply tomorrow. This method is more suitable for those who want to experiment with network settings than for the average user looking for a quick solution.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrectly setting network filters can lead to complete inoperability of the YouTube application or interfere with the operation of other Google services on the phone. Always have the ability to quickly disable the filter.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the Shorts button without root access?
Yes, this is possible by installing modified clients such as YouTube ReVanced. They do not require root access, but require manual installation of APK files and configuration through a patch manager. The official application does not provide such a function.
Is it safe to use YouTube ReVanced?
The project is open source, which allows the community to check it for malicious code. However, there is always a risk when installing software from unverified sources. Download the manager only from the official repository on GitHub and avoid ready-made builds from unknown parties.
Why do Shorts appear again after clearing the history?
YouTube algorithms are very adaptive. Even if you clear your history, the system may suggest popular content by default, and Shorts is the most popular format right now. To avoid this, you need to actively use the “Not interested” button in the first days after clearing.
Does deleting Shorts affect the monetization of my channel?
No, hiding the Shorts section in your application does not affect your channel as an author. You can still upload short videos and they will be visible to other users. This is solely a setting for your personal viewing interface.
Is there a way to hide Shorts only on a TV (Smart TV)?
The situation is similar on TVs with Android TV. The official application does not allow you to hide the section. Some users use modified versions of YouTube for Android TV (for example, SmartTubeNext), which allow you to flexibly customize the interface and disable unnecessary tabs.