Application YouTube Music is often installed on smartphones Android by default - either as part of the manufacturer's firmware, or through automatic synchronization with your account Google. Even if you don't use the service, it may take up memory space, drain battery power in the background, and appear in your recently opened apps list. Removing it is not as easy as it seems: on some devices the “Delete” button is simply missing, and disabling it only hides the icon, but does not free up resources.

In this article we will look at 5 working methods getting rid of YouTube Music - from basic (suitable for any devices) to advanced (required root access or ADB). Let us separately dwell on the nuances for smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi i Huawei, where the application is often built into the system. You will also learn how to prevent re-installation of the service and how to replace it to listen to music without wasting money.

Why YouTube Music cannot be deleted in the standard way

On most smartphones YouTube Music refers to system applications those that are preinstalled by the manufacturer or Google. They cannot be deleted through the menu Settings → Applicationsbecause:

  • 📱 Included in the package Google Play Services - other services will not work without it (Google Maps, Gmail, Play Market).
  • 🔒 Protected by superuser rights —even the device administrator cannot remove it without special tools.
  • 🔄 Automatically restored after resetting the settings or updating the firmware.

On devices Samsung and Xiaomi the application can be part of the proprietary shell (One UI or MIUI), and on Huawei (without services Google) - replaced on Huawei Music, but with similar restrictions. The only way to completely erase YouTube Music is to use ADB commands or root access, but this is fraught with loss of warranty and the risk of "bricking" the device.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Pixel or Nokia with clean AndroidYou can remove YouTube Music like a regular application. Check this before using complex methods!

Method 1: Disabling the application (without deleting)

If you just need to hide the icon and disable background activity, use the built-in function turning off. This will not free up memory, but will stop battery consumption and notifications.

  1. Open Settings → Applications (on some devices - Settings → All applications).
  2. Find YouTube Music in the list (use search if there are many applications).
  3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Disable (or Delete updates, if the button is active).
  4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

After disabling, the icon will disappear from the menu, but the application file will remain in the system. To return it, go to the same section and click Enable.

☑️ What to do after disabling YouTube Music

Done: 0 / 1

Method 2: Uninstalling updates and resetting to factory version

If YouTube Music was originally preinstalled, but was later updated via Play Market, you can return it to the factory state. This will reduce the space taken up and reset the settings.

  • 📲 Go to Settings → Applications → YouTube Music → Storage.
  • 🔄 Press Delete updates (if the button is inactive, there are no updates).
  • 🧹 Then select Clear cache and Clear data.

After this, the application will return to the version that was available at the time the phone was purchased. Usually it weighs 2-3 times less than the current one (for example, 50 MB instead of 150 MB). To prevent automatic updating:

  1. Open Play Market.
  2. Find YouTube Music in the search.
  3. Click on the three dots in the corner of the application page and uncheck the Auto-update.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14+), resetting to the factory version may lead to errors in the operation of other services Google. Before taking action, check the reviews about your phone model on the forums.
📊 How do you usually remove unnecessary applications?
Through the "Settings" menu
I use ADB
I install custom firmware
I just disable

Method 3: Uninstall via ADB (without root access)

The tool Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to manage system files without obtaining root access. This method works on most devices, but requires connection to a computer.

You will need:

  • 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
  • 🛠️ Utility ADB Tools from Google.

Steps to remove:

  1. Turn on Developer mode on your phone: go to Settings → About phone and press 7 times on Build number.
  2. Return to Settings → System → For Developers and activate USB Debugging.
  3. Connect your phone to the computer and confirm the trusted device.
  4. Open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
  5. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    The serial number of your device should appear.

  6. Delete YouTube Music command: 
    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.youtube.music

If the command is completed successfully, the application will disappear from the device. To get it back, just install from Play Market.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

Method 4: Complete removal with root access

If you have root accessyou can erase YouTube Music without a trace, including all associated files. This method is suitable for experienced users, since incorrect actions can lead to data loss or system malfunction.

Instructions:

  1. Install a file manager with support root (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to the folder /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/ (depending on the firmware).
  3. Find files with the names:
    • YTMusic.apk
    • com.google.android.apps.youtube.music-1.apk
    • com.google.android.apps.youtube.music-2.apk (if any)
  • Delete them or move them to another folder (for example, to a memory card).
  • Clear the cache and data through Settings → Applications.
  • Reboot the device.

    • After this, the application will be deleted at the system level, and even resetting the settings will not bring it back. However on some firmware (for example, EMUI from Huawei), deleting system APKs may cause a cyclic reboot. Before proceeding, make a backup via. TWRP!

    ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Magisk (for example, after firmware Custom ROM), deleting system applications may break the modules Google AppsCheck compatibility on the forum XDA Developers.

    Method 5: Using custom firmware

    The most radical way is to install alternative firmware without services Google (for example, LineageOS or GrapheneOSThis will completely remove YouTube Music and other unnecessary applications, but will require:

    • 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader).
    • 📥 Installations TWRP or other custom recovery.
    • 🛠️ Skills in working with fastboot i ADB.

    Advantages of the method:

    • ✅ Full control over the system.
    • ✅ No pre-installed applications.
    • ✅ Ability to select versions Android (including outdated but stable ones).

    Disadvantages:

    • ❌ Loss of warranty.
    • ❌ Risk of "bricking" the device.
    • ❌ Some functions (for example Google Pay or Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD) may stop working.

    If you decide to take this step, follow the instructions for your model on XDA Developers or 4PDA. For example, for Samsung Galaxy you will need:

    1. Unblock OEM Unlock in the developer settings.
    2. Install TWRP via Odin.
    3. Flash LineageOS or HavocOS.
    💡

    Before installing custom firmware, check whether it supports your phone model by code (for example, SM-G975F for Galaxy S10+). A mismatch may result in a non-functioning communication module or camera.

    How to prevent YouTube Music from being re-installed

    Even after uninstallation YouTube Music may return after:

    • 🔄 Firmware updates.
    • 🔧 Reset settings to factory settings.
    • 📱 Login to your account Google on a new device.

    To avoid this:

    Problem Solution Tools
    Automatic installation via Play Market Disable auto-update for all applications in settings Play Market Play Market, Settings → Auto-update applications → Never
    Recovery after reset Before resetting, create a backup through Titanium Backup and restore only the necessary applications Titanium Backup (requires root)
    Pre-installation in the new firmware Install custom firmware without GApps or with a minimum set LineageOS for microG, GrapheneOS
    Synchronization with account Google Disable application backup in Settings → Google → Backup Android Settings

    For devices Samsung It is additionally recommended to disable Knox, since it can restore deleted system applications. This can be done through Package Disabler Pro (requires root or ADB).

    How to replace YouTube Music: alternatives without excess water

    If you have deleted YouTube Music, but want to listen to music legally and without unnecessary fuss, consider these applications:

    • 🎵 Spotify - there is a free plan with advertising or premium for 169 ₽/month. Supports offline listening and high sound quality.
    • 🎧 Deezer - an alternative with wide. catalog and function Flow (personal recommendations).
    • 📱 VK Music —free for users VKontakte, but the catalog is limited.
    • 💿 Poweramp — local player with support for formats FLAC, WAV and an equalizer.
    • 🌍 SoundCloud —for independent artists and podcasts.

    If you need exactly YouTube, but without music, use:

    • 📺 YouTube Vanced (unofficial client with blocking advertising).
    • 🔍 NewPipe - open source software for watching videos and listening to music without an account Google.
    ⚠️ Attention: Applications like YouTube Vanced violate the terms of use YouTube. The account may be blocked for using them.
    💡

    The best alternative to YouTube Music for offline listening is Spotify Premium or local Poweramp player with downloaded tracks.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting YouTube Music

    Can I delete YouTube Music without a computer?

    Yes, but only if the application is not a system one. Try:

    1. Go to Settings → Applications → YouTube Music.
    2. Click Delete (if the button is active).
    3. If there is no button, use ADB through the terminal on the phone itself (applications like Termux).

    On most smartphones (especially Samsung and Xiaomi) you can’t do without a PC.

    Why after deleting via Is the ADB application returning?

    This happens due to:

    • Automatic recovery of system applications (typical of MIUI and EMUI).
    • Firmware updates that recover deleted files.
    • Synchronization with account Google (if previously installed via Play Market).

    Solution: disable auto-update in Play Market and use ADB to delete package com.google.android.apps.youtube.music again.

    Is it safe to remove YouTube Music with root access?

    Deleting system applications is always fraught with risks:

    • 🔴 Critical errors - if you delete dependent ones files (for example, Google Play Services).
    • 🔄 Cyclic reboot — if the firmware expects the presence of an application.
    • 📵 Loss of functionality —for example, voice commands will stop working Google Assistant.

    Recommendation: make a backup before deleting via TWRP and check reviews about your model on the forums.

    How to remove YouTube Music on Huawei without Google?

    On devices Huawei without services Google (for example, Mate 40 or P50) instead of YouTube Music preset Huawei Music. You can:

    1. Disable via Settings → Applications (same as method 1).
    2. Delete via ADB command: 
      adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.huawei.music
    3. Replace with Petal Music (official application from Huawei with integration QQ Music i Kugou).
    Is it possible to delete YouTube Music without losing other Google services?

    Yes, if use ADB with the flag --user 0. This command deletes the application only for the current user, without affecting system dependencies. Example:

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

    After this Google Maps, Gmail However, on some firmwares (for example, ColorOS from Oppo) this can lead to errors in Google Play Services.