Application YouTube na Android TV often becomes a source of irritation: annoying advertising, background video playback, automatic updates and the inability to completely remove it through the standard menu. Many users want to get rid of it to save resources, increase free space, or simply for a clean interface. However, manufacturers (for example Sony Bravia, Xiaomi Mi TV or Philips) often block the removal of pre-installed applications, leaving only the option Disable or Hide.

In this article you you will find 5 working methods - from simple (through TV settings) to advanced (using ADB and manual editing of system files). We will also look at why removing YouTube may cause problems with other Google services on some modelsand how to avoid it. All instructions are adapted to current versions Android TV 12/13 and tested on popular brands.

Before you begin, please note: some methods require data-i="47">or unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights (root), which may void the warranty. If your TV is still under warranty, first check the section "Alternatives to complete removal".

📊 What TV do you have on Android TV?
Sony Bravia
Xiaomi Mi TV / Redmi TV
Philips
TCL
Other brand

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

The application YouTube on Android TV belongs to the category system applications (system apps), which are integrated into the firmware by the manufacturer. This means: System applications data-i="64">in the application menu it is only

  • 🔹 It is installed in the section /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/, which is protected from changes without rights root.
  • 🔹 Even after pressing Delete in the application menu it is only is disabled, and the files remain in memory.
  • 🔹 On some models (for example, Sony KD-55X80J) YouTube is linked to services Google Play Services, and its removal may disrupt other functions.

Manufacturers do this for several reasons:

  1. Contracts with Google: For certification Android TV brands are required to pre-install key services, including YouTube.
  2. Monetization: Advertising on YouTube generates income for both Google and TV manufacturers.
  3. Simplification of support: A unified ecosystem reduces the number of calls to support.

However, there are workarounds. Below we will look at methods from the safest (without loss of warranty) to the most radical (requires root).

💡

If you do not want to risk the firmware, try first disable YouTube autorun in the settings: Settings → Applications → YouTube → Autorun → Disable. This will reduce the load on the system, but will not remove the application completely.

Method 1: Disable and hide YouTube (without deleting)

If you just need to remove YouTube from the main screen and prevent it from working in the background, this method is best suited. It does not require special knowledge and is safe to guarantee.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings on the TV (⚙️ button on the remote control).
  2. Go to section Applications (on some models - All applications).
  3. Find YouTube in the list and select it.
  4. Click Disable (if available) or Uninstall updates.
  5. Return to the main screen, hover over the YouTube icon and press button OK on the remote control. In the menu that appears, select Remove from main screen or Hide.

What it gives:

  • ✅ Application will not launch automatically.
  • ✅ Will disappear from the main screen and from recommendations.
  • ✅ Up to 50–100 MB cache will be freed (but not the application itself).

Limitations:

  • ❌ YouTube files will remain in the TV's memory.
  • ❌ After updating the firmware, the application can be activated again.
What to do if the "Disable" button is inactive?

On some TVs (for example Xiaomi Mi TV 4S) the disable option is disabled. In this case, try:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and synchronization and delete your Google account.

2. Restart the TV - sometimes this will unlock application settings.

3. If this does not help, go to Method 3 (ADB).

Method 2: Reset the TV to factory settings

This is a radical but effective method delete all user data, including YouTube updates. However, it will reset all settings TVs, applications and accounts. Use it if other methods did not work.

Step-by-step guide:

Take screenshots of current settings (brightness, sound, network)

Record Wi-Fi data (network name and password)

Make sure that there are no important files on the TV (screenshots, recordings)

Disconnect the TV from your Google account (if linked)-->

  1. Open Settings → Support → Reset (on some models the path may be different, for example Settings → System → Reset data).
  2. Select Factory reset settings.
  3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a PIN code or password).
  4. Wait for the reboot (takes 3-10 minutes).
  5. After turning on do not connect your Google account and not update the firmware - this will prevent automatic installation of YouTube.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔄 Removes all YouTube updates, returning it to the factory version (often lighter).
  • 🧹 Clears cache and temporary files of other applications.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Deleted all data, including saved Wi-Fi passwords and image settings.
  • ⚠️ On some TVs (for example Philips 7500 Series) YouTube may appear again after connecting to the Internet.
💡

If after resetting YouTube still appears, it means that it is built into the firmware at the system level. In this case, only uninstalling via ADB will help or getting root access.

Method 3: Uninstalling YouTube via ADB (without root)

This method is suitable for advanced users and requires connecting the TV to the computer. It allows to completely remove YouTube without obtaining root access, but requires activation of the debugging mode (ADB debugging).

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
  • 🔌 Cable USB-Type C (or Micro-USB, depending on the TV model).
  • 📦 Utility ADB Tools (download from the Android website).

Instructions:

  1. Enable USB debugging on the TV:
    • Go to Settings → About TV → Number build.
    • Click on Build number 7 timesuntil the message appears You have become a developer!.
    • Go back in Settings → For developers and enable USB debugging.
  • Connect the TV to the computer cable and select mode Transfer files (if prompted).
  • Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
  • Check the connection command: 
    adb devices

    The serial number of your TV should appear.

  • Delete YouTube command: 
    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtube.tv

    If the command did not work, try:

    adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.youtube.tv
  • Reboot the TV: 
    adb shell reboot

    • Possible errors and solutions:

    Error Cause Solution
    device unauthorized Access to debugging on TV is not confirmed A request for debugging permission - confirm it
    Failure [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR] YouTube is protected by the system Try adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.youtube.tv
    device not found ADB drivers are not installed Install drivers for your OS (for example, Google USB Driver for Windows) 
    adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.youtube.tv
    -->

    Method 4: Removal using root access (for experienced)

    This method most riskybut gives 100% removal guarantee. It requires unlocking the bootloader and obtaining rootrights, which can:

    • ⚠️ Void the warranty.
    • ⚠️ Disrupt operation OTA updates.
    • ⚠️ Lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the TV in case of an error.

    If you are ready to take the risk, follow the instructions:

    1. Unlock the bootloader:
      • For Xiaomi: use the utility Mi Unlock Tool (requires waiting 7 days after linking the account).
      • For Sony or Philips: look for instructions for your specific model (often a special cable is required).
  • Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP), if it is available for your model.
  • Flash Magisk to obtain root access: 
    fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
  • Uninstall YouTube manually:
    • Connect to the TV via ADB or terminal in TWRP.
    • Run the command: 
      su

      rm -rf /system/priv-app/YouTubeTV/
      

      rm -rf /system/app/YouTubeTV/
      

      rm -rf /data/app/com.google.android.youtube.tv*

    • Reboot TV.

    Warnings:

    💡

    On some TVs (for example, Sony X90J), uninstalling YouTube via root may disrupt the operation of Google Cast and Chromecast. In this case, you will have to restore the firmware via USB flasher.

    Method 5: Installing custom firmware (as a last resort)

    If none of the methods worked, you are left reflash the TV to custom firmware without pre-installed Google applications. This is a complex process that requires:

    • 🔧 Support from the developer community for your model.
    • 💾 A backup copy of the original firmware.
    • 🛠️ Ability to work s Fastboot, TWRP i ADB.

    Where to look for firmware:

    • 🌐 Forum XDA Developers (section for your TV model).
    • 🌐 Communities 4PDA (for Xiaomi, Philips).
    • 🌐 Official or unofficial builds LineageOS for TV.

    Risks:

    • ⚠️ Loss of support DRM (will not work Netflix, Disney+ in HD).
    • ⚠️ Unstable operation of the remote control or Wi-Fi.
    • ⚠️ Lack of OTA updates.
    List of models with support for custom firmware

    Xiaomi Mi TV 4/4S/4X (unofficial LineageOS builds) Nvidia Shield TV (official support) Philips 6/7/8 series on Android TV 9+ (limited support) Sony Bravia X800H/X900H (for advanced users only)

    Alternatives to completely deleting YouTube

    If deletion seems too risky, consider these options:

    • 🔕 Blocking via router: Add YouTube domains (youtube.com, googlevideo.com) to the blacklist on the router or via Pi-hole.
    • 🛡️ Limit background activity: 
      Settings → Applications → YouTube → Battery → Background activity → Limit
    • 📵 Using alternative launchers: Install ATV Launcher or Sideload Launcherto hide YouTube from the interface.
    • 🔄 Rollback to the old version: Uninstall YouTube updates via Settings → Applications → YouTube → Remove updates.

    These methods will not remove the application completely, but will make it less intrusive.

    Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

    Can I remove YouTube without a computer?

    Yes, but only if you have root access. Without them, complete removal is only possible through ADB (requires a PC) or a factory reset. An alternative is to disable the application in the settings (see Method 1).

    Why does YouTube appear again after deleting via ADB?

    This happens due to automatic recovery of system applications updating firmware. To prevent the return of YouTube:

    1. Disable automatic application updates in Google Play Store.
    2. Freeze the YouTube package via ADB: 
      adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.youtube.tv
    Is it possible to remove YouTube on a Sony Bravia without losing the warranty?

    On most models Sony Bravia (for example, X80J, X90J) YouTube is built into the firmware. Safe methods:

    • Disable autorun (see Method 1).
    • Hide the icon through an alternative launcher.
    • Use ADB to disable (without deleting files).

    Complete deletion will require root, which will void the warranty.

    How to get YouTube back if you need it again?

    If you deleted YouTube via ADB, restore it with the command:

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

    If you used root, you will have to:

    1. Restore deleted files from a backup.
    2. Or reflash the TV with the original firmware.
    Will Smart YouTube TV work after removing the standard one? YouTube?

    Yes, Smart YouTube TV (unofficial client) works independently of the system YouTube. However, to install it you will need:

    1. Enable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security).
    2. Download APK from the official website SmartYouTubeTV.
    3. Install via File Commander or Send Files to TV.

    Advantages Smart YouTube TV:

    • No advertising.
    • Background playback.
    • Blocking recommendations.