Introduction
YouTube Shorts has become one of the most popular short-form video features on smartphones. While many users enjoy watching quick entertainment clips, others find Shorts distracting, repetitive, or simply not useful. If you are looking for ways to turn off YouTube Shorts on your smartphone, you are not alone.
Although YouTube does not currently provide a permanent one-click option to completely disable Shorts, there are several effective methods you can use to reduce, hide, or remove Shorts from your YouTube experience.
In this complete guide, we will explain step-by-step how to turn off YouTube Shorts on Android and iPhone devices.
Why People Want to Disable YouTube Shorts
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why many smartphone users prefer to turn off Shorts:
- Shorts can be addictive and time-consuming
- They clutter the YouTube homepage
- Some users prefer long-form educational content
- Shorts consume mobile data and battery life
- Parents may want fewer distractions for children
- Many users dislike TikTok-style vertical videos
Fortunately, there are several ways to limit or remove Shorts from your feed.
Can You Completely Turn Off YouTube Shorts?
The short answer is: not permanently.
YouTube has not introduced an official setting that fully disables Shorts for all users. However, you can:
- Hide Shorts temporarily
- Remove Shorts recommendations
- Downgrade to an older YouTube version (Android)
- Use YouTube in a browser instead of the app
- Customize your recommendations
Let’s explore each method in detail.
Method 1: Hide YouTube Shorts from the Home Feed
This is the easiest and safest method for most users.
Steps for Android and iPhone
- Open the YouTube app on your smartphone.
- Scroll until you see the “Shorts” section.
- Tap the three-dot menu beside a Short video.
- Select “Not Interested.”
- Repeat this process for multiple Shorts.
After doing this several times, YouTube reduces Shorts recommendations on your homepage.
Important Note
This method does not permanently disable Shorts. The Shorts shelf may return after some time, but repeating the process helps minimize it.
Method 2: Use the “Not Interested” Option for Every Short
YouTube’s recommendation algorithm learns from your behavior.
If you consistently mark Shorts as “Not Interested,” the app gradually stops suggesting them.
How to Do It
- Tap and hold a Shorts video.
- Choose “Not Interested.”
- Continue doing this for Shorts content.
Within a few days, your feed usually starts prioritizing regular long-form videos.
Method 3: Disable Shorts Notifications
Some users are mainly annoyed by constant Shorts notifications.
You can easily turn those off.
On Android
- Open YouTube.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Go to “Settings.”
- Tap “Notifications.”
- Turn off:
- Recommended videos
- Shorts notifications
- Personalized updates
On iPhone
- Open YouTube Settings.
- Tap “Notifications.”
- Disable Shorts-related alerts.
This reduces interruptions significantly.
Method 4: Use YouTube in a Mobile Browser
One of the best ways to avoid Shorts is by using YouTube in a web browser instead of the app.
Steps
- Open Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.
- Visit YouTube.com.
- Request the desktop version of the website.
- Browse YouTube normally.
The desktop version shows fewer Shorts compared to the mobile app.
Benefits
- Cleaner interface
- Fewer distractions
- Better control over recommendations
- Reduced Shorts visibility
Method 5: Install an Older Version of YouTube (Android Only)
Older YouTube versions released before Shorts became popular often do not include the Shorts feature.
Warning
This method is only recommended for advanced users.
Installing old APK files from untrusted sources may create security risks.
Steps
- Uninstall YouTube updates.
- Download an older YouTube APK version.
- Disable automatic updates in the Google Play Store.
Pros
- Removes Shorts entirely in some versions
- Cleaner classic YouTube experience
Cons
- Security vulnerabilities
- Missing new features
- Potential app instability
Method 6: Use YouTube Kids or Restricted Mode
If you want fewer distractions for children, YouTube Kids can help avoid Shorts-style content.
How to Enable Restricted Mode
- Open YouTube.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Go to “Settings.”
- Select “General.”
- Turn on “Restricted Mode.”
While this does not completely remove Shorts, it filters some content categories.
Method 7: Clear YouTube Watch History
YouTube recommends Shorts based on your activity.
If you have watched Shorts before, the algorithm will continue suggesting them.
Steps to Clear Watch History
- Open YouTube.
- Go to “Settings.”
- Tap “History & Privacy.”
- Select:
- Clear watch history
- Clear search history
- Pause watch history if desired.
This resets recommendation patterns.
Method 8: Use Third-Party YouTube Alternatives
Some users prefer YouTube clients that provide more control over the interface.
Popular alternatives include:
- NewPipe (Android)
- LibreTube
- SkyTube
These apps may allow you to browse YouTube videos without Shorts.
Important Reminder
Always download apps from trusted sources.
How to Remove Shorts Tab from YouTube
On some Android versions, users can temporarily remove the Shorts tab.
Steps
- Tap the Shorts tab.
- Open a Short.
- Tap “Not Interested.” repeatedly.
- Restart the app.
In some cases, the tab becomes less visible.
However, YouTube often restores it during updates.
Best Method for iPhone Users
Since iOS users cannot install modified YouTube apps easily, the best solutions are:
- Use Safari browser
- Hide Shorts repeatedly
- Disable notifications
- Reset recommendations
These methods provide the cleanest experience on iPhones.
Best Method for Android Users
Android users have more flexibility.
The most effective options include:
- Using older APK versions
- Third-party YouTube clients
- Browser-based YouTube
- Recommendation training
Combining multiple methods works best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I permanently disable YouTube Shorts?
No. YouTube currently does not offer a permanent disable option.
Why do Shorts keep coming back?
YouTube aggressively promotes Shorts because they increase engagement.
Does clearing history remove Shorts?
It can reduce recommendations, especially if you previously watched many Shorts.
Is using old APK versions safe?
Only if downloaded from trusted sources. Older versions may contain security issues.
Can YouTube Premium remove Shorts?
No. YouTube Premium removes ads but does not disable Shorts.
Final Thoughts
YouTube Shorts may be entertaining for some users, but many smartphone users prefer a cleaner and less distracting experience. While YouTube does not currently allow users to fully disable Shorts permanently, several practical methods can significantly reduce or hide them.
For most users, the best approach is:
- Mark Shorts as “Not Interested”
- Use YouTube in a mobile browser
- Clear watch history
- Disable Shorts notifications
Android users can go even further with third-party apps or older YouTube versions.
By following the steps in this guide, you can regain control of your YouTube experience and focus on the content that matters most to you.
