How to Disable YouTube Shorts on Desktop and Android: A Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube Shorts provide an array of quick entertainment options, but many users find themselves caught in an endless scrolling cycle. Their pervasive presence on the platform, from the homepage to search outcomes, can be overwhelming. If you’re looking to reclaim your YouTube experience free from these brief video snippets, here’s how to disable Shorts on both desktop and Android devices.

Removing Shorts from YouTube Search Results

Shorts frequently dominate search results, which can be particularly frustrating when you seek long-form content. Fortunately, YouTube has implemented a useful filtering feature to address this issue without the need for additional tools.

To exclude Shorts from your search results, initiate a search on YouTube and click the Filters button. Within the Type section, choose Video. This action will refresh the results, eliminating any Shorts videos.

Youtube Desktop filters with video selected

The process is similarly straightforward on the YouTube mobile app. After entering your search query, tap the dots menu in the upper right corner and select Search filters. Choose Video under Type to apply the desired filter.

Keep in mind that this feature is gradually rolling out and may not yet be available in all regions.

Disabling YouTube Shorts on Desktop

If you wish to eliminate Shorts entirely from your YouTube experience, you’ll need a third-party extension, as Google does not currently offer a built-in option for this purpose. Among the various extensions available, the YouTube Shorts Block extension stands out for its user-friendly interface and compatibility with both Chrome and Firefox.

This extension automatically converts Shorts to regular landscape videos, thereby preventing the addictive scrolling behavior associated with them. To fully block Shorts, click on the extension icon, access the dots menu, and activate the options to hide “Shorts”tab and hide Shorts video.

Youtube Shorts Block Extension with shorts blocked

Once set up, the extension will remove Shorts from the home feed, the Shorts tab on the left panel, and search results. However, be aware that Shorts might still briefly appear when the search results load, before getting removed.

Disabling YouTube Shorts on Android

On Android devices, disabling Shorts is slightly more complicated since third-party tools cannot modify the official YouTube app features. Here are two workaround methods to limit Shorts on your Android device.

Utilizing the No Shorts App

If you’re concerned about the addictive qualities of Shorts, the No Shorts app may be a beneficial solution. This application prevents users from opening Shorts, and while they remain visible, they will immediately close when accessed.

By using accessibility permissions, the No Shorts app monitors when you attempt to open a short video within supported applications (YouTube included) and closes it instantly. To utilize this app, simply launch it, grant the necessary accessibility permissions, and toggle the Shorts option. Our tests reveal a seamless experience where accessing multiple Shorts was unsuccessful as they closed before reaching full screen.

Enabling shorts blocking in No Shorts App

Please note that enabling accessibility permissions allows apps to interact with your screen, which carries inherent risks, despite the No Shorts app claiming to only track specific texts and package names for the purpose of detection.

Employing a Third-Party YouTube Client

Another effective solution is to use a third-party YouTube client that inherently blocks Shorts. We recommend NewPipe, a privacy-focused alternative that features additional functionalities, including background video playback.

Since NewPipe is not available on the Google Play Store, you will need to enable installations from unknown sources on your device. You can then download it from the official NewPipe website or find it on F-Droid.

By default, Shorts are enabled in NewPipe, so you’ll need to disable them after installation. Navigate to Settings from the main menu, select Content → Channel tabs, and uncheck the Shorts option. This adjustment will remove the Shorts tab and any Shorts appearing in your home feed, although some may still show up in search results.

In addition to these methods, you can manage your Shorts exposure by marking them as “Not Interested” to refine your recommendations. If you’re struggling with phone addiction due to Shorts, consider employing grayscale mode to reduce your device’s allure.

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