In a significant response to user feedback regarding “doomscrolling,” YouTube has officially updated its mobile app settings to allow users to effectively disable the Shorts feed. As of April 16, 2026, the platform has expanded its existing “Shorts feed limit” tool to include a zero-minute option, which removes the dedicated Shorts shelf and tab from the home screen.
Previously, the lowest available limit was 15 minutes (introduced in late 2025). This new “kill switch” is now rolling out globally to all adult accounts on both iOS and Android.
How to Disable Shorts (Step-by-Step)
If you have the latest version of the YouTube app, you can follow these steps to clear your feed:
- Open YouTube Settings: Tap your profile picture (bottom right) and select the Settings (gear icon).
- Navigate to Time Management: Tap on “Time management” (on some devices, this may be under General > Time watched).
- Find the Shorts Feed Limit: Locate the “Shorts feed limit” toggle and switch it on.
- Set to 0 Minutes: From the time selection menu, choose the new “0 minutes” option.
- Restart the App: You may need to close and restart the app for the changes to take effect.
What Changes Once Disabled?
Setting the limit to zero does not delete Shorts from the platform, but it fundamentally alters how you interact with them:
- Home Feed: The horizontal “Shorts shelf” that usually breaks up your long-form video feed will disappear.
- Shorts Tab: The dedicated Shorts icon at the bottom of the navigation bar will either be hidden or show a “Limit reached” notification.
- Exceptions: You may still see individual Shorts if you explicitly search for them or if they appear in your Subscriptions feed, but the “infinite scroll” trap is effectively removed.
Current Limitations & Availability
| Feature Aspect | Status as of April 2026 |
| Mobile App (iOS/Android) | Live (Rolling out globally) |
| YouTube Web (Desktop) | Not Available (Requires browser extensions like Unhook) |
| Parental Controls | Available via Family Link (since January 2026) |
| Creator Impact | None; you can still upload and manage your own Shorts. |
Analyst Note: This move follows a string of legal pressures in the U.S. and EU concerning the “addictive design” of short-form video platforms. By giving users a native “zero” option, YouTube is positioning itself as a more responsible alternative to TikTok and Instagram Reels, which currently do not offer a native way to completely hide their short-form feeds.
