Many users of smartphones based on Android face a situation where, when swiping to the right of the main screen, the news feed opens Google Discover. This feature, designed to provide up-to-date information, is often perceived as unnecessary, taking up space and battery resources.
Particularly annoying is that this screen cannot be simply flipped - it is firmly fixed to the left. However, there are proven ways to deactivate this panel. In this article, we will look in detail at how to disable the Google screen through system settings or third-party launchers.
Why you should disable the left Google panel
The function Google Discover is integrated into the smartphone shell at the system level. It loads news, weather, and recommended content based on your search queries. For some users, this is a convenient aggregator, but for others it is a source of distraction.
The main reason for disconnection is autonomy. The feed constantly updates data in the background, using Internet traffic and CPU time. If you prefer minimalism and a clean desktop, the presence of unnecessary widgets on the left disrupts the ergonomics of use.
In addition, on older phone models, the presence of an active ribbon can cause micro-stuttering when switching between desktops. Disabling this function frees up RAM and makes menu navigation more responsive.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphones of Chinese brands (for example, Xiaomi or Realme) this panel can be replaced with a local news service (for example, Yandex.News), which is disabled in another section settings.
Disable via desktop settings (Pixel and Stock Android)
On devices with “clean” Android, such as Google Pixel or Moto, the left panel is controlled directly through the launcher settings. This is the simplest method that does not require the installation of additional software.
You need to hold down an empty space on the main screen with your finger for a few seconds. A context menu will appear where you need to select an item Settings or the gear icon. In the list that opens, look for the section associated with the Google screen or news feed.
Find the switch with the name Google Screen or Show Google screen. Move it to the inactive position. After that, when you swipe to the right, the system will no longer open the feed, but will simply remain on the first desktop.
Settings on Samsung smartphones (One UI)
In the shell One UI from the company Samsung the shutdown logic is slightly different. Here the feature is often called "News Roundup" or integrated into the home screen settings. The process requires care, since the menu may change depending on the firmware version.
First, make a long tap on a free area on the desktop. In the lower menu, select item Settings. Scroll down the list to Advanced or immediately look for the option News summary.
If you see a switch News summary, turn it off. In some versions of the software, there may be a source selection instead: click on it and select an option No. This action will completely remove the left panel from the navigation.
☑️ Checking Samsung settings
It is worth noting that on flagship models Samsung Galaxy this function is closely related to the account Samsung. If the panel returns after disconnecting, check the synchronization settings in the manufacturer's personal account.
Removing Discover on Xiaomi and MIUI (HyperOS)
Users Xiaomi often encounter the fact that the left screen is occupied by the service Google Discover or their own aggregator MIUI. In new versions of the shell HyperOS the path to the settings has become a little more confusing, but the principle remains the same.
Hold your finger on an empty space on the desktop and click on the settings icon at the bottom right. In the menu that opens, find the item Advanced. Inside this section there will be an option Ribbon or Google Discover.
Click on the current value (usually it is there Google Discover) and select No or Disabled. If you have a global version of the firmware installed, there may be a separate toggle switch to disable Google services.
| Brand | Function name | Path disable | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel | Google Screen | Home screen settings | No |
| Samsung | News summary | Settings → Additional | No |
| Xiaomi | Feed / Discover | Settings → Advanced | Yandex (in the Russian Federation) |
| OnePlus | Google Discover | Desktop settings | Shelves |
What to do if the settings are not saved?
If after rebooting the phone the left panel appears again, you may have activated a Google account with synchronization of launcher settings. Try temporarily turning off the Internet before changing the settings, and then turning it on again.
Using third-party launchers
If standard methods cannot remove the screen, or the manufacturer’s interface is too limited, the best solution would be to install a third-party launcher. This software completely replaces the standard desktop.
Popular solutions such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcherdo not have the Google left panel by default. You get a clean interface, where swiping left or right only switches between pages.
To install, go to Google Play Market, download the launcher you like and press the button Open. The system will prompt you to select a default application for the main screen - select a new launcher. Now the old Google screen will disappear forever.
⚠️ Attention: After installing the new launcher, widgets and icon placement may be confused. It is recommended to take a screenshot of the current location of applications before replacing.
Some advanced launchers allow you to customize the left panel yourself, adding only the necessary weather or calendar widgets there, without an intrusive news feed. This gives complete control over the interface device.
Nova Launcher allows you to assign a double tap on the application icon to launch a specific action, which compensates for the loss of Google Discover quick functions.
Disable via application settings (radical method)
There is a deeper way to disable it, which affects the application itself, which is responsible for the operation of the feed. This method is suitable for experienced users, as it requires access to system application settings.
Go to Settings phone, then to the Applicationssection. In the list of all apps, find the application Google (not Chrome, but the main application with the letter G). Click on it to open the application card.
Inside, find the item Advanced or Notifications. Sometimes the option to disable the feed is hidden in the All applications → Special. capabilitiessection. However, most often it is enough to find the switch Google Feed inside the settings of the Google application itself.
Settings → Applications → Google → Feed → DisableIf you disable the application itself Google, the voice assistant and search through the widget will stop working. Therefore, use this method carefully, disabling only specific features and not the entire application.
Radical disabling through application settings can disrupt the operation of voice search and the weather widget on the main screen.
Possible problems and solutions
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that after all the manipulations the left panel returns. This may be due to a system update or a launcher reset. In such cases, a re-check of the parameters is required.
Another common problem is the lack of a shutdown item in the menu. This is often found on budget smartphones with heavily modified firmware. In this case, the only solution is to install a third-party launcher.
- 🔄 Software update: After updating Android, the settings may be reset - check the menu again.
- 📱 Third-party themes: Some themes forcefully include the news feed - change the theme to the standard one.
- 🔋 Energy saving: In rare cases, power saving mode blocks changes to interface settings.
If all else fails, you can use debugging tools ADB, but this requires connecting to a computer and having certain technical skills. For most users, the methods described above will be sufficient.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces may differ depending on the Android version (10, 11, 12, 13, 14). If you do not find the exact name of the item, look for similar options in the “Home Screen” section.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely remove the Google application?
It is impossible to completely remove the Google system application without root access. However, you can disable in application settings, which will hide its icon and stop background processes, but this will affect the operation of other services.
Does turning off the Google screen affect the battery?
Yes, disabling tape Google Discover has a positive effect on autonomy. The system stops constantly requesting data from the network to update the news feed in the background.
Why did the left panel appear again after a reboot?
This may be due to synchronization of settings with your Google account or a malfunction of the launcher. Try clearing the Google and Settings app cache before disabling the feature again.
Is it safe to use third-party launchers?
Using popular launchers from the official store is Play Market safe. They do not access your personal data without permission and work within the framework of standard Android access rights.
Can I replace the Google feed with another?
On some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi) you can select an alternative feed source, for example, Yandex.Navigator or local news. On pure Android, such a replacement is only possible through the installation of a third-party launcher with widgets.