Smartphone users OnePlus often encounter a situation where the system interface prompts them to use additional content search options. By default, integration with Google services is activated in the shell OxygenOS (especially in versions based on Android 10, 11 and later). This appears as a separate panel located on the far left screen of the desktop.
Known as Google Discover (formerly Google Feed), this panel aggregates news, weather, reminders, and app suggestions based on your interests. For many users, this functionality becomes unnecessary: it takes up space, consumes RAM in the background, and can accidentally open when unlocking the device.
Disabling this function is easy, but solutions may vary depending on the software version and regional firmware of your gadget. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods for deactivating the news feed, from simple interface settings to advanced methods via a computer.
Launcher and desktop settings
The easiest and safest way to remove an unnecessary panel is to use the built-in launcher settings. In the latest versions OxygenOS i ColorOS (which is now used in new OnePlus models), this item can be hidden quite deeply or, conversely, placed in a prominent place.
First, you need to go to the main system settings. Go to the menu Settings and find the section responsible for the appearance of the interface. Depending on the firmware version, this may be an item Desktop and lock screen or a separate section Home screen.
Inside this menu, look for the option related s Google Discover, Google Feed or Summary. Often the switch is located next to setting the number of screens or navigation gestures. If you see an active toggle switch, simply turn it inactive to remove the panel.
Sometimes the system requires you to confirm the action or restart the launcher to apply the changes. Make sure that after disabling, swiping left from the main screen no longer brings up the news feed, but simply stops at the first desktop.
If you cannot find the desired switch in the settings, try changing the theme to the standard one - some third-party themes may hide system interface settings.
Disable through the Google application settings
In some cases, the news feed is controlled not through the phone settings, but directly through the app Google. This is typical for devices where the launcher is closely integrated with the services of the search giant.
Open the application Google on your smartphone. Click on your profile avatar in the upper right corner of the screen. In the drop-down menu, select Settings, and then go to the section General or immediately find the option "Discover" card.
Here you will see a switch responsible for displaying the feed. Disabling this feature should automatically remove the panel from the left edge of the desktop. However, it is worth noting that in new versions of Android this method does not always work, since control is often transferred to the system.
- 📱 Open the Google application and sign in to your account.
- ⚙️ Go to Settings → General → "Discover" card.
- ❌ Turn off news feed display switch.
If after performing these steps the panel remains in place, then your launcher controls this element regardless of the settings of the Google application itself. In this case, you should return to the system interface settings.
Interface features based on ColorOS
Starting in 2021, OnePlus began to actively introduce shell elements ColorOS from Oppo into its devices. This resulted in the menu structure being changed and many settings being moved. In such firmware versions, disabling the left panel may have its own nuances.
In an interface based on ColorOS this function is often called Summary or Smart Assistant. To find controls, go to Settings and select section Desktop and lock screen. There may be a separate subsection dedicated to assistants.
Sometimes the system offers several options for the left panel to choose from: Google, Yandex or the built-in Breeno assistant (in some regions). If you want to completely clear the leftmost screen, you need to select the option No or disable all suggested assistants.
⚠️ Attention: In some ColorOS updates, the left panel customization may be hidden in the Accessibility or Advanced Settings section. If there is no option in the standard desktop menu, check these sections.
It is also worth considering that after a major software update, the settings may be reset to factory values. Therefore, if the panel appeared suddenly after updating the system, simply repeat the disabling procedure.
What to do if the setting disappeared after the update?
Sometimes developers temporarily remove the ability to disable the panel in beta firmware versions. In this case, it is recommended to wait for a stable update or use the ADB method described below.
Using third-party launchers
If the built-in system tools do not allow you to completely get rid of the intrusive tape, or if you just want to radically change the appearance of your OnePlus, installing a third-party launcher would be an excellent solution.
Third-party shells such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launchergive the user complete control over the desktop. By default, they do not have integration with Google Discover on the left, and you decide for yourself which widgets and panels to use.
To install an alternative launcher, download your favorite application from the store Google Play. After installation, press the Home button and the system will prompt you to select a default application for the home screen. Select a new launcher and click Always.
| Launcher name | Setting complexity | Interface flexibility | Presence of left panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Medium | Very high | Customizable (can be disabled) |
| Lawnchair | Low | High | Absent by default |
| Microsoft Launcher | Low | Medium | Yes (but easily changed) |
| Smart Launcher | Low | Unique | Automatic categorization |
Using a third-party solution can also have a positive effect on device performance if the standard launcher consumes a lot of resources. However, keep in mind that some control gestures (for example, swiping from below to search) may work differently.
Changing the launcher is the most radical, but also the most effective way to completely get rid of the system limitations of the OnePlus interface.
Advanced method: disabling via ADB
For users who do not afraid to work with the computer and the command line, there is a universal way to disable the component responsible for the left panel. This method works even in cases where there is no corresponding switch in the phone settings.
You will need a computer with ADB (Android Debug Bridge) drivers installed and USB debugging enabled on your smartphone. To activate debugging, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number. Then in the section For developers enable Debugging USB.
Connect your phone to the PC with a cable and open a command prompt or terminal in the ADB tools folder. Enter the command to test the connection:
adb devicesA notification should appear on your phone screen to allow debugging from this computer. Confirm it. Next, you need to find the exact name of the package responsible for the left panel. Most often this is a component com.google.android.apps.discovery or system package of the launcher.
Try to run the command to disable the detection component (without completely uninstalling it to avoid problems with the system):
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.apps.discovery⚠️ Attention: Be extremely careful when entering ADB commands. Disabling critical system packages can lead to unstable operation of the phone or an endless reboot (bootloop).
If the command is successful, the panel should disappear instantly. To return everything as it was, use the command adb shell pm enable com.google.android.apps.discovery. This method requires technical literacy, but gives maximum results.
☑️ Preparing to work with ADB
Possible problems and solutions
In the process of disabling the news feed, users may encounter various difficulties. Android interfaces are constantly changing, and what worked on one version of the firmware may not be available on another.
One of the common problems is the panel automatically re-enabling after rebooting the device. This may happen if syncing with your Google Account restores your settings to default. In this case, try disabling synchronization of launcher settings in your Google account.
It is also possible that after disabling, there will be empty space or a “ghost” screen on the left edge that you can swipe to, but where there is nothing. This is a launcher bug, which is usually treated by clearing the application cache System launcher through the app menu.
- 🔄 Reboot the device after changing the settings.
- 🗑️ Clear the cache launcher if interface artifacts remain.
- 🔒 Check application permissions in the privacy settings.
If nothing helps and the panel returns again and again, consider resetting the launcher settings to factory settings. This will remove all your icons and widgets from the desktop, but is guaranteed to remove any third-party bindings to Google services.
Is it possible to remove the Google application completely to remove the feed?
Complete removal of the Google system application is impossible without root access, and it is not recommended. This will lead to the inoperability of the voice assistant, the Play Market store and many other functions of the system. It is enough to simply turn off the display of the feed.
Why did the feed appear again after a firmware update?
Major Android updates often reset user interface settings to default values, which include the promotion of Google services. You will have to disable the panel again through the settings after each major update.
Does disabling Google Discover affect the battery?
Yes, disabling the feed can slightly increase battery life, since the background process of loading news and personalized content will no longer consume processor and mobile data resources.
How return the feed back if you need it?
Simply go to the settings of the desktop or Google application and turn on the "Google Discover" or "Summary" switch to the active position. The changes will be applied immediately after returning to the main screen.
Does this method work on OnePlus with ColorOS 13/14 firmware?
Yes, the principle remains the same, but the names of the menu items may differ. Look for the "Summary", "Assistant" or "Intelligent Services" sections in the home screen settings.