Many users of smartphones based on Android are faced with a situation where, when swiping to the left of the main screen, the so-called Google page or Google Discoveropens. This service automatically loads news, weather and articles based on your interests, but often it only takes up space and uses up Internet traffic. If you prefer minimalism or just want to get rid of excess visual noise, this feature can be easily deactivated.
The disabling procedure may vary slightly depending on your device model and operating system version. Manufacturers often build their own shells on top of the pure Androidone, which affects the layout of the settings. However, the logic of the actions remains the same: you need to get into the settings of the launcher (desktop shell) and find the switch responsible for the news feed.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available ways to remove the Google page on various devices, from clean Pixel to smartphones Samsung i Xiaomi. We will also look at the nuances of working with widgets and alternative options for replacing the standard ribbon with more useful tools.
Disable Google Discover through the launcher settings
The most common and safest method is to use the built-in desktop settings. On most modern smartphones, managing the news feed is placed in a separate section of the screen options menu. Find an empty space on the main screen and hold it with your finger for a couple of seconds to bring up the context menu.
In the list that appears, select the item Settings or Home screen settings. The interface may look different: in some places it will be a gear in the corner, and in others it will be a list of options at the bottom. Your task is to find the option associated with Google feed, Google Discover or News summary.
After finding the desired item, simply turn the switch to the "Off" position. The changes are applied instantly, and the next time you swipe left, you'll see either empty space or an additional desktop, depending on your firmware settings. This action does not remove the Google application, but only hides its integration into the launcher interface.
Before changing the launcher settings, make sure that you have the default desktop installed, especially if you installed third-party launchers.
It is worth noting that on some devices this setting may be hidden deeper. For example, in the menu Additional or in the section Integration of services. If you do not find the switch right away, carefully study all the subsections of the main screen settings, since manufacturers like to change the location of these items in new firmware updates.
Specifics of disabling on Samsung devices
Owners smartphones Samsung Galaxy face a unique implementation of this function, since the company uses its own shell One UI. Here the Google page is often called Samsung Free or simply Google Feed, and it is controlled through a specific menu.
To disable the feed on Samsung, make a long tap on a free area on the main screen and scroll the control panels to the right to the very end. You will see a switch opposite the item Samsung Free or Google. Set it to inactive state.
It is important to understand the difference between these two modes. Samsung Free is the manufacturer's own news aggregator, which can duplicate Google's functions, but have a different interface. If your goal is to remove the Google page specifically, make sure you disable the correct content source in Settings.
⚠️ Warning: On some Samsung models, a system update may automatically return the news feed to an enabled state. After major firmware updates, it is recommended to check this settings item again.
Also in new versions One UI it became possible to replace the Samsung Free feed with the Google page if it was previously disabled. This gives the user the flexibility to choose to leave the left screen blank or return to the familiar search engine feed. Managing this selection is in the same desktop editing menu.
Settings on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones
Company devices Xiaomi, including brands Redmi and POCOwork on a shell MIUI or new HyperOS, where the integration of Google services is also present, but has its own characteristics. Users often confuse the Google feed with the built-in news aggregator from Xiaomi.
To disable it, go to the desktop settings by long pressing on an empty space. Select item Advanced or immediately find the option Google Feed. In some firmware versions, this item may be called -1 screen.
If you want to completely remove any content to the left of the first screen, you may need to disable both Google Discoverand Application Ribbon, if they are combined into one mechanism. In the launcher settings menu, look for the section Desktop, where all the switches associated with the appearance of the interface are usually located.
| Model / Shell | Name functions | Setting location | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi (MIUI 12-14) | Google Feed | Settings -> Desktop | Turn off switch |
| Redmi (HyperOS) | Intelligent feed | Settings -> Home screen | Select "No" or "Google" |
| POCO | Google Discover | Long tap -> Settings | Uncheck |
| Clean Android | Google search | Settings -> Home screen | Disable "Show" |
Users of custom firmware based on Xiaomi may encounter that standard methods do not work due to a changed structure of system files. In such cases, you may need to use special tweakers or change the launcher to a third-party one that does not have built-in integration with the manufacturer’s services.
What to do if the setting is gray and cannot be clicked?
Sometimes the function is blocked by the device administrator or corporate profile. Check your security settings or delete work profiles if they are not needed.
Using third-party launchers for complete control
If the built-in settings of your smartphone do not allow flexible control of the left page or you just want to radically change the appearance of the interface, the best solution would be to install third-party launcher. Applications such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launchergive full control over every element of the desktop.
After installing an alternative launcher, you will need to set it as the default application in Settings Android. Go to Settings -> Applications -> Default applications and select the installed launcher as the main one. After this, the old interface with the intrusive Google feed will disappear.
In the settings of most third-party launchers there is no concept of a “Google page” by default. You decide how many desktops to create and what to place on them. This is an ideal option for those who value a clean interface and the absence of pre-installed software that cannot be removed using standard methods.
☑️ Installing a third-party launcher
It is worth considering that some third-party launchers are paid or have limited functionality in the free version. However, even the basic features of the free versions often surpass standard solutions from phone manufacturers in terms of customization and lack of advertising.
Managing widgets and quick settings
Sometimes users don't want to completely disable the Google page, but only remove specific elements that annoy them, for example, a weather widget or sports results. In this case, completely disabling the feed may be an overkill solution.
Long-press the widget on the Google page (if the system allows interaction with elements inside the feed) or go to the widget settings by long pressing on the home screen. Select section Widgets and find the element there Google. Removing a widget from the screen will not disable the feed itself, but will remove a specific block of information.
It is also worth checking the settings of the Google application itself. Open the application, click on the profile icon in the corner and select Settings -> General. Here you can disable the personalization of results or clear the activity history, which will make the results in the feed less intrusive, even if you do not remove the page completely.
⚠️ Attention: Removing a widget from the home screen does not equate to disabling the Google Discover service. The feed may continue to run in the background, consuming resources, if you do not disable it in the launcher settings.
For advanced users, it is possible to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to freeze the components responsible for the feed. This requires connecting the phone to the computer and entering special commands, which is not recommended for beginners due to the risk of compromising system stability.
Possible problems and solutions
In the process of disabling the Google page, users may encounter a number of difficulties. For example, after rebooting the device, the setting may be reset, or the menu item may disappear after a system update. This is often due to Google services forcing updates to their components.
If the switch returns to the "On" position, try clearing the application cache. Go to Google And Google Play Services. Go to Settings -> Applications, find the application you need, go to section Storage and click Clear cache. This may help record your preferences.
In rare cases, especially on budget models with heavily modified firmware, the disable option may be removed by the manufacturer. In such a situation, the only way out is to install a third-party launcher, which we mentioned earlier, or use special deactivator applications that require root access.
If the standard settings do not allow you to disable the tape, installing a third-party launcher is the most reliable and safe solution that does not require hacking the system.
Also remember that the interfaces of mobile operating systems are always are developing. What worked on version Android 11may have a different name or location in Android 14. Always check the current guides for your specific software version if the standard paths do not lead to results.
Is it possible to remove the Google application completely?
Complete removal of the Google system application without root access is impossible, since it is part of the core of the system for the search and assistant. However, it can be turned off in application settings, which will hide the icon and stop background processes, but may disrupt other services.
Why did the Google page appear again after an update?
Major updates to the system or the Google application itself often reset user interface settings to default values. You will have to go through the disabling procedure again in the launcher settings.
Does disabling the page affect the operation of the voice assistant?
No, disabling the Google Discover visual feed does not affect the operation of the Google Assistant voice assistant. You can continue to call it with the button or voice command “OK, Google.”
How to return the Google page if I change my mind?
Simply return to the home screen settings (long tap on the desktop) and turn on the switch next to the "Google Feed" or "Google Discover" item. The changes will be applied immediately.