Widget Google on the home screen Android is a convenient tool for quick search, weather or news, but not all users like it. Some people find it intrusive, some want to make room for other elements, and some simply prefer a minimalistic interface without unnecessary elements. In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to delete, hide or disable the Google widget on devices with different versions Android and shells of manufacturers.

It is important to understand that the widget Google (it same Google Discover or Google Feed) can appear in two forms: as a separate element on the main screen or as a built-in panel to the left of it (in some firmware). Removal methods for these cases are different. We will look at both options, and also tell you what to do if the standard methods do not work due to manufacturer restrictions (for example, on Samsung One UI or Xiaomi MIUI).

If you want not just to hide the widget, but completely deactivate its functionality (including background data synchronization), you will need additional settings in the application menu or even rights ADB. Don't worry - we will describe each step in detail so that you can choose the best one for your case.

1. Standard removal of a Google widget from the home screen

The easiest way to get rid of a widget is to delete it like any other interface element. This method works on most devices, regardless of version. Android or manufacturer's shell.

Instructions:

  • 📱 Press and hold your finger on the widget Google (usually it is located at the bottom or top of the screen).
  • 🗑️ After 1-2 seconds, a menu or basket will appear - drag the widget into it (on some devices you need to select “Delete” or “Remove”).
  • ✅ If the trash bin does not appear, try swiping the widget up or to the side - on some firmware this action deletes the item.

On devices with Samsung One UI (for example, Galaxy S22 or Galaxy A54) widget Google Discover can be “glued” to the screen. In this case:

  1. Press an empty area on the main screen → select "Home screen settings».
  2. Find the "Google Discover Panel" option and disable it.

☑️ Check before deleting a widget

Done: 0 / 4

If after deleting the widget appears again after reboot, it means that it is built into the system launcher (for example, Google Now Launcher or Pixel LauncherIn this case, proceed to the next section.

2. Disabling the Google Discover panel (swipe left)

On many devices (especially on Pixel, Nexus and some models Samsungthere is a panel Google Discover (previously - Google Feed) to the left of the main screen. It shows news, weather and personalized content. You can remove it through the launcher settings.

Ways to disable it:

  • 🔧 For Pixel/Stock Android:
    1. Long-press an empty space on the home screen → "Home screen settings».
    2. Select "Discover Panel" → disable the slider.
  • 📱 For Samsung One UI:
    1. Long the main screen → "Settings» → «Home screen».
    2. Find the option "Bixby/Google panel" and deactivate it.
  • 🌐 For Xiaomi MIUI/HyperOS:
    1. Go to Settings → Home screen.
    2. Disable "Weather and Google" or "Smart panel».
    • 💡

    If the option to disable the Discover panel is missing, try changing the launcher to a third-party one (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair). Most alternative launchers allow you to completely remove unnecessary interface elements.

    On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI), the panel Google Discover can be replaced with your own (Huawei Assistant). In this case, it can be disabled through the settings. Huawei, and not Google.

    3. Removal through the Google application settings

    If the widget continues to appear even after standard deletion, it can be deactivated through the settings of the application itself. Google. where the widget is tied to system services.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Open Settings → Applications.
    2. Find the application Google (not to be confused with Google Play Services!).
    3. Select "Notifications" → disable all notifications from the widget.
    4. Return to the main application menu and click "Disable" or "Uninstall updates" (if the button is active).

    On some devices (for example, Sony Xperia or Motorola) an additional step may be required:

    • 🔄 Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
    • 📵 Disable synchronization for the service "Web & App Activity" (this will reduce the amount of personalized content in the widget).
    What happens if you disable the Google application?

    Disabling the application Google may lead to the termination of some services, such as Voice search, Google Assistant and data synchronization, however, the main functions of the phone (calls, SMS, third-party applications) will remain functional.

    On devices with. preinstalled software (for example, on some models Lenovo or Alcatel), the application Google can be protected from shutdown. In this case, only the method with ADB (section 5) will help.

    4. launcher

    If standard methods do not help, the most reliable way to get rid of the widget Google is to install a third-party launcher. This software completely replaces the standard interface Android, allowing you to customize the screen at your discretion.

    Popular launchers without built-in ones widgets Google:

    Launcher Features Theme support Free version
    Nova Launcher Flexible configuration, gesture support, no intrusive widgets Yes (including icons) Yes (with restrictions)
    Lawnchair Lightweight, minimalistic, based on Pixel Launcher Yes (via plugins) Yes
    Microsoft Launcher Integration with Windows, none Google Discover Partially Yes
    Apex Launcher Gesture support, settings backup Yes Yes (Premium version)

    How to install and configure the launcher:

    1. Download the selected launcher from Google Play.
    2. After installation, click the "Home" button and select the new launcher as the main one.
    3. In the launcher settings, disable all unnecessary widgets and panels (usually the option is called "Home screen" or "Dock»).

    The advantage of this method is that you not only remove widget Google, but you also get additional options for customizing the interface. For example, in Nova Launcher you can completely disable the search bar, hide the notification panel or change the icon grid.

    📊 What launcher do you use?
    Standard (from manufacturer)
    Nova Launcher
    Lawnchair
    Microsoft Launcher
    Other

    5. Disabling via ADB (for experienced users)

    If none of the previous methods worked, there is a radical way - disabling the widget via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This requires connecting your phone to your computer and running commands in a terminal. The method is suitable for devices with unlocked USB debugging.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Enable Developer mode:
      1. Go to Settings → About phone.
      2. Click 7 times on “Build number" (a notification “You have become a developer” will appear).
      3. Return to Settings → System → For Developers and enable "USB Debugging».
    2. Connect your phone to the PC and open Command Prompt (Terminal on Mac/Linux).
    3. Enter the commands: 
      adb shell

      pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

      This command removes updates for the application Googleresponsible for the widget.

    If you want remove completely a widget (and not just roll back updates), use the command:

    adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
    💡

    Use of ADB may lead to unstable operation of some services Googlesuch as Voice Search or Google Assistant. Before executing the commands, make a backup copy of your data.

    On some devices (for example, Huawei without services Google), these commands may not work due to the missing package com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox. In this case, try to find a similar package using the command:

    adb shell pm list packages | grep google

    6. Features for different manufacturers

    Smartphone manufacturers often modify Androidby adding their own widgets and limiting the ability to remove them. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands.

    Samsung (One UI):

    • 📱 The widget Google Discover can be replaced with Samsung Free (previously Bixby Home).
    • 🔧 To remove it, go to Settings → Home screen → Home screen panels and disable the unnecessary panel.
    • ⚠️ On some models (for example, Galaxy S23 Ultra) the panel cannot be disabled completely - only replace the content.

    Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS):

    • 🌐 Widget Google often integrated into “Smart panel" (swipe left).
    • 🔄 Disabled in Settings → Home screen → Smart panel.
    • 📵 If the option is missing, try changing the theme to the standard one (MIUI sometimes blocks changes in custom themes).

    Huawei (EMUI/HarmonyOS):

    • 🚫 On devices without services Google the widget is missing by default.
    • 🔄 If the widget appeared after installation GMS (for example, through Googlefier), delete it through Settings → Applications.

      • Pixel (Stock Android):

      • 📱 Widget Google Discover disabled in settings Pixel Launcher (see section 2).
      • 🔧 On Android 14+ you may need to disable personalization in Settings → Google → Services on this device.
      💡

      On devices Oppo/Realme/OnePlus (shell ColorOS) widget Google is often hidden in "Smart Sidebar". To remove it, go to Settings → Convenience → Smart Sidebar and disable it. unnecessary elements.

      7. What to do if the widget returns after updating

      Sometimes after updating Android or applications Google the widget appears again. This happens because system applications automatically restore their components. To prevent the widget from returning, follow these steps:

      Ways to prevent:

      • 🔄 Turn off automatic application updates Google:
        1. Open Google Play → find the application Google.
        2. Click on the three dots → uncheck "Auto-update».
      • 📵 Freeze the application (root access required):
        1. Use applications like Titanium Backup or App Quarantine.
        2. Find Google in the list and select "Freeze».
    • 🛠️ Install custom firmware:
      1. Firmware type LineageOS or Pixel Experience allow you to remove system applications.
      2. ⚠️ This method requires unlocking the bootloader and may void the warranty.

      • If you do not want to use radical methods, simply check the home screen regularly after updates and delete the widget manually (see section 1. On most devices this takes no more). 10 seconds.

      Why does the widget return after resetting?

      When resetting to factory settings, all system applications, including Googlereturn to their original state. To avoid this, disable it before resetting. widget via ADB (section 5) or use a backup copy of the launcher (for example, in Nova Launcher).

      8. Alternatives to the Google widget: what to install instead

      If you deleted the widget Googlebut want to keep quick access to search, weather or news, consider alternative solutions. They are often more flexible and less intrusive.

      Popular alternatives:

      Type Application/widget Advantages
      Search Sesame Search Quick search for applications and contacts, minimalistic design
      Weather 1Weather, AccuWeather Accurate forecasts, widgets with customizable appearance
      News Feedly, Inoreader Personalized feed without unnecessary water Google
      Voice assistant Assistant.ai, Bixby (for Samsung) Alternative Google Assistant with advanced settings

      How to add an alternative widget:

      1. Install the selected application from Google Play.
      2. Tap and hold an empty space on the home screen → "Widgets».
      3. Find the widget of the desired application and drag it onto the screen.
      4. Adjust the size and appearance (if supported).

      For example, a widget Sesame Search can be placed at the bottom of the screen instead of the search bar Googleand 1Weather will provide a more detailed weather forecast without unnecessary news blocks.

      💡

      If you use Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, you can create your own gestures to quickly call up search or weather. For example, swiping up from the dock panel can open Sesame Search instead of Google Assistant.

      Now you know how to remove the widget Google from the screen Android and how to replace it. Choose the appropriate method depending on your device and preferences - from simple removal to complete deactivation via ADB.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions

      Is it possible to remove a Google widget without root access?

      Yes, in most cases the widget is removed using standard means (see section 1) or through the launcher settings (section 4). Root It is only required to completely remove system applications, which is not always necessary.

      Why does the widget appear again after deletion?

      This happens due to automatic recovery system applications after updates. To prevent the return, disable auto-update for the application Google (Section 7) or use ADB.

      Will Google Assistant work after disabling the widget?

      Yes, Google Assistant and the widget Google Discover —different components. However, if you uninstall the application Google via ADB, the assistant may stop working. In this case, use alternatives (section 8).

      How to remove the Google Discover panel on Samsung?

      On devices Samsung go to Settings → Home screen → Home panels screen and disable Google Discover or Samsung Free. If the option is missing, update the firmware or change the launcher.

      Can I return the widget if I change my mind?

      Yes. If you just removed the widget from the screen, add it back through the widgets menu. If you disabled it via ADB, run the command:

      adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

      If your question is not covered in the article, check the settings. your device or contact the manufacturer’s support - some restrictions depend on the specific model and firmware version.