The “Frequently used applications” or “Recommended applications” panel is a built-in interface element of most modern Android shells. Smartphone manufacturers implement this mechanism to speed up access to apps that you use regularly, or to promote their own services and third-party software. However, for many users, this function becomes a source of visual noise and accidental clicks, disrupting the strict order on the desktop.
You can remove this block in various ways, depending on the model of your device and the version of the operating system. In some cases, it is enough to change the launcher settings, in others you will need to disable system recommendation services or even use third-party software. Let's look at all the available methods that will help you restore cleanliness and minimalism to the interface of your smartphone.
Why the system offers unnecessary applications
Algorithms Android constantly analyze user behavior patterns. If you open instant messenger or news feed every morning, the system automatically adds these shortcuts to the bottom of the screen or to a separate widget. This is done for convenience, but often leads to cluttering the interface with unnecessary icons.
In addition, many manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei, integrate advertising modules directly into the shell. The recommendations block may suggest installing games or services that you have never looked for. Disabling this feature not only improves the appearance, but also saves resources RAMas the background analysis process stops working.
It is important to understand that the recommendation engine is closely related to Google Assistant personalization services. Complete disabling may affect the operation of smart tips in other sections of the system, so before making changes you should weigh the need to completely abandon smart functions.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI, One UI and EMUI shell interfaces are regularly updated. The location of the switches may change after the next security update or Android version. If you do not find the item you need, check the “About phone” section and the latest software version.
Disabling recommendations in the standard launcher
The easiest way to remove unnecessary elements is to use the settings of the built-in launcher. In pure Android (Pixel, Motorola) and many custom firmwares, this parameter is hidden in the desktop configuration. You don't need additional tools, just go to the screen settings menu.
First you need to call the context menu. This is usually done by long pressing on an empty area of the desktop. In the list that appears, select Settings or Desktop Settings. Here you should look for sections related to “Google Feed”, “Browse” or “Recommendations”.
If you are using a device from Samsung, the logic is slightly different. The system offers a separate panel Google Discover, which opens by swiping to the left. To remove it, you need to go to the home screen settings and turn off the “Show Google panel” switch. This action will instantly hide the block with news and frequently used applications.
Before changing the launcher settings, take a screenshot of the current arrangement of icons. This will help you quickly restore your usual order if the new interface seems inconvenient.
In some firmware versions, the settings are hidden deeper. Try following the path Settings → Home screen. Look for options with names like “App Suggestions,” “Smart Recommendations,” or “Show Frequently Used.” Disabling these toggle switches will return your desktop to a static appearance.
☑️ Checking the launcher settings
Configuring the application panel in Xiaomi and Redmi
Shell MIUI and its successor HyperOS are famous for their aggressive policy regarding recommendations. Here the “Frequently Used” block is often combined with folders and advertising banners. You can remove it through deep system settings, but the path may differ depending on the interface version.
Go to the main Settings devices and find the “Home Screen” section. In this menu, you should disable the “Recommendations” option. If this item does not help remove a specific panel in the Dock Bar, try going to the settings of the Security or Bootloader application itself, where advertising modules are sometimes hidden.
For advanced users, it is possible to disable the system component responsible for recommendations through the engineering menu or ADB, but this requires caution. The standard method involves using the built-in settings search engine. Enter the word “recommendations” or “msa” (MIUI System Ads) in the search to find hidden switches.
| Model / Shell | Path to settings | Switch name | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi (MIUI 12-14) | Settings → Home screen | Recommendations | Hides the block under the icons |
| Samsung (One UI) | Settings → Home screen | Show Google panel | Removes the left swipe |
| Pure Android | Settings → Screen | Google Feed | Disables swipe left |
| Huawei (EMUI) | Settings → Desktop | Folders with recommendations | Cleans the contents of folders |
It is worth noting that in new versions HyperOS the company began to separate advertising and functional recommendations. Therefore, disabling one item may not remove all items at once. It is necessary to sequentially check all subsections related to the appearance of the interface.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling system recommendation services (for example, MSA) may lead to incorrect operation of the weather widget or news feed if they are tied to the same data collection modules.
Using third-party launchers
If the built-in settings do not allow you to completely remove the annoying panel, the most radical and effective solution would be to install a third-party launcher. Applications like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher give full control over every pixel of the screen.
After installing such a launcher, the system will offer to make it the default application. By agreeing, you will get access to an expanded settings menu, where you can not only hide the recommendations panel, but also completely change the icon grid, animations and behavior of the dock bar. Nova Launcher, for example, you can disable the Google search bar and any suggestions in a couple of clicks.
The advantage of this method is that it is independent of manufacturer updates. Even if Samsung or Xiaomi add new ads in the next update, the third-party launcher will remain unchanged and clean. However, it is worth considering that some banking applications may require additional permissions to work with custom skins.
How to return the standard launcher?
If you want to return to the factory interface, go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Home screen and select the system launcher from the list. The third-party application will not be uninstalled, but will cease to be active.
Many users note that switching to a lightweight launcher also has a positive effect on the autonomy of the device. Standard shells are often overloaded with background processes that consume battery power even in standby mode.
Removal via ADB for advanced users
For those who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method for disabling system recommendation packages via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to remove or freeze components that cannot be disabled through the regular settings interface.
You will need to enable Developer mode in your phone settings, enable USB debugging and connect your smartphone to your computer. After installing the drivers and ADB utility, you can enter a command to disable a specific package. For example, to disable the Google feed, the command is often used:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchboxBe extremely careful when using this method. Disabling critical system processes can lead to unstable operation of the device or a “bootloop” (cyclic reboot). Always check the package name before entering the command using a utility to view installed applications.
Using ADB gives maximum control, but requires technical literacy. An error in the package name may block access to important system functions.
This method is especially relevant for devices with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, where the user has extended access rights. Under standard conditions, the manufacturer can limit the execution of such commands without root access.
Limitations and possible problems
When trying to remove frequently used applications, you may encounter that the system automatically restores the settings after a reboot. This is typical for some models Oppo and Vivo, where personalization services are hardwired into the core of the shell.
It is also worth considering that completely removing widgets may disrupt the operation of the voice assistant. If you are used to calling Google Assistant with a swipe or a button, disabling related components will make this function unavailable. In this case, you will have to look for a compromise between the cleanliness of the interface and ease of use.
Another problem is updating applications. After a major system update, the launcher settings may be reset to factory settings, and the recommendations panel will appear again. It is recommended to periodically check the interface configuration after installing new software versions.
⚠️ Attention: When using methods that disable system applications via ADB, the device warranty may be voided if the service center detects traces of tampering with the system partition.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the panel permanently without root access?
In most cases, you can hide the panel through the launcher settings. Complete removal of system components without root access is only possible through ADB, but this carries risks of system instability.
Why did applications appear again after a reboot?
Some manufacturers configure the system so that the settings are reset when updating or rebooting. Try installing a third-party launcher that saves the configuration regardless of the system.
Does disabling recommendations affect the speed of the phone?
Yes, disabling background services for collecting statistics and displaying ads can slightly increase the speed of the interface and reduce RAM consumption.
Is it safe to use Nova Launcher instead standard?
Yes, Nova Launcher it is one of the most reliable and safe launchers with a long history. It does not collect unnecessary data and works reliably on most devices.
What to do if the “Recommendations” item is inactive (gray)?
This may mean that the function is controlled by the device administrator (for example, a corporate profile) or you need to disable parental controls in your Google account settings.