News feed Google Discover (previously - Google Feed) automatically appears on the main screen of most smartphones on Android, taking up an entire page to the left of the home screen. For some users, this is a convenient source of up-to-date information, for others it is an annoying function that eats up traffic and distracts them from their work. Unfortunately Google does not provide a universal “Delete” button in the settings, but there are several ways to hide or disable the feed forever - from simple to technically complex.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods for deleting a news feed, including:

  • 📱 Hide through launcher settings (works on 80% of devices)
  • ⚙️ Disable in Google settings (partial solution)
  • 🔧 Use ADB commands (for advanced users)
  • 📦 Removal through update rollback (risky method)
  • 🛠️ Reset to factory settings (last resort)

It is important to consider that the effectiveness of the methods depends on the version Android, manufacturer smartphone (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel etc.) and installed launcher. Some methods may require root access or a rollback to the factory firmware.

📊 What launcher do you use on Android?
Standard (from the manufacturer)
Nova Launcher
Action Launcher
Lawnchair
Other

1. Hiding the feed through the launcher settings (the easiest way)

Most modern launchers (including standard ones from Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus) allow you to disable the left page with the news feed without making deep changes to the system. This method does not remove the function itself Google Discover, but makes it invisible on the main screen.

Instructions for standard launchers:

  1. Press and hold with your finger empty space on the main screen.
  2. In the menu that appears select Display settings (or Home screen options).
  3. Find the option Home screens / Apps screen.
  4. Disable the switch next to Google Feed, Discover or News Feed.

For launchers from third-party developers (for example, Nova Launcher or Action Launcher):

  • 🔹 Go to Launcher Settings → Home Screen.
  • 🔹 Find the section Additional screens or Left panel.
  • 🔹 Select Disable or Hide for Google Discover.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Pixel under controls Android 14+), the hiding option may be missing. In this case, try the methods from the following sections.

Update the launcher to the latest version

Check for the "Google Feed" option in the settings

Make a backup copy of your home screen (if you use a third-party launcher)

Reboot your device after the changes-->

2. Disabling personalization in Google settings

If you couldn’t hide the feed through the launcher, you can limit its operation by disabling content personalization. This method will not delete it itself. panel, but will make it empty or less intrusive.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the application Google (letter icon G).
  2. Tap on profile avatar in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Settings → General → Discover feed.
  4. Disable the switches:
    • 📵 Personalized results
    • 📵 Automatic video playback
    • 📵 News notifications
  • Return to the main settings menu and select Delete history → Clear feed data.

    • After these steps the feed will remain on the screen, but will no longer show personalized content. Instead of news, you will see a blank page or standard cards (weather, exchange rates).

    ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ Google may reset these settings after updates. You will have to repeat the procedure once every 1-2 months.
    Method Difficulty Efficiency Requires root?
    Hide via launcher ⭐ High (removes from screen) No
    Disable personalization ⭐⭐ Medium (the ribbon remains empty) No
    ADB commands ⭐⭐⭐ Full (removes the function) No
    Rolling back updates ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Full (risk of crashes) Sometimes

    3. Complete disabling via ADB (without root)

    If the previous methods did not work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) - a debugging tool that allows you to disable system components without superuser rights. This method is suitable for experienced users and requires connecting the smartphone to a computer.

    What you will need:

    • 🖥️ Computer. with Windows, macOS or Linux.
    • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
    • 🔌 Installed drivers ADB (you can download from the website Android Studio).

    Instructions:

    1. Connect your smartphone to the computer via USB (select mode File transfer).
    2. Open Command Line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter: 
      adb devices

      Make sure that the device is detected (its serial number should appear).

    3. Run the command to disable Google Discover: 
      adb shell pm hide com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.opa.OpaActivity

      For Android 12+ an alternative command may be required:

      adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
    4. Reboot your smartphone.

    If the tape has disappeared, butLater you want to return it, use the command:

    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
    ⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) ADB commands may not work due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case, try the method with rolling back updates.
    💡

    Before using ADB, create a backup copy of your data via adb backup or manually. copy important files to your computer. This will help avoid data loss during failures.

    4. Uninstalling via update rollback (risky method)

    Tape Google Discover is part of the application Google (package com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox). If you roll it back to the factory version, the feed may disappear, but this can cause problems with other services (Google Assistant, search, etc.).

    How to roll back updates:

    1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
    2. Find the application Google and tap on it.
    3. In the top menu, click ⋮ → Uninstall updates.
    4. Confirm the action and reboot the device.

    After a rollback:

    • ✅ The news feed will disappear from the main screen.
    • ❌ May stop working:
      • 🔍 Voice search (OK Google)
      • 📡 Weather and currency widgets
      • 🤖 Some functions Google Assistant
    ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 11+ rolling back updates may lead to automatic restoration of the application via Google Play. To avoid this, disable auto-update for the application Google in the settings Play Market.
    What to do if widgets stop working after a rollback?

    If the weather or other widgets disappear after rolling back updates, try:

    1. Install an alternative application (for example, Chronus for weather).

    2. Manually update only the widget via APKMirror (without updating the entire application Google).

    3. Return the factory firmware version (see section 5).

    5. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

    If none of the methods worked, There remains a radical solution - reset to factory settings. This will delete all data from the device, including the news feed, but will return the smartphone to its out-of-the-box state. Use this method only if:

    • 🔄 You are ready to lose all data (or have made a backup). data-i="204">📦 The tape appeared after a system update, and you want to return the old version
    • 📦 The feed appeared after a system update and you want to return the old version Android.
    • 🛠️ You are an experienced user and know how to flash your device.

    How to reset settings:

    1. Save important data (photos, contacts, messages) to Google Drive or computer.
    2. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
    3. Select Delete all data (reset to factory settings).
    4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

    After the reset:

    • 📱 The tape Google Discover will disappear (if it was not part of the firmware).
    • 🔧 You will have to reconfigure your smartphone and install applications.
    • ⚠️ Risk: on some devices (Samsung, Huawei), the feed may return after the first connection to Google account.
    ⚠️ Attention: On devices c Android 10+ resetting the settings does not always remove system applications. If the tape is back, try flashing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) without services Google.

    6. firmware

    If standard methods do not help, consider radical options:

    🔄 Installing a third-party launcher

    Launchers like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Action Launcher allow you to completely customize the main one screen, including removal of the left panel. Disadvantage: some functions Android (for example, navigation gestures) may not work correctly.

    📦 Firmware without Google services (GApps)

    Custom firmware type LineageOS or GrapheneOS do not include pre-installed services Google, which means they do not have news feeds. Minus: you will have to give up Play Market some functions (for example, Google Pay).

    🛡️ Blocking via firewall

    Applications like NetGuard or AFWall+ (requires root) can block access Google Discover to the Internet. The feed will remain on the screen, but will stop loading content.

    💡

    Third-party launchers and custom firmware are the only ways to guaranteed remove the news feed on devices where the manufacturer has blocked standard methods (for example, on some models Xiaomi or Oppo).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting the Google feed

    🔹 Is it possible to remove tape without a computer?

    Yes, try:

    1. Hide through launcher settings (section 1).
    2. Disable personalization in settings Google (section 2).
    3. Roll back updates applications Google (section 4).

    If all else fails, you won't be able to do without ADB or resetting the settings.

    🔹 Will the feed come back after updating Android?

    Probably yes. Google often returns disabled functions after major updates. To prevent this:

    • Disable auto-update for the application Google in Play Store.
    • Use ADB for permanent shutdown (section 3).
    • Install custom firmware without services Google.
    🔹 Why does the tape eat up traffic and battery?

    Google Discover constantly synchronizes data in the background:

    • 📡 Downloads news, videos and advertisements (up to 50-100 MB/day).
    • 🔋 Uses Google Play Services to track activity, which drains the battery.
    • 🕵️ Collects data about your interests for targeted advertising.

    Disabling the feed (by any of the described methods) will reduce traffic consumption by 10–30%.

    🔹 Do these methods work on Android tablets?

    Yes, but with caveats:

    • 📱 On Samsung Tab and Lenovo Tab the feed can be hidden through the launcher settings (One UI or ZenUI).
    • 🖥️ On Pixel Tablet will be required ADB (section 3), since the manufacturer blocks manual shutdown.
    • ⚠️ On tablets with Android 12L/13+ the tape can be integrated into the system interface - it is almost impossible to remove it without loss of functionality.
    🔹 Is it possible to return the feed after deleting?

    Yes, depending on the method:

    • If you hide the feed through the launcher - return the settings to their original state.
    • If you used ADB - run the command: 
      adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
    • If you rolled back the updates - update the application Google via Play Market.