Modern smartphones based on Android often come with pre-installed news feeds, which take up space on the main screen and consume resources. This feature, known as Google Discover or the Yandex feed, opens by swiping to the left from the first desktop. Many users are annoyed by the constant flow of information that they did not request, as well as accidental clicks when unlocking the device.
Fortunately, manufacturers have provided the ability to disable this interface element, although the path to the desired setting may differ depending on the gadget model and shell version. In some cases, you just need to switch the toggle switch in the launcher settings, in others you need to use special utilities or ADB commands. Clean Android and custom firmwares like MIUI or One UI have their own unique algorithms for working with the desktop.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the ways to permanently remove the excess tape and restore the cleanliness of the interface. We will look at standard methods for popular brands, and also touch on the nuances associated with updating software. Sometimes, after the next update, the system settings may be reset, so it is important to understand the principle of operation of the launcher.
The principle of operation of the news feed on different shells
The widget feed is not a separate application, but an integrated part launcher (desktop shell). That is why the shutdown settings are located deep in the parameters of the screen itself, and not in the general application menu. Developers strive to keep the user's attention by offering personalized content, but this often leads to interface overload.
On devices with “pure” Androidsuch as Google Pixel or smartphones Nokia, this function is hard linked to Google services. Here the feed is called Google Discover and is controlled through the settings of the Pixel Launcher itself. In contrast, Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi or Oppo often implement their own news aggregators that can work even without a Google account.
Why does the feed appear again after an update?
Smartphone manufacturers often return the news feed turned on by default after major system updates. This is done to increase user involvement in the service ecosystem. To avoid reappearance, check the launcher settings after each firmware update.
It is worth noting that disabling the feed does not remove the news application itself from the device. It simply stops being displayed when you swipe. If you use weather or currency widgets, they can remain on your desktops, but the endless scrolling of articles will disappear.
Disabling the feed on Samsung smartphones (One UI)
Device owners Samsung face the feed Google Discover or their own service Samsung Free (in older versions). The interface One UI is quite logical, but the path to disconnecting may not be obvious to a beginner. You will need to go into desktop editing mode.
First, you need to unlock your smartphone and be on the main screen. Make a long tap (press and hold) on an empty space on the wallpaper or pinch two fingers together on the screen. This action will open the editing mode, where grid settings, wallpaper and home screen options are available.
☑️ Disabling algorithm on Samsung
In the menu that opens, find the item responsible for the leftmost screen. Depending on the version One UI, it may be called Google Feed, Google Discover or News Summary. Set the switch to inactive. Immediately after this, swiping to the left will no longer open the news feed.
⚠️ Attention: On some Samsung models with regional firmware, instead of Google Discover, a news feed from third-party partners (for example, Upday) may be pre-installed. The shutdown mechanism is similar, but the name of the item in the menu may differ.
If the standard method did not work, you may have a third-party launcher installed that has intercepted control. In this case, check the settings of the specific launcher application in the Applicationssection. Also make sure that you do not have the mode activated Easy Mode (Simple mode), which changes the structure of the desktop.
Customizing the interface in Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (MIUI/HyperOS)
Shells MIUI and new HyperOS ot Xiaomi are known for their aggressive integration of services. Here the news feed is often called Google Discover or Widget feed, and in some regions - GetApps. The disabling process requires care, since the menu is full of various options.
To remove the feed, perform a long tap on a free area on the main screen. A toolbar will appear at the bottom of the display. Click on the icon Settings (usually it’s a gear in the right corner). The launcher options menu will open, where you need to find the section Advanced or immediately see the item Widget Feed.
If the “Widget Feed” item is not in the settings, try it temporarily change the region in the phone settings. In some countries (for example, India or Russia), the set of MIUI functions differs from the global version.
In the feed selection menu you will be offered several options: Google Discover, Widget Ribbon (Xiaomi's own development) or No. Select option No. This action completely deactivates swipe left. The screen will remain static, and you will be able to use widgets only on the main desktops.
It is worth considering that in new versions HyperOS the menu may have undergone changes. If you don’t find the item you need, try searching for it in the general system settings for “Home screen”. Sometimes the manufacturer hides this option in the section Advanced settings.
Removing Google Discover on pure Android and Motorola
Smartphones Motorola, Nokia, Sony and Nothing Phone work on the basis of almost stock Android. Here, managing the feed is as simplified as possible, but in the latest versions of the Google OS it has made it more difficult to completely disable the service in some regions.
The standard algorithm of actions is as follows: hold down an empty space on the desktop and select Settings. Find the switch labeled Google Feed or Google Discover and turn it off. On devices Motorola this item is often at the very top of the list of launcher settings.
However, if the switch is missing or inactive, this may mean that your launcher has updated to a version where Google Hid this option. In this case, the only reliable way is to use a third-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair. They allow you to fully control the behavior of the desktop.
| Smartphone brand | Shell name | Path to settings | Option name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | One UI | Long tap → Settings | Google Feed / Samsung Free |
| Xiaomi / POCO | MIUI / HyperOS | Long tap → Settings → Advanced | Widget Feed |
| Motorola / Nokia | Pure Android | Long tap → Settings | Google Feed |
| Realme / Oppo | ColorOS / Realme UI | Long tap → More (More) | Left feed |
Remember that using third-party launchers gives more freedom, but may require additional customization of gestures and icons. This is a great way not only to remove the tape, but also to completely change the visual style of the device to suit your preferences.
Advanced method: disabling via ADB
For users who prefer complete control over the system and are not afraid of technical tools, there is a method of disabling via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to deactivate the ribbon component at the system level, even if there is no corresponding switch in the settings.
First, you will need to enable USB debugging in the menu For developers. Connect your smartphone to your computer and make sure the drivers are installed. Open a command line or terminal on your PC and enter the command to enter the device shell.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchboxThis command disables the Google application, which is responsible for the operation of widgets and the Discover feed. Be careful: this may also affect the Google search widget on your home screen. If you want to disable only the feed but leave search, the command may vary depending on the version of Android.
⚠️ Attention: Using ADB commands requires caution. Incorrectly disabling system packages can lead to unstable operation of the phone. Before executing commands, it is strongly recommended to create a backup copy of your important data.
To return everything as it was, use the command with the parameter enable instead of disable-user. This method is universal and works on most devices, regardless of the manufacturer, since it acts directly on the system package manager.
Alternative solutions and replacement of the launcher
If the standard settings do not give the desired result or the interface seems too overloaded, the best solution would be to install an alternative launcher. The store Google Play offers dozens of options, from minimalistic to extremely functional.
Popular options, such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Lawnchair, do not have left news feeds by default, or allow you to customize their content manually. By installing such a launcher, you will get a clean desktop and the ability to customize gestures for yourself.
A third-party launcher is not just a way to remove the ribbon, but an opportunity to speed up the operation of your old smartphone, since they are often lighter and more optimized than stock shells.
After installing the new launcher, the system will ask which application to use as the default for the home screen. Select the installed application and click Always. Now the old interface with an intrusive feed will be a thing of the past.
Some launchers allow you to imitate the widget feed, but fill it only with those widgets that you choose yourself (calendar, tasks, weather), without news garbage. This is the perfect balance between functionality and clean interface.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why did the news feed appear again after rebooting the phone?
This may happen after updating the system or resetting the launcher settings. Some manufacturers deliberately return settings to default during major updates. Check your settings again and turn off the tape again. Also make sure that you do not reset the launcher settings in the application menu.
Is it possible to delete the Google application to remove the feed?
Complete removal of the Google system application is impossible without root access. However, it can be disabled through application settings or using ADB commands as described above. Please note that this may disrupt the operation of the voice assistant and other ecosystem services.
Does disabling the feed affect the operation of weather and clock widgets?
No, disabling the news feed (swipe left) does not in any way affect widgets located directly on desktops. You'll be able to freely add, remove, and move weather, calendar, and clock widgets as usual.
How can I remove ads in the feed if I don't want to turn them off completely?
In the settings of the feed itself (usually in your Google profile or widget settings), you can limit news topics and disable personalized ads. However, it is rarely possible to completely remove ad units without disabling the entire feed, since this is the main monetization model of the service.
Is there a difference in disabling on Android 13 and Android 14?
There is no fundamental difference, but Google and manufacturers are constantly changing the location of menu items. In new versions of Android, the option may be hidden deeper or require confirmation through your Google account. If the standard path does not work, use a third-party launcher.