How to remove the first screen on Android: settings and hiding

Modern smartphones based on the Android operating system offer users incredible flexibility in customizing the interface, but the standard behavior of the system can sometimes be annoying. Many device owners are faced with a situation where, when swiping to the right from the far left edge, a news feed, weather widgets, or a search bar appears, which cannot simply be turned off. This is the so-called “zero” or “first” screen, which manufacturers often impose in partnership with Google or their own services. I want to remove it not only for the sake of minimalist aesthetics, but also to improve performance, since background processes of news feeds can consume device resources.

The process of deactivating this element depends on the version of the operating system, the smartphone model and the installed shell. In some cases, it is enough to simply switch the toggle switch in the settings, in others, you will need to configure the launcher more deeply or install a third-party application. Important to understandthat complete removal of a system component without superuser rights (Root) is often impossible, but its effective hiding is available to everyone. We will look at all the current methods that will help you clear the interface of excess visual noise.

Before you start making changes, it is worth understanding the terminology. What users call the "first screen" could technically be Google Discover, Google Feed, Smart Feed or the manufacturer's proprietary news feed (such as Mi News or Samsung Free). The disabling mechanisms for each of these components are different, so there is no universal “remove all” button. Next, we will analyze in detail the action algorithms for various use cases.

Disabling the Google Discover feed on pure Android

On smartphones with a “clean” operating system, such as Google Pixel, Motorola or Nokia, the first screen is most often occupied by the Google Discover service. This feed aggregates news, weather, and recommendations based on your searches. To get rid of it, you don’t need to be a programmer; just go to the settings of the Google application itself. However, the path to these settings may not be obvious to the untrained user.

You need to find the Google application icon on the desktop or in the application menu. After launching the application, click on your profile avatar in the upper right corner of the screen. In the menu that opens, select "Settings", and then go to the "General" section. This is where the switch responsible for displaying cards on the main screen is hidden. Disabling this function instantly removes the feed when you swipe to the right.

⚠️ Attention: The Google application interface may vary slightly on different versions of Android. If you do not find the "General" item, look for the "Feed Settings" or "Discover" section directly in the profile menu.

An alternative method is available directly through the launcher interface. Long swipe right to open your news feed. A settings button or gear may appear at the very top or bottom of the screen. By clicking on it, you will be taken to the content management menu, where you can turn off the display of cards. This method works on most devices running Android 10 and higher, providing quick access to content management.

Customizing the Samsung One UI and Xiaomi MIUI shells

Electronics manufacturers often modify Android by adding their own services on top of the standard ones. Device owners Samsung face the Samsung Free (formerly Bixby Home) screen, and users Xiaomi face the Mi News feed. These elements are built deeper into the system, and disabling them requires accessing the settings of the desktop itself, and not individual applications.

For Samsung devices with the One UI shell, the algorithm of actions is as follows. You need to hold down an empty space on the desktop with your finger to activate the editing mode. After that, swipe left to see a preview of all desktops, including the one on the left. On the preview of the left screen there should be a switch that needs to be switched to an inactive state. The system will immediately remove it This screen is from the navigation, and swiping to the right will become impossible.

In the case of the MIUI shell from Xiaomi, the situation is similar, but the settings menu is located differently. Long-press on an empty area on your desktop, then tap the gear icon at the bottom of the screen. In the menu that opens, find the “Advanced” item or immediately “News Feed”. The "News Feed" switch (or "Google Discover" if Google services is selected) needs to be deactivated. This action will return the launcher to standard behavior.

It is worth noting that after updating the operating system, the settings may be reset. Manufacturers often return their services to default after major updates, such as the transition from Android 12 to Android 13. Therefore, if the feed appears again without your participation, it makes sense to double-check the above settings. This is not a bug, but a feature of the policy of companies promoting their content services.

Using third-party launchers for complete control

If standard methods do not give the desired result or the built-in launcher is too limited in functionality, the optimal solution would be to install a third-party launcher. These are special applications that completely replace the standard desktop management interface. Popular options, such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher, allow you to flexibly customize the behavior of the first screen or ignore it completely.

After installing the launcher from the Google Play store, the system will prompt you to select it as the default application. By agreeing, you will have access to advanced settings. In most third-party launchers, the left screen (Google Now or similar) is disabled by default or can be easily deactivated in the "Desktop" or "Gestures" settings section. This gives full control over what the user sees when unlocking the device.

⚠️ Attention: When installing a third-party launcher, some manufacturer widgets (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi weather widgets) may stop working or display incorrectly. It is recommended to install alternative widgets in advance.

The advantage of using third-party solutions is not only in removing the first screen. You get the opportunity to change icons, animations, desktop grid and control gestures. For example, in Nova Launcher you can configure it so that swiping up opens not a search, but a list of applications, which further cleans the interface. This turns the smartphone into a unique tool tailored to personal needs.

Comparison of methods for disabling the first screen

The choice of method for removing or hiding the first screen depends on your goals and level of technical training. Standard settings are suitable for most users, as they are safe and do not require the installation of additional software. However, they often leave some system widgets active. Third-party launchers provide maximum freedom, but require time for initial setup.

Below is a table that will help you decide on the best way to solve the problem. It compares the main characteristics of each method so that you can weigh the pros and cons before taking action.

Method	Complexity	Efficiency	Impact on the system
Google Settings	Low	Medium	Minimum
Launcher Settings	Low	High	Minimum
Third-party launcher	Medium	Maximum	Requires resources
ADB commands	High	Full	Risk of errors

As can be seen from the comparison, for the average user the most rational step is to use the built-in launcher settings. This takes a couple of minutes and does not carry the risk of unstable operation of the device. The use of ADB commands is recommended only for experienced users who understand the consequences of their actions and are ready to reflash the device if necessary.

Advanced method: disabling via ADB

For those who want to remove the first screen at the system level and are not afraid to work with the command line, there is a method of using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This tool allows you to send commands directly to the operating system, bypassing the GUI. With its help, you can completely disable the package responsible for Google Discover or the proprietary news feed.

Before you begin, you must enable USB debugging in the "For Developers" menu on your smartphone and install ADB drivers on your computer. After connecting the device via cable, run the command to search for the package name responsible for the tape. Typically these are com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox or packages with names like com.samsung.android.bixby.agent.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

Running this command will hide the application and its associated services, including the first screen. Important: This command does not physically remove the application, but makes it inactive for the current user, which is equivalent to deleting it. You can return everything back with the command adb shell pm enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.

Risks of using ADB

Using ADB commands can lead to unstable system operation if you disable critical system components. Be careful when entering package names. An error in one letter can lead to the disabling of a system application necessary for the phone to function.

Cleaning the desktop from unnecessary widgets

Sometimes the problem of the “first screen” lies not in the system ribbon, but in widgets that the user accidentally placed on the far left desktop. Android allows you to create additional desktop pages, and often users unknowingly fill them with weather widgets, news, or promotions. To remove this, just delete the extra pages.

Press an empty space on the screen to enter edit mode. You will see thumbnails of all your desktops. Swipe up on the unwanted screen or tap the cross (depending on the launcher) to remove it. All widgets and icons that were on this screen will be moved to adjacent pages or to the application menu. This is a simple way Clean up order without deep settings.

It is also worth checking the widget settings. Some widgets have their own settings that allow you to hide their content or change their size. If the widget takes up the entire screen, reducing it can solve the problem of visual noise. Don't forget that each widget consumes RAM, so removing unnecessary elements will have a positive effect on battery life.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it safe to delete the first screen through ADB?

Using ADB is safe if you know exactly which package you are disabling. Disabling Google or manufacturer system components does not void your warranty as it is a software change that can be reversed by a factory reset. However, it is better for inexperienced users to limit themselves to standard settings.

Why did the first screen appear again after a reboot?

This may happen after updating the system or the Google application itself. Manufacturers and Google often reset privacy and interface settings to default values ​​after major updates. You will have to disable the feed again in the settings.

Is it possible to completely remove Google Discover without root access?

Complete physical removal of system applications without root access is impossible. However, using ADB commands allows you to deactivate them for the user, which is visually and functionally equivalent to deleting them. The system will assume that the application is not installed.

Does disabling the first screen affect the operation of the voice assistant?

No, disabling the Google Discover or Samsung Free feed does not affect the operation of Google Assistant or Bixby. You will still be able to call them by voice or button. Only the visual interface of the news feed is disabled.

Which launcher is best for minimalism?

For complete minimalism, Niagara Launcher or Minimalist Phoneare great. They radically change the concept of the desktop, removing everything unnecessary. If you need a classic without the left screen, then Nova Launcher or Lawnchair will be the ideal choice.