Widget Google Search on the home screen Android 11 often appears after updating the system or installing branded applications from Google. For many users, this element takes up extra space, interferes with the placement of other icons, or is simply not needed. Unlike newer versions of Android (where deleting a widget has become easier), in Android 11 the process may depend on the smartphone manufacturer, the installed shell and even regional settings.

In this article we will look at all possible ways to delete the Google search bar from standard actions in the launcher to using hidden settings and third-party ones utilities We will pay special attention to the nuances for popular brands: Samsung (One UI), Xiaomi (MIUI), Huawei (EMUI) and devices with “pure” Android. If you tried to swipe the widget up, but nothing happened, don’t worry: below you will find a solution specifically for your case.

Why is the Google Search widget not deleted in the usual way?

Most instructions advise simply hold the widget and drag it to the trash (or "Delete" icon). However, this method does not always work. Reasons: Android 11 this method does not always work. Reasons:

  • 🔒 System restrictions: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12 or One UI 3.x) the Google widget is protected from deletion as a "system component".
  • 📱 Branded launchers: Manufacturers (especially Samsung and Huawei) integrate Google search into the shell at the software level, blocking standard removal.
  • 🔄 Automatic recovery: After restarting or updating Google applications, the widget can appear again if you do not disable it in the settings.
  • 🛠️ ADB restrictions: On some devices, even commands through adb do not help due to the manufacturer's security policy.

Before moving on to radical methods (like disabling the application Google completely), try alternative methodsdescribed below. They do not require root access and are suitable for 90% of devices using Android 11.

📊 What launcher do you have installed?
Standard (from the manufacturer)
Nova Launcher
Action Launcher
Other
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Method 1: Delete via long press (for "pure" Android)

If your device has standard Google launcher (for example, Pixel, Nokia or Motorola), try this method:

  1. Press the widget with your finger Google Search for 1-2 seconds.
  2. A panel with options will appear at the top of the screen. Drag the widget to the field Delete (or trash).
  3. If instead of deleting it is offered Edit size or Settings, then the widget is blocked (see Method 3).

On some devices (for example, Sony Xperia), after a long press, a context menu will appear Select Remove from home screen.

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If the widget does not respond to touches, check whether the "Protection from accidental touches" mode is enabled in the screen settings.

Method 2: Disabling through the launcher settings

Many branded shells (for example, One UI or MIUI) allow you to control widgets through the launcher menu. Instructions:

  1. Touch an empty space on the main screen and hold your finger until the menu appears (or do chips with two fingers snap with two fingers Xiaomi).
  2. Select Home screen settings (or Launcher settings).
  3. Find the section Widgets or Home screen.
  4. Disable the option Show Google search bar (the name may vary).

On Samsung the path may look like like this: Settings → Home screen → Widgets → Hide Google widget.

Manufacturer Path to settings Option to disable
Samsung (One UI 3.x) Settings → Home screen → Widgets Hide Google search
Xiaomi (MIUI 12) Theme settings → Desktop → Widgets Disable system widgets
Huawei (EMUI 11) Settings → Home screen → Style Remove search bar
Google Pixel Settings → Applications → Launcher Reset settings (removes all widgets)
What to do if there is no option to disable?

On some firmware (for example, on older models Meizu or Oppo) the widget settings can be hidden. In this case, only installing a third-party launcher will help (see Method 4) or disabling the Google application via ADB (Method). 5).

Method 3: Using a third-party launcher (Nova, Action, Lawnchair)

If standard methods do not work, installing an alternative one. launcher is a reliable way to get rid of an unnecessary widget. Popular options:

  • 🌟 Nova Launcher: Flexible settings, support for gestures, the ability to hide any system widgets.
  • ⚡ Action Launcher: Able to block system interface elements, including Google search.
  • 🍃 Lawnchair: Lightweight open source launcher that imitates “pure” Android.

Setting instructions:

  1. Install the launcher from Google Play.
  2. Assign it as the default launcher in the system settings (Settings → Applications → Default Launcher).
  3. Hold empty space on the main screen → Launcher settings → Widgets.
  4. Disable the option Show search Google or delete the widget manually.

Important: On some devices (for example, Huawei without Google services), after installing a third-party launcher, system weather or calendar widgets may disappear. Before changing the launcher, check compatibility with your model.

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Method 4: Disable the Google application through settings (risky method)

If the widget is part of a system application Google, you can disable it completely. Warning: this may disrupt the operation of other services (for example, Google Play, Gmail or YouTube).

⚠️ Attention: Disabling the application Google will lead to:
  • Stopping updates for all Google applications;
  • Impossibility use Google Assistant;
  • Problems with account synchronization.

If you are ready for these consequences, follow the instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Find the application Google (not to be confused with Google Play Store!).
  3. Click Disable (or Delete updatesif the "Disable" button inactive).
  4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

After disabling, the widget will disappear, but will return if you update or enable the application again Google.

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This method is only suitable for devices where the Google application can be disabled without root access. On some smartphones (for example, Samsung with One UI), this option may be blocked.

Method 5: Uninstall via ADB (for advanced users)

If the previous methods did not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting a smartphone to a computer and basic knowledge of the command line.

Instructions:

  1. Enable Debugging via USB on the smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → Developer settings → USB debugging).
  2. Connect the device to the PC and open a terminal (or PowerShell in Windows).
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    The name of your device should appear.

  4. Run the command to disable the widget: 
    adb shell pm hide com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

    If the command does not work, try:

    adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
  5. Restart your smartphone.

On some devices (for example Xiaomi with MIUI), an additional command may be required to unlock rights:

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1
⚠️ Attention: ADB commands may differ depending on the version Android 11 and firmware On devices with a locked bootloader (for example, Samsung With Knox) this method may not work.

What to do if the widget appears again?

Even after deletion, the Google search bar may return after:

  • 🔄 Google application updates;
  • 📱 Resetting launcher settings;
  • 🔧 Restoring the system from a backup.

To prevent reappearance:

  1. Disable automatic updating for applications Google in Google Play Market.
  2. Freeze the application using utilities like App Quarantine (root access required).
  3. Use a launcher that blocks system widgets (for example, Nova Launcher Prime).

If the widget returns after a reboot, check the settings Google Play Services: sometimes they automatically restore system components. To avoid this, you can disable the option Automatic recovery in the Google account settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting the Google widget

Is it possible to remove Google search without root access?

Yes, in 90% of cases this is possible using standard launcher settings or installing a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcherroot access is required only for deep removal of system components, which is not recommended due to the risk of compromising system stability.

Why after deleting the widget? comes back?

This happens due to automatic recovery of system applications. To prevent the widget from returning, disable updates for the application Google in Google Play Store or use a launcher that blocks system elements (for example, Action Launcher).

Will Google Assistant work after disabling the widget?

Yes, Google Assistant will continue to work even if you remove the search widget from the home screen. However, if you completely disable the application Google (not just the widget), the Assistant will stop. function.

Is it possible to return the widget back if you need it?

Yes, the widget is easy to restore. To do this:

  1. Press an empty space on the main screen.
  2. Select Widgets.
  3. Find Google Search and drag it onto the screen.

If the widget does not appear in the list, refresh application Google via Google Play Store.

Is there a risk of losing data when using ADB?

No, ADB commands to disable the widget do not affect user data, however, if you accidentally perform other commands (for example, resetting the settings), it may result in loss. information. Always double-check the commands you enter.