Many smartphone users are faced with a situation where when they swipe to the right of the main screen, an additional panel opens with news, widgets or a search bar. This feature, often called Google Discover, Yandex Tape or simply "widget screen", can be annoying for those who prefer minimalism and order. Accidentally landing on this screen while unlocking the device becomes a frequent cause of inconvenience.
Fortunately, in most cases this panel is not a system component that cannot be touched, but is a shell or launcher option. The process of disabling it varies depending on the manufacturer of your device: Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme or pure Android. In this article we will analyze all possible methods, from simple switches in the menu to advanced methods via a computer.
Before taking radical measures, it is worth understanding what type of left screen is installed on your gadget. This could be a native search engine integration or a third-party widget pre-installed by the manufacturer. Correct identification will help you choose the right algorithm of actions and avoid unnecessary manipulations with the system.
Disable via desktop settings
The easiest and safest way to remove an extra panel is to use the built-in launcher settings. Smartphone manufacturers often provide this feature, but hide it quite deep in the menu. You will need to hold down an empty space on the desktop to bring up the context menu.
In the menu that appears, find an item that may be called “Desktop Settings”, “Home Screen” or simply “Settings”. Inside this section, look for options related to additional screens. The names may vary: Google Display, News Feed, Summary, or Quick Access.
Note the switch next to the feature name. If it is active (highlighted blue or green), simply set it to inactive. After this, the left screen should disappear instantly. However, on some devices, for example, older models Huawei or Honor, this option may be blocked or absent altogether.
- 📱 Press your finger on an empty space of the wallpaper for 1-2 seconds.
- ⚙️ Find the gear icon or "Settings" button in the lower corner.
- 🚫 Turn off the "Google Screen" or "News Feed" toggle switch.
- 🔄 Press the "Home" button to check the result.
⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with One UI shell from Samsung this feature is called “At a Glance” (Samsung Free) or “Google Discover”. Make sure that you disable exactly the service that is bothering you, as they can be swapped in the settings.
Specifics of disabling on different shells
Various Android manufacturers modify interface in its own way, so the path to disabling the left panel may differ. Users Xiaomi with the MIUI or HyperOS shell need to be especially careful, since they often have a pre-installed “Application Ribbon” or integration with Yandex.
Device owners Samsung should check the home screen settings. If there is no direct switch there, Simple Mode may be activated, which changes the layout of desktops. In this case, returning to the standard mode may solve the problem.
On a clean Android, which is found on smartphones Google Pixel, Motorola i Sony, the left screen is usually hard-wired to the Google application. Disabling occurs through the settings of the application itself or through the parameters of the Pixel Launcher. In some cases, you need to disable integration in the “Google Search” section.
| Brand / Shell | Function name | Disablement path |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (One UI) | Brief overview / Discover | Settings → Main screen → Swipe right |
| Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS) | App Feed / Yandex | Settings → Home screen → App Feed |
| Google Pixel | Google Discover | Settings → Home screen → Show Google screen |
| Realme UI | Intelligent assistant | Settings → Home screen → Intelligent assistant |
If you do not find the desired switch in the launcher settings, try updating the Google application or Google Play Services to the latest version. Sometimes older versions of software do not display new interface control options.
Using third-party launchers
If the standard settings do not allow you to remove the left screen, the most effective solution is to replace the standard launcher with a third-party one. This radically changes the appearance of the system and gives complete control over the workspace. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Smart Launcher.
After installing an alternative launcher, the system will prompt you to select a default application for the home screen. Select the launcher you installed. Its settings usually do not have left screens by default, or they can be easily disabled in the “Desktop” or “Gestures” section.
This method also allows you to customize the icon grid, animations and gestures. You can configure swipes so that they open the notification shade or the application list, instead of an unnecessary news feed. This makes using your smartphone more ergonomic.
- 📥 Download your favorite launcher from the Google Play Store.
- 🏠 Press the "Home" button and select "Always" for the new launcher.
- 🎨 Set up the icon grid and disable extra panels in the launcher menu.
- ✅ Enjoy a clean interface without intrusive widgets.
⚠️ Attention: When you first launch a third-party launcher, some widgets (for example, clock or weather from the manufacturer) may stop working or look different. You will have to re-add widgets that are compatible with the new launcher.
Why are some launchers paid?
Developers invest a lot of time in creating unique features such as support for themes, gestures, and hiding icons. Free versions often have limitations, so to completely remove all interface elements, the Pro version of the application is sometimes required.
Removal by disabling system applications
In cases where the left screen is part of a system application that cannot simply be turned off with a switch, a more in-depth approach will be required. We are talking about disabling the component responsible for displaying the feed. Often this application is called "Google", "Google Search" or a specific name from the manufacturer.
Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Find the application in the list that you think is responsible for the left screen. For example, for the Google feed, this is the application itself Google. Go to its information and see if there is a “Disable” button.
If the button is active, press it. The system will warn you that this may affect the operation of other functions, such as the voice assistant. Confirm the action. After this, the left screen should no longer open as the content source will be deactivated. However, this may cause the search widget to disappear from the home screen.
Settings → Applications → Google → DisableDisabling a system application is a reversible procedure. You can always re-enable the application in the same settings menu if you realize that you have lost important functions.
Advanced method: removal via ADB
For experienced users who are not afraid of working with the command line, there is a universal way to remove left screens through the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to hide or remove system packages without obtaining root access. You will need a computer and a USB cable.
First enable developer mode on your smartphone. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the build number. Then, in the Developer Options menu, enable USB Debugging. Connect the phone to the PC and enter the command to test the connection.
To remove the left screen, you need to find the name of the package responsible for it. Often this com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox for Google Discover. The command to hide a component is as follows. Be extremely careful, deleting only those packages in which you are 100% sure.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchboxIf you use devices Xiaomi with the Yandex feed, the package may be called differently, for example, com.miui.personalassistant. Entering the command will disable this feature for the current user and the screen will disappear. To return the functionality, use the command pm enable with the same package name.
- 💻 Install the ADB and Minimal ADB drivers on your computer.
- 📱 Allow USB debugging in a pop-up window on the phone screen.
- 💻 Enter the command
adb devicesto check the connection. - 🗑️ Run the command to disable a specific system package.
⚠️ Attention: Using ADB requires precision. Disabling critical system services (for example
com.android.systemui) may result in a cyclic reboot of the device (bootloop). Always check the package name before entering the command.
☑️ Preparing to work with ADB
Common problems and solutions
Sometimes after completing all the instructions, the left screen returns by itself. This often happens after updating the system or restoring default settings. In such cases, it is recommended to re-check the launcher settings, as updates may reset user preferences.
Another common problem is the presence of two left screens or conflicts between widgets. For example, after installing a third-party launcher, the old screen may remain active in the background. The solution is to clear the standard launcher data through the app menu before switching to a new one.
If all else fails and the left screen continues to appear, it may be built into the firmware at the kernel level or protected by device administrator rights. In such a situation, the only way out is to install custom firmware, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and entails loss of warranty.
Remember that the interfaces of mobile operating systems are constantly updated. What worked on Android 13 may change in Android 14 or 15. Always check the names of menu items with the current version of your firmware.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and settings names may differ depending on the regional firmware version and year of manufacture of the device. If you do not find an exact match, look for similar items in the “Display” or “Home Screen” section.
What to do if the “Disable” button is inactive?
If the system does not allow you to disable an application, it means that it is considered critical for the current configuration. Try changing the default launcher first, and then try disabling it again.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the left screen without losing the weather widget?
Yes, in most cases it is possible. The weather widget is often a separate element that can be placed on any of the main desktops. Disabling the news feed does not delete the widget itself, but only blocks access to the full feed. Just drag the widget to your home screen before disabling the feature.
Is it safe to use ADB for a regular user?
Using ADB is safe if you know exactly what command you are entering. Errors can cause system instability, but usually do not damage the hardware. Always Google the name of the package before disabling it to make sure it is not a system service.
Why did the left screen appear again after an Android update?
Major system updates often reset the launcher settings to default values. This is standard behavior by developers to introduce new features to users. You will have to go into the settings again and disable this option manually.
Does turning off the left screen affect the battery?
Yes, turning it off may slightly increase battery life. The news feed constantly updates content in the background using your internet connection and processor. By removing this process, you reduce the load on the device.
How can I get everything back if I didn’t like it without the left screen?
Just go to the desktop settings and turn the switch back on. If you used ADB, enter the command adb shell pm enable --user 0 [package_name]. If you installed a third-party launcher, remove it or select the standard launcher in the default application settings.