Many smartphone owners Xiaomi face aggressive integration of news feeds directly into the desktop interface. After updating the firmware MIUI or HyperOS swiping to the left often opens not just empty space, but an endless stream of articles from Yandex.Zen. This function is built into the system launcher and works as a separate service that consumes device resources and distracts the user.
The process of disabling this feed is not always obvious, since manufacturers deliberately complicate access to personalization settings. However, there are several proven methods that allow you to completely get rid of intrusive content. In this article we will look at all methods of deactivation, from simple switches in the settings to deeper system changes for models Redmi Note and Poco.
It is important to understand that the interface may differ slightly depending on the version Android and regional firmware. However, the logic of the system remains the same for the entire ecosystem Xiaomi. We will analyze each step one by one so that you can get back a clean desktop and improve the performance of your gadget.
Disable through desktop settings
The easiest and safest way to remove the news feed is to use the built-in launcher settings. This method does not require installing third-party software and works on most current versions. MIUI. You need to go to the settings menu of the desktop itself, and not the general settings of the phone.
To do this, long press with your finger on any free area of the main screen. In the bottom menu that appears, select Settings (gear icon). In the list that opens, find the section responsible for additional screens. In different versions of the firmware it may be called differently, but the essence remains the same.
Usually the required switch is located in the “Advanced” block or immediately in the main list called “Widget Feed” or “Google Discover”. If you have installed the Russian version of the system with Yandex integration, you will see the item -1 screen or “Yandex.Lenta”. Move the toggle switch to the inactive position.
⚠️ Attention: After disabling this function, swiping left from the main screen will no longer open any page. If you are used to using weather or notes widgets on this screen, they will also disappear.
☑️ Checking the launcher settings
If the standard path did not work, your firmware version may require a different approach. Try opening general Settings phone, then go to section Desktop. Sometimes the option is hidden inside a submenu Advanced. Make sure that you do not confuse disabling the ribbon with locking screen rotation or other interface functions.
Removing the Yandex widget from the interface
Sometimes the news feed is not a system function of the launcher, but was added by the user accidentally as a separate widget. In this case, disabling it in the settings will not help, since the application control Yandexis simply pinned to the screen. This is a common situation on devices where the application store is preinstalled GetApps.
To check this, carefully inspect your desktop. The widget can take up a significant portion of the screen or be collapsed into a small search bar. To remove it, just tap on the widget and hold your finger until the action menu appears. Select the option Delete or drag the item to the top of the screen, where the trash can will appear.
It is also worth checking the folder with system applications. Often a shortcut Yandex with a quick access function to the feed is located there. Removing a shortcut will not remove the app itself, but it will remove direct access to news from the first screen. This helps to visually clear space and reduce the likelihood of accidentally opening the feed.
- 📱 Long pressing on the widget brings up a context menu with a delete button.
- 🗑️ Dragging an item to the top of the screen sends it to the trash.
- 🚫 Removing a shortcut does not affect the operation of the main application in the system.
In some cases, the widget may be blocked from deletion by the device administrator or system rights. If you see an error message when you try to remove it, it means the item is more deeply integrated. Then you should use the disabling method through the settings, described in the previous section, or temporarily disable the application itself.
If the widget is not removed, try restarting your smartphone in safe mode. This will disable all third-party launchers and help you understand whether the widget is a system one or installed by the user.
Blocking the feed in the Yandex browser
Often users confuse the system feed on the desktop with the news feed inside the browser Yandex Browser. Even if you remove the widget from your screen, you are still greeted with a stream of articles when you launch your browser. To make the browser interface clean, you need to change its internal settings.
Open the application Yandex Browser on your Xiaomi Redmi. Click on the menu icon (three dots or three bars), usually located in the lower right or upper right corner. Select item Settings. In the list of options, find the section responsible for the appearance of the main page.
You will need item Zen Feed or Recommendations. Uncheck the box or turn the switch to the Off position. After this, when you launch the browser, you will only see the search bar and frequently visited sites, without endless scrolling of news. This significantly saves traffic and speeds up page launch.
| Interface element | Where is | Action |
|---|---|---|
| System feed | Desktop settings | Disable toggle switch "-1 screen" |
| Search widget | Home screen | Delete with long press |
| Feed in the browser | Yandex application settings | Uncheck "Zen Feed" |
| Notifications | Android notification settings | Deny for application |
Don't forget to also check the settings of the Yandex search widget if you use it instead of the standard Google. Inside the settings of the widget itself there is often a “Show news” checkbox. Disabling it will allow you to leave only the query input line, removing visual noise.
Disable notifications and background work
Even if the visual feed is removed, the application Yandex can continue to work in the background and send push notifications from article headings. This is not only distracting, but also drains your Redmibattery. To completely isolate a service, you need to restrict its rights in the Yandex system. Go to your phone, then select the section and press. Find Android.
Go to Settings phone, then select the section Applications and press All applications. Find in the list Yandex or Yandex.Browserin the list. Go to menu Notifications. Here you can completely prevent the application from sending any notifications or selectively disable categories related to news and recommendations.
Next, return to the application information menu and find the item Activity control or Battery. Set a limit on background activity. On MIUI this is often called “No restrictions” (you need to switch to “Limit”) or “Battery saver”. This will prevent automatic downloading of content when you are not using the phone.
⚠️ Attention: Completely limiting background work may affect the operation of other Yandex functions, for example, the timely receipt of messages in Yandex.Messenger or updating the weather widget.
It is also worth checking the section Autostart in application settings. Make sure the switch opposite Yandex is turned off. This ensures that the service does not start itself immediately after turning on the smartphone screen. The comprehensive application of these measures will significantly extend the battery life of your device.
Changing the launcher as a radical solution
If standard methods do not give the desired result or the interface MIUI seems too overloaded to you, you can go radical way. Installing a third-party launcher completely replaces the desktop and screen management system, removing all built-in Yandex integrations.
Popular options such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcheroffer a clean interface without pre-installed news feeds. After installing such a launcher, swiping to the left will either be empty or open widgets that you configure yourself. This gives maximum control over the appearance of the smartphone.
To change the launcher, download the selected application from Google Play. After installation, press the Home button and the system will prompt you to select a default application. Select the new launcher and click "Always". The old Zen ribbon interface will disappear instantly.
How to return the old launcher?
If you want to return to the standard Xiaomi interface, go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Three dots (top right) → Default applications → Desktop. Select MIUI or System.
However, it is worth considering that third-party launchers may not support some proprietary gestures Xiaomi, for example, hiding applications with a double pinch or special animations. Before full migration, test the new interface for a couple of days to make sure it is convenient for your model. Redmi.
A third-party launcher is the only way to ensure that you remove the system ribbon on older versions of firmware that do not have an official disable switch.
Features of disabling on different versions of MIUI
The shutdown procedure may vary depending on the operating system version. Owners of devices with MIUI 12, MIUI 13 and new HyperOS may encounter different menu names. Developers are constantly changing the location of the settings, trying to keep the user's attention on the content.
In the latest versions HyperOS the settings are often hidden deeper. Try the path: Settings → Desktop → Advanced. If the item you need is not there, use the settings search. Enter the phrase “Feed” or “Discover” into the search bar, and the system itself will lead you to the desired switch.
On devices with global firmware (Global ROM) instead Yandex feed may be installed by default Google Discover. The shutdown mechanism is similar: long tap on the screen → Settings → Google Feed → Turn off. If you have a Chinese version of the firmware (CN ROM), Xiaomi's own feed may be integrated there, which is also disabled in a similar menu.
- 🔍 Use the search in settings if you cannot find the item manually.
- 🌏 Global versions more often use Google Discover, Chinese ones use their own services.
- 🔄 After major updates, check your settings again, they may be reset.
Remember that the interfaces of mobile operating systems are dynamic. The menu item layout may change in a future security update. If you have not found the path described, it is most logical to focus on keywords when searching for settings, rather than following the exact menu path.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface depends on the specific model and region of purchase. If the described items are missing, check for system updates or refer to help for your specific software version.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely remove the Yandex application from a Xiaomi phone?
Complete removal of the Yandex system application without root access is often impossible, since it is built into firmware However, you can disable it in the Applications section, which will hide the icon and prevent it from working. To completely remove it, you will need special utilities like ADB AppControl on your computer.
Why did the Zen ribbon appear again after a reboot?
This can happen if a system update reset the launcher settings. Also check if you have installed the Yandex widget again by accident. In rare cases, clearing the data of the Desktop application in the settings helps, but this will reset the location of all your icons.
Does disabling Zen affect the speed of the smartphone?
Yes, disabling background loading of news and widgets frees up RAM and reduces the load on the processor. On budget models Redmi this can significantly speed up the opening of applications and the responsiveness of the interface.
How to disable advertising in the application folder on Xiaomi?
Advertising recommendations in folders are disabled separately. Go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Personal Data Access (or Accessibility) → Advertising Services System (msa) and turn off the switch. Also in the desktop settings there is an item “Receive recommendations”, which needs to be turned off.