How to completely disable Google Podcasts on Android: deleting, blocking notifications and hiding from the system

The application Google Podcasts is automatically installed on most smartphones with Android and often works in the background - even if you do not use it. It uses up battery power, sends unnecessary notifications, and takes up storage space. In this article we will look at all the ways disable or delete Google Podcasts on devices from different manufacturers: from standard deletion to deep disabling system processes.

The peculiarity of the application is that on some firmware (for example, Samsung One UI or Xiaomi MIUI) it cannot be deleted like a regular app. You'll have to use hidden settings ADB commands or even rooting. We have collected current methods that work on Android 12–15, including devices with pre-installed Google Play Services.

Important: some methods require technical knowledge. If you are unsure of your actions, start with the simplest options (sections 1–3). Methods for Advanced Users (Sections 4-6) may affect system stability if used incorrectly.

1. Standard removal through Android settings

On most smartphones (for example, Pixel, Motorola, Nokia) application Google Podcasts can be uninstalled like a regular app. Here's how to do it:

• 📱 Open Settings → Applications (or Applications and notifications).
• 🔍 In the list, find Google Podcasts (can be called Google Podcasts or Podcasts from Google).
• 🗑️ Click Delete or Uninstall. If the button is inactive, go to the next method.
• 🔄 After deleting, restart your phone for the changes to take effect.

If the button Delete is missing, then the application is system. In this case, try disable it:

1. In the application menu, click Disable (or Pause).
2. Confirm the action in the window that appears.
3. After disabling the application will disappear from the menu and stop working.

2. Blocking notifications and background activity

If you cannot delete an application, but it annoys you with notifications or uses up your battery, limit its rights:

• 🛡️ Go to Settings → Applications → Google Podcasts → Notifications.
• 🔔 Disable all switches in the section Allow notifications.
• 🔋 Return to the application menu and select Battery → Optimization (or Background activity).
• ⚡ Set the mode Limited or Optimized.

Additionally, you can block the application from accessing the Internet:

1. In the menu Google Podcasts select Mobile data and Wi-Fi.
2. Disable both switches (Mobile data and Wi-Fi).

Notifications disabled|Background activity limited|Internet access blocked|Autostart disabled-->

These steps will not remove the application, but will minimize its impact on the system. If after the update Android the settings are reset, repeat. procedure.

3. Removal via ADB (without root access)

If standard removal is not available, but you have a computer, you can use ADB commandsThis method works on most devices without superuser rights (root).

You will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB cable for connecting your phone.
• 🛠️ Utility ADB (download Platform Tools from Google).

Instructions:

1. Turn on on your phone Developer mode (press 7 times on Build number in Settings → About phone).
2. Activate USB debugging in the developer menu.
3. Connect your phone to the computer and confirm permission to debug.
4. Open the command line (or Terminal) and enter:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.apps.podcasts

If the command is successful, the application will be uninstalled for the current user. On some firmware (for example Samsung), an alternative command may be required:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.apps.podcasts

⚠️ Attention: Using ADB can lead to unstable operation of other Google services if you remove critical components. Before executing commands, create a backup copy of your data.

4. Hiding an application via Launcher (without deleting)

If deleting Google Podcasts is impossible, but it interferes with the application menu hide it using the launcher. This method does not disable background processes, but will remove the icon from view.

Instructions for popular launchers:

For complete hiding on firmware MIUI or ColorOS may need to be used Hidden Applications mode in the system security settings.

Standard (from the manufacturer)|Nova Launcher|Action Launcher|Microsoft Launcher|Other|Not I know-->

5. Disabling via Titanium Backup (requires root)

If your device has root access, the most reliable way is freeze or uninstall the application via Titanium Backup. This will completely stop all processes associated with Google Podcasts.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Install Titanium Backup from Play Market.
2. Open the application and provide root access.
3. Find in the list Google Podcasts (or com.google.android.apps.podcasts).
4. Click on the application and select Freeze! (or Delete! for complete removal).
5. Reboot the device.

After freezing, the application will stop updating through the Play Store, even if you update other Google services. This is the only way forever to get rid of it on devices with root.

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications via Titanium Backup may disrupt operation Google Play ServicesIf errors occur after deletion, restore the application from a backup or reset the settings.

6. Alternative method: disabling via Safe Mode

If none of the methods worked, try uninstall an application in safe mode. In this mode, all third-party apps are disabled, and sometimes system applications become available for removal.

How to enter Safe Mode:

• 🔄 Turn off the phone.
• 🔘 Press the power button until the manufacturer's logo appears, then hold Volume down until boot.
• 📱 The screen will display Safe Mode.

In Safe Mode:

1. Go to Settings -> Applications mode. Settings → Applications.
2. Find Google Podcasts and try removing or disabling it.
3. Reboot your phone normally.

If in Safe Mode removal is not available, then the application is deeply integrated into the firmware. In this case, all that remains is disable notifications and limit background activity (section 2).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.podcasts