Many users of modern smartphones are faced with the intrusive presence of the Yandex news feed right on the main screen. This function, often called Yandex.Lenta or Zen, is integrated into the MIUI shell, EMUI, ColorOS and other custom interfaces. It consumes RAM, consumes traffic and simply annoys those who prefer minimalism.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to remove this system application using standard methods, since manufacturers often block this feature. However, there are proven methods that allow you to completely get rid of the annoying widget or disable its operation at the system level. In this article we will look at all the methods: from simple settings to the use of advanced tools for advanced users.
Attention: before starting any manipulations with system applications, it is strongly recommended to create a full backup of your data. Removing critical components can lead to unstable operation of the device.
Disabling through interface settings
The easiest and safest way to remove the news feed is to use the built-in launcher settings. On most smartphones, this option is hidden in the gestures or home screen options menu. You do not need root access or a connection to a computer.
Go to Settings your device and find the section Desktop or Home screen. There may be an item responsible for displaying the leftmost page. If you are using older versions of shells, the path may look different, for example, through a long tap on free space on the screen.
⚠️ Attention: The names of menu items may differ depending on the version of Android and smartphone models. If you don’t find the switch you need right away, use the search in settings by entering the word “Feed” or “News.”
After disabling the function, the feed will stop loading when you swipe to the right. However, the application itself Yandex may remain in the device memory, continuing to work in the background. To complete cleaning, you will need to perform additional steps described below.
If the switch is inactive (gray), it means that the application has device administrator rights or is a system one. In this case, proceed to the following sections.
Removing updates and clearing data
If disabling through the settings did not help or the button is missing, you can try to “roll back” the application to the factory version. This often robs it of functionality and removes widgets from the desktop. The method is effective for built-in Google and Yandex services.
Go to the Applications section in your phone settings. Find the application Yandex or Yandex.Feedin the list. Click on it to open the app information page. Here you will need a menu with three dots in the upper corner of the screen.
- 📱 Select "Delete updates" to return the application to its original state.
- 🗑️ Click "Clear data" and "Clear cache" to reset all feed settings.
- 🚫 Try clicking the "Disable" button if it is active after resetting the updates.
After completing these steps, restart your smartphone. Often after this procedure, the widget disappears, and the application itself stops launching automatically. This is a temporary solution, but it helps reduce the load on the system without the risk of breaking the phone.
☑️ Preparing to roll back the application
Using ADB to completely remove
For those who want to delete the application permanently and clean the system, the best tool is Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method allows you to remove even those apps that do not have a "Delete" button in the interface. You will need a computer and a USB cable.
First you need to activate developer mode on your smartphone. Go to About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, return to the main settings menu and find the new section For developers.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.yandex.newsThis command specifies the name of the package responsible for the news. If your manufacturer has a different package name, you can find it through the command adb shell pm list packages | grep yandex. Executing the command will instantly remove the application for the current user, making it invisible to the system.
⚠️ Warning: Be extremely careful when entering commands into the console. Removing system components not related to news (for example, the system launcher) may cause the phone to stop booting.
What to do if the computer does not see the phone?
Make sure that ADB drivers are installed on your PC. Try a different USB cable or port. Permission for USB debugging should appear on the phone screen - be sure to click "Allow".
Disable via special access rights
Sometimes an application is not uninstalled or disabled because it has special privileges. In modern versions of Android, these rights are called "Special Access" or "Use Access". Checking these settings may give the key to solving the problem.
In the settings menu, find the section Applications and further Special access. Here we are interested in the item Access to use (Usage Access). If an application Yandex is on this list and has permission, it can block its own deletion settings.
| Access type | Where to find | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Device Administrators | Security → Administrators | Uncheck |
| On top of other windows | Applications → Special. access | Deny |
| Changing system settings | Applications → Special. access | Deny |
After revoking all rights, try going to the application menu again and disabling the service. Often it is the presence of administrator rights that prevents standard removal. This is especially true for pre-installed software from manufacturers.
Revoking administrator rights is a mandatory step before attempting to remove a system application by any means. Without this, the delete button will be inactive.
Third-party launchers as an alternative
If the built-in launcher is too deeply integrated with Yandex services and does not allow you to disable the feed, the most radical and effective solution would be to install a third-party launcher. This will completely replace your phone's interface.
There are many great replacements available in the Google Play Store: Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, Microsoft Launcher. After installing such an application and selecting it as the default one, all widgets and feeds from the manufacturer will no longer be displayed.
- 🚀 Third-party launchers work faster and consume less resources.
- 🎨 You get full control over the grid of icons and gestures.
- 🛡️ Complete independence from pre-installed garbage and news feeds.
This method does not physically remove the application, but makes it useful and invisible to the user. For most people, this is the most convenient compromise between system security and interface cleanliness.
⚠️ Attention: Launcher interfaces and capabilities may change with updates. Before installing, check compatibility with your version of Android in the application description in the store.
Possible problems and solutions
During the uninstallation process, you may encounter errors or unexpected system behavior. For example, after deleting via ADB, the phone may begin to constantly display error messages about the corresponding service. This can be treated by re-installing updates or resetting settings.
Sometimes after turning off the news, the voice assistant or search stops working if they are linked to a single account. In this case, you should leave the basic application, but deny it access to the Internet through the firewall or firewall settings if you have root access.
Remember that Complete removal of system components via ADB is reversible only by resetting the phone to factory settings. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to limit yourself to disabling it through the settings menu.
Is it possible to remove Yandex News without a computer?
Yes, you can try to disable the application through the settings or use special uninstaller applications that require granting permissions via Wi-Fi debugging, but the PC method is more reliable.
Will the tape return after updating the system?
Unfortunately, yes. Major firmware updates (OTA) often restore deleted system applications and reset the launcher to factory settings.
Is it safe to use the pm uninstall command?
Yes, the command uninstalls the application only for the current user (user 0), without affecting the system partition. You can always return everything back by resetting the settings.
Why is the "Delete" button inactive?
This means that the application is a system one. Manufacturers block the removal of such apps for the stability of the shell, but they can be disabled.
Will uninstallation affect the warranty?
Using menu settings or ADB to disable applications usually does not void the warranty, unlike obtaining root access or unlocking the bootloader.