How to turn off Google swipe search up on Xiaomi MIUI 12: 4 working methods

The swipe up from the bottom bar gesture to call Google search has become a standard feature in MIUI 12, but not all Xiaomi users like it. Random positives, inconvenience in navigation or just a desire to return classic control - the reasons can be different. Unfortunately, in the standard settings of MIUI 12 there is no obvious switch to disable this gesture, which causes confusion even for experienced owners of smartphones Redmi, Poco or Mi.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to deactivate swipe up for Google Search, from official settings to hidden ADB commands and alternative launchers. We’ll focus on the nuances for different models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Mi 11, Poco X3, etc.) and firmware versions. If you’re tired of randomly opening the search bar or want to optimize navigation, read on.

Why Google Swipe Up Appears on Xiaomi

The swipe up for search function was introduced by Google as part of the Google App (com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox) and became mandatory for all devices with Google Mobile Services (GMS) services. In MIUI 12, this gesture is integrated at the system level, but its implementation depends on:

• 📱 Versions MIUI: In the firmware MIUI 12.0.x–12.5.x The gesture is active by default, whereas in MIUI 13/14 It can be turned off through the launcher settings.
• 🔄 Like a launcher: Standard MIUI Launcher does not provide a direct switch, unlike Nova Launcher or HyperOS Launcher (in newer versions).
• 🔧 Root rights: Without rooting, some methods (e.g., removing system codes) APK) not.

It is important to understand that swipe up gestures can conflict with other functions:

• 🔙 With navigational gestures MIUI (For example, back swipe from the edge).
• 📁 Open notification bar or Google Discover (if enabled).
• 🎮 With game modes where casual touches are critical.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9T, Poco M3) post-update MIUI 12.5 Enhanced gesture can return even after disabling, due to Google's policy of forcibly activating the feature through the services. GMS Core.

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI Launcher settings

The easiest way is to use the hidden options of the standard launcher, which works on most devices with MIUI 12, but may not be available on some regional firmware (for example, for India or Europe).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Show all applications.
3. Search Google (or com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox) and tap it.
4. Go to the section Additional → Default settings.
5. Turn off the swipe gesture up (or Show search on the home screen).

If there is no item, try an alternative path:

1. Long press on the free place of the main screen → screen settings.
2. Select Additional Settings → Gestures.
3. Find the Google Search section and deactivate the slider.

Add the Google shortcut to your desktop (in case of a crash)

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Backup your settings (Settings → Additional → Backup)

Turn off the Google App auto-update in the Play Market-->

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5.3 for Mi 10T), the option is hidden behind the developers.

Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times to activate developer mode)


Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers




Enable the option to "Show gestures to Google"

⚠️ Attention: After disabling the gesture through the launcher settings, the ability to call Google Assistant with a voice from the locked screen may disappear. To return the function, restart the device.

Method 2: Using ADB to deactivate gestures

If the standard settings don’t help, you can turn off the gesture via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require root, but requires a computer and USB-Suitable for all Xiaomi models on the MIUI 12 including Redmi Note 9 Pro, Mi 11 Lite and Poco F3.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 ADB Tools by Google.
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Instructions:

1. Activate the developer mode (see previous section).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the adb.exe folder and do:

adb devices

(Your device should show up. If not, check the driver.)

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/.googleapp.SearchActivity

This command disables Google search activity for the current user.

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📱 Check the swipe up - the gesture should stop working.

If you need to return the function, do:

adb shell pm enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/.googleapp.SearchActivity

💡

If ADB doesn't recognize the device, try switching USB mode to Charge Only and then back to File Transfer. Also check if the antivirus is blocking the connection.

Method 3: Installation of an alternative launcher

If you don't like the standard MIUI Launcher, you can replace it with a third-party one, where the swipe up gesture is flexible, which is suitable for users who want to not only remove Google search, but also customize the interface.

The best launchers for Xiaomi:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher: Allows you to disable the swipe up completely or reassign it to another action (for example, opening Google Discover or an app).
• 🔧 Lawnchair 2: Lightweight launcher with gesture support and dark theme.
• 📱 Hyperion Launcher: Optimized for Xiaomi, retains corporate identity MIUI.
• 🎨 Action Launcher: Supports QuickPage – an analogue of swipe up with customization.

How to install and configure:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. After installation, click Home and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. Go to the launcher settings (long press on the desktop → Settings).
4. Find the Gestures and Entry (or Gestures) section.
5. Disable or reassign the action for Swipe up.

Example for Nova Launcher:

Settings → Gestures and inputs → Swipe up → Select “No action” or “Open app”

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Complete control of gestures.
• ✅ Additional functions (hiding icons, adaptive icons).
• ✅ No risk of damaging system files.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Certain functions MIUI (Super Wallpapers may not work.
• ❌ Consumes slightly more RAM.

Method 4: Delete or freeze Google App (for advanced ones)

The radical way is to completely remove or freeze the Google app responsible for the gesture, which requires root rights or the use of ADB to deactivate system components, and is suitable for users who do not use Google services (for example, prefer Yandex or DuckDuckGo).

Option 1: Through ADB (without root)

Follow the command to completely disable the Google App:

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

This will remove all app updates and return it to the factory version (which may not support gesture).

Option 2: With root rights

Use Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher to freeze the application:

1. Install Titanium Backup.
2. Find Google in the list of apps.
3. Choose Freeze (Freeze) to be used.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Deleting or freezing Google App may result in a: 🔍 Loss of Google Assistant functionality. 📍 Google Maps inoperability (navigation, location search). 🔄 Problems with syncing Google Accounts (contacts, calendar) If you depend on these services, use other methods.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5 Enhanced for Redmi K40), Google’s app is protected from removal, in which case only replacing the firmware with custom (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will help.

Through MIUI settings

With ADB

Installation of a third-party launcher

Delete Google App

Another way.-->

Additional advice and problem solving

If none of the methods worked, check the following points:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: On some devices (e.g. Poco) X3 NFC) post-update MIUI 12.5.4 a separate gesture switch appears. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📦 Conflict with other gestures: If you have navigation gestures enabled MIUI (For example, swipe sideways to return, they can block changes. Try temporarily disabling them in Settings. → Display. → Navigation panel.
• 🔧 Resetting launcher settings: Resetting sometimes helps MIUI Launcher to factory:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Launcher → Storage → Clear data

If after disabling the gesture, the swipe up still works:

• 🛠️ Check if additional Magisk modules (e.g. Xiaomi) are installed EU or Disabler for MIUI), which can override the settings.
• 🔍 Make sure you turn off the gesture not only in the launcher, but also in the Google App. To do this, open the Google app, go to Settings. → General. → Gestures and deactivate the option.

💡

On devices with MIUI 12 for the Russian market (without Google services), the swipe gesture upwards can be redirected to Yandex.Search or MIUI Search. In this case, the disconnection is done in the same way - through the settings of the corresponding application.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off swipe up