How to put Google Discover on Xiaomi: full instructions with solutions to problems

Google Discover is a personalized stream of news, articles and recommendations that integrates into the Android home screen. POCO This function is often absent "out of the box" due to the features of the shell MIUI. Unlike β€œpure” Android, where Discover is available by default when swiping to the right of the home screen, Xiaomi device owners have to manually configure it.

The problem is complicated by the fact that MIUI It actively promotes its own services, such as Mi Browser or GetApps, but many users prefer Google Discover for its more accurate personalization, integration with search and lack of intrusive advertising. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to install Discover on Xiaomi, including bypassing restrictions. MIUI, manual activation ADB and solving common errors (for example, when the tape appears but is not updated).

Important: The procedure may differ depending on the version MIUI (12/13/14) We tested the instructions on Xiaomi. 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 latest-update 2026 year-end.

What is Google Discover and why it is not available on Xiaomi

Google Discover (formerly Google Feed) is an algorithmic content feed that analyzes your interests based on:

  • πŸ” Google search history;
  • πŸ“– visited web pages (if Chrome sync is enabled);
  • πŸ“± activity in other Google services (YouTube, Maps, Gmail);
  • πŸ“ Geolocation (for local news).

On "pure" Android tape is available swipe to the right of the main screen, but MIUI replace:

  • 🌐 Mi Browser Quick Ball – Quick Access Panel to Xiaomi Browser;
  • πŸ“¦ GetApps - a branded app store;
  • πŸ“° Mi News – News Feed from Xiaomi (often with ads).

Reasons for the absence of Discover:

  1. Services competition: Xiaomi is interested in promoting its applications.
  2. Regional restrictions: In some countries (e.g. China), Google services are blocked.
  3. Optimization MIUI: The shell modifies the launcher, removing "unnecessary" elements.
πŸ“Š What kind of launcher are you using on Xiaomi?
Standard MIUI
Nova Launcher
Lawnchair
Other
I don't know.

Preparing a smartphone before installing Discover

Before activating the feed, you must follow several mandatory steps, and skipping any of them can lead to errors such as β€œGoogle can not download the tape” or a complete lack of response to the swipe.

Update. MIUI last-minute|Install all updates for Google Play Services|Enable synchronization with your Google account|Turn off power saving for Google app

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1. Update. MIUI and Google services

Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Update MIUI And you can install all the patches you have. Then you can go to the Google Play Store, you can go to Google Play Services and the Google App, and you can update them. If you don't have any updates, you can reinstall both apps.

2. Enable synchronization with Google

Go to Settings. β†’ Accounts and synchronization β†’ Google and activate:

  • πŸ”„ Web and Applications (activity history);
  • πŸ“ Location (for local news);
  • πŸ“° News (if there is such a point).

3. Disable battery optimization for Google

MIUI aggressively shuts down background processes, which prevents Discover from updating:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the Google App (Google App).
  3. Choose Energy Saving β†’ No restrictions.
  4. Turn on Auto Start and Background Activity.

πŸ’‘

If Discover doesn’t appear after setting up, try clearing the cache of the Google App app. β†’ Annexes β†’ Google β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.

Method 1: Enabling Discover through settings MIUI (formality)

On some Xiaomi models, the tape can be activated without third-party tools. MIUI 13/14 for global firmware versions (EEA, Global).

Instructions:

  1. Press and hold the empty space on the home screen, then select Screen Settings.
  2. Scroll down and find the Google Discover (or Google Feed) item.
  3. Activate the switch next to Show Google Feed.
  4. Return to the main screen and swipe to the right – the tape should appear.

If Google Discover is not in the settings, then your version MIUI It doesn't support it. In this case, move to Method 2.

What if Discover is enabled but not updated?
If the feed appears but shows outdated news or an error called β€œFailed to Update”, follow the following steps: 1. Open the Google App (the icon with the letter β€œG”). 2. Click on the avatar in the upper right corner. β†’ Settings β†’ General. β†’ Reset the application settings. 3. Reboot your smartphone. 4. Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google β†’ Permits and include all permissions, especially Location and Warehouse.

Xiaomi modelSupport for Discover "out of the box"Is ADB required?
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro (Global)Yes (MIUI 14)No.
Redmi Note 12 (EEA)Yes (after update)No.
POCO F5 (Global)Partially (reset needed)Sometimes.
Xiaomi 12T (China ROM)No.Yes.
Redmi 10A (Global)No.Yes.

Method 2: Activate Discover by ADB (for all versions MIUI)

If there is no option in the settings to enable Discover, you will have to use ADB-This method works on all versions. MIUI, including Chinese firmware, but requires a smartphone to be connected to a computer.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux;
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (original);
  • πŸ“± Included Debugging by USB smartphone;
  • πŸ› οΈ Utility. ADB Tools by Google.

Step 1. Enable debugging over USB

On a smartphone:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Click on the MIUI version 7 times until the notification β€œYou are a developer!” appears.
  3. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.
  4. Turn on USB debugging and confirm the permission.

Step 2: Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute commands

Download and unpack. ADB Tools, then:

  1. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
  2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear serial number of your device.
  3. Run the command to activate Discover: adb shell cmd overlay enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.overlay
  4. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

After the reboot, swipe to the right of the main screen – Google Discover tape should appear.

adb shell settings put global window_light_navigation_bar 1

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Method 3: Install a third-party launcher with Discover support

If previous methods have failed, alternative launchers that support Google Discover by default can be used, which requires no root rights and is suitable for users who do not want to mess with the new technology. ADB.

Best launchers for Xiaomi with Discover support:

  • 🌟 Nova Launcher (paid version with gesture support);
  • 🏠 Lawnchair (free, open source);
  • πŸ”„ Action Launcher (paid, with extended Discover setting).

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

  1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
  2. Go to the launcher settings (Long press). β†’ Settings Nova).
  3. Select the Main Screen β†’ Swipe down/right β†’ Google Discover.
  4. Save the settings and swipe to the right on the home screen.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… No, he doesn't. ADB root;
  • βœ… It works on all versions. MIUI;
  • βœ… Additional functions of interface configuration.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Some launchers are paid;
  • ❌ Can conflict with branded chips MIUI (For example, Super Wallpapers).

πŸ’‘

If Discover doesn’t appear after installing the launcher, try disabling battery optimization for the launcher itself and the Google App app.

Solving typical Google Discover issues on Xiaomi

Even after the tape is successfully activated, users are faced with errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Discover is not updated

⚠️ If the tape shows the same news for a day, check it out:

  • πŸ”„ Is syncing enabled with Google (see Preparation section");
  • πŸ“Ά Internet connection quality (Discover does not update at weak signal);
  • πŸ”‹ Optimizing the battery for Google App (should stand without restrictions).

Problem 2: The tape appears, but empty

If the swipe to the right opens an empty screen with the words "No news":

  1. Open the Google App and manually update the feed (pull down).
  2. Check if it's blocking. MIUI access to Google. Go to Settings for that. β†’ Confidentiality β†’ Special access β†’ Optimize your battery and turn off optimization for Google App.
  3. Remove updates for Google App (in the app settings) and install them again.

Problem 3: Discover disappears after update MIUI

⚠️ Attention: Updates MIUI reset ADB. If the tape is missing after the update, repeat the command: adb shell cmd overlay enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.overlay If this does not help, try resetting the launcher settings (Settings launcher). β†’ Annexes β†’ Launcher β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data).

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Google is unable to download the feed.Blocking access to Google servers (especially on Chinese firmware)Use it. VPN Change the region in your Google account
The tape opens, but closes immediately.Conflict with branded services MIUITurn off Mi Browser Quick Ball in screen settings
Discover works, but without personalizationNo history of activity in Google accountEnable synchronization in Settings β†’ Google β†’ Account.

Alternatives to Google Discover for Xiaomi

If you haven’t managed to set up Discover or are looking for a replacement, consider these options:

1. Microsoft Start

  • 🌍 Integration with Bing and Windows;
  • πŸ“° Support for local news;
  • ⚑ Fast download even with weak internet.

Install Microsoft Launcher from Google Play and activate the feed in the settings.

2. SmartNews

  • πŸ“± Optimized for mobile devices;
  • πŸ” Personalization algorithms are not inferior to Google;
  • πŸ†“ Free version without advertising.

3. Flipboard

  • πŸ“š Ability to create your own thematic collections;
  • 🀝 Integration with social networks;
  • 🎨 Beautiful design with animations.

4. Yandex tape

  • πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί Optimized for Russian-speaking users;
  • πŸ“Š Accurate personalization by interest;
  • πŸ”’ Minimum data collection (compared to Google).
πŸ“Š What alternative to Google Discover would you choose?
Microsoft Start
SmartNews
Flipboard
Yandex ribbon
other
No need for a replacement.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Discover on Xiaomi

❓ Why my Xiaomi doesn’t have the β€œGoogle Discover” option in the screen settings?
It depends on the version. MIUI and regional firmware. In Chinese (China) ROM) And some global versions are hidden. ADB side-launcher.
❓ Can I turn on Discover without a computer?
Yes, if your version MIUI Supports official inclusion (see Method 1). Otherwise, you will have to use ADB The alternative is Google Play's QuickSearchBox app, but it's not stable.
❓ Why Discover is not showing news in my language?
The tape focuses on the language of the system and the region of the Google account. To change the language: Go to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Language and input. Set the language as your primary language. Open the Google App. β†’ Settings β†’ General. β†’ Search language and select language.
❓ How to turn off Discover if I don’t need it?
If the tape interferes, it can be removed: On a standard launcher MIUI: push-on β†’ Screen settings β†’ Turn off Google Discover. On Nova Launcher: Nova Settings β†’ Main screen screen β†’ Swipe right β†’ No, through. ADB (if included by the team: adb shell cmd overlay disable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.overlay
❓ Does Discover work on Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (China) ROM)?
China. ROM Google services are blocked by default. To make Discover work: Install Google Play Services and Google App manually (e.g. via APKMirror). ADB-method for activation. If the tape is not updated, connect to VPN (Note: Discover may not work well on some Chinese firmware due to lack of Google certification.