How to permanently remove Google Search from Xiaomi’s home screen: the full guide

Why does Google Search widget appear on Xiaomi screen and can it be removed?

Google Search Widget on the home screen of Xiaomi smartphones is the standard solution for most MIUI firmware since version 12. The company integrates it by default as part of a partnership agreement with Google, which allows you to quickly search the network directly from the desktop. However, many users find this widget intrusive: it takes up space, consumes resources in the background and is not always easy to use.

Unlike regular apps, simple removal via the Settings menu → The widget is a system component, and removing it requires special actions, from disabling through settings to using it. ADB-In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove the Google Search widget on Xiaomi in 2026, including methods for firmware. MIUI 14 and MIUI 15, and bypassing restrictions on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5).

It is important to understand that some methods may require root rights or disabling system applications, which will affect the stability of the device. If you are not ready for experiments, use the safe methods described in the first sections.

Method 1: Remove the widget through long pressing (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to remove the widget directly from the home screen, which works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-15 firmware, but can be blocked on some models (for example, in regional versions for the EU or India).

Instructions:

• 📱 Tap and hold your finger on the Google Search widget (not on the app icon, but on the search bar itself).
• 🗑️ At the top of the screen will appear the icon of the basket or the inscription Delete – drag the widget there.
• ✅ Confirm the action if a request appears.

If the cart doesn't appear, the widget is locked by the system, in which case move on to the following ways.

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On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13T), a long press opens the widget menu. Choose Remove from the screen or Disable.

⚠️ Note: After removing the widget in this way, it may return after restarting the device or updating. MIUI. This is due to Google’s policy of forced search integration.

Method 2: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)

If the widget cannot be removed with a long press, try to disable it through system settings.This method does not remove the widget completely, but hides it from the main screen and stops background activity.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type in Google and select the Google Search app (not to be confused with the Google Play Store or Google Services Framework).
3. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Once disabled, the widget will disappear from the home screen, but may reappear after the Google app update.To avoid this, disallow auto-update for it in the Google Play Store.

Backup important data | Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About Phone)| Turn off auto-update for Google in the Play Store |Reboot your device after changes

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Method 3: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

If previous methods didn’t work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool to control your device through your computer, which doesn’t require root rights, but requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and installing drivers.

Instructions:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode (go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times).
3. Enable USB Debugging in the Settings menu → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear.)

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

This command will remove the Google Search widget for the current user (without deleting system files).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 13 Pro, Redmi K60) The team can recover the Failure error. [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]. In this case, you need to use pm hide instead of uninstall, but this will require the rights of the superuser.

Method 4: Using third-party launchers

If you don't want to mess around with the system's settings, the easiest workaround is to install an alternative launcher, which will completely replace the standard MIUI desktop, allowing you to customize the screen for yourself.

The best launchers for Xiaomi:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – flexible widget configuration, gesture support, no advertising.
• 🎨 Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration, minimalist design.
• 🚀 Hyperion Launcher – Open Source, No Tracking.
• 📱 POCO Launcher (official) – optimized for devices POCO, But it works for all Xiaomis.

After the launcher is installed:

1. Open it and select Use by default.
2. Remove the Google widget manually (long press → Delete).
3. Set up a new desktop to your liking.

The downside of the method: Some MIUI features (e.g. Double-touch lock or Super Wallpaper) may not work properly.

Method 5: Removal with root rights (for advanced)

If you are willing to take drastic measures, getting root rights will remove the Google Search widget permanently, including all associated system files.

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty on most devices).
• 🔄 Possible disruptions MIUI.
• 🔒 SafetyNet (problems with banking applications).

Instructions (for firmware with unlocked bootloader):

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Sweep through Magisk to get root.
4. Download a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
5. Delete the folders: /system/priv-app/GoogleQuickSearchBox//system/app/GoogleQuickSearchBox/
6. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Redmi K50 Gaming) removing system applications can lead to bootloop (locked boot). TWRP.

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Root rights give full control over the system, but make it impossible to receive OTA-updates MIUI without manual firmware.

What if the widget returns after the update?

Even after removal, the Google Search widget may reappear after updating the MIUI or Google apps.

1. Freeze the app with Titanium Backup (requires root) or App Quarantine (no root, but less secure).
2. Turn off auto-update for Google in the Play Store → Settings → Auto-update apps.
3. Use it. ADB-Command for permanent shutdown: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
4. Install a patch through Magisk (e.g., the Universal GMS Doze module to limit Google’s background activity).

If the widget returned after the MIUI update, repeat the steps from Method 3 (ADB) or Method 5 (root).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Google Search on Xiaomi