How to Remove Google Search from Xiaomi’s Screen: From Widgets to System Processes

Google’s search bar on Xiaomi’s home screen is one of the most annoying features of MIUI firmware for users who prefer privacy or alternative search engines. Even after removing widgets, the system stubbornly returns it through updates or resets. In this article, we will examine all possible ways from basic (hiding icons) to radical (disabling Google Play system services), including methods for and with non-root-right devices.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi is closely integrated with Google’s firmware services, so it’s almost impossible to “remove forever” without any functional consequences. However, you can minimize its presence to the “does not interfere” level, keeping the app store and other key features running. Next, the proven methods for MIUI 12/13/14 on models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

1. Removing Google Search Widget from Home Screen

The easiest way is to hide the widget, but it doesn’t work on all versions of MIUI. In recent updates, Xiaomi has blocked deleting the search bar with standard means, so you’ll have to use workarounds.

How to remove the widget:

• 📱 Press the Google search bar on the home screen.
• 🗑️ In the menu that appears, select “Delete” or drag the icon to the cart (if available).
• ⚙️ If the “Delete” option is inactive, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google and disable the permission to “Map on top of other windows».

On some devices (e.g. POCO F4), the widget returns after the reboot, in which case disabling the automatic update of the Google App will help:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Find the Google app (not Google Play Services!).
3. Tap it on three points. → «Turn off auto-update».

2. disable Google Search in MIUI settings

MIUI allows you to partially limit Google’s influence through system settings, which will not remove search completely, but will reduce its intrusiveness.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Google → Search.
2. Turn off the options: 🔍 «Search on the main screen» 📱 «Search in applications» 🌐 «Web results and proposals»

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google

• 🚫 Stop auto-starting.
• 🔄 Limit work in the background.
• Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands in ADB: adb shell pm hide com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox If the command doesn't work, try: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
• Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) This method can cause a malfunction of the Google Play Store:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox && adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging on USB| Download ADB Platform Tools| Connect your phone with the original cable-->

4. Complete removal of Google services (requires root)

If you’re willing to sacrifice the Google Play Store and other services, you can remove the search permanently with root access, a method that’s suitable for power users and devices with an unlocked bootloader.

List of applications that can be safely removed (via Root Explorer or ADB with superuser rights):

Remove commands (require root):

su


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




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gsf

⚠️ Note: Deleting com.google.android.gms will cause the complete inoperability of all applications dependent on Google Play Services (including banking applications, maps, many games). TWRP.

5. Alternative Launchers: How to Hide Google Search Forever

If system methods don't work, the most reliable way is to install a third-party launcher, which will completely replace the standard MIUI interface and allow you to customize the main screen without imposing widgets.

Top.-3 launcher for Xiaomi:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – flexible configuration, gesture support, hiding icons.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for Xiaomi, Minimalist Design.
• 🔄 Lawnchair – open source, integration with Google Discover, but it can be turned off).

How to configure Nova Launcher to remove search:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the empty space on the home screen → “Settings” → “Dock Station”.
3. Turn off the “Google Search” option in the “Widgets” section.
4. In “Application Settings” → “Integration” disable access to Google App.

The advantage of this method is that Google search will remain on the system (for applications to work), but will not appear on the screen. MIUI (For example, global search will become unavailable.

6. Resetting and flashing: extreme measures

If neither method works, there are two radical options: hard reset or custom firmware installation: the first will return the device to the factory settings (but Google search will remain), the second will completely get rid of Google services.

Hard reset:

1. Make a backup of data through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data” and confirm.

After the reset, MIUI will suggest you reconfigure your device, skip this step (if possible) or use an alternative account when you sign in to your Google account.

Custom firmware without Google (GApps):

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without Google services.
• 🔧 Pixel Experience – firmware with a minimum set of GApps.
• 🛡️ GrapheneOS – privacy-focused (requires unlocking the bootloader).

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void Xiaomi’s warranty and may cause the device to fail if it fails during firmware.Be sure to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool before the procedure and check the firmware compatibility with your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro).+ 5G requires a separate version TWRP).

💡

Custom firmware without GApps will deprive you of access to the Google Play Store. Alternatively, F-Droid or Aurora Store (with anonymous access).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Google search on Xiaomi