Modern Android shells, including Xiaomi’s proprietary MIUI and HyperOS, often offer users “enhanced” features that are actually intrusive. One such feature is Google’s search bar, which appears when swiping up from the center of the desktop. Instead of quickly accessing apps or widgets, users get into the news feed or search bar, which annoys many smartphone owners. This feature is deeply integrated into the system, but it can be disabled by returning familiar control of navigation.
The need to remove this element is often associated with a desire to speed up the interface or just get rid of visual noise. Swipe up is a standard action in many launchers to open app menus, and redirecting it to search violates the logic of using the device. Fortunately, developers have left several ways to solve this problem, from simple settings in the menu to using third-party tools. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi models.
It’s worth noting that the settings may vary slightly depending on the operating system version. Newer HyperOS devices may work differently than older MIUI 12 or 13 firmware. However, the basic principles of launching remain similar. We’ll look at options for both the standard Security app and the desktop system settings so you can choose the right one for your case.
Disconnection through desktop settings
The easiest and safest way to remove the search is to use the launcher's built-in settings. In most cases, the system allows the user to choose the action that will be performed when swiping up, and to do this, you need to go to the desktop settings, which can be done in several ways, but the fastest is through the application menu.
You need to pinch an empty space on your desktop or click on the gear icon in the tool folder. In the menu that opens, select "More" or go straight to the settings. Find the section that handles gestures or extras. There's often a switch hiding here that redirects the swipe from Google search to open the app menu or nothing.
⚠️ Note: If the swipe up option is not in the main settings, try clicking the three dots in the corner of the desktop settings screen and selecting "More." In some versions MIUI This option is hidden right there.
Once you find the right switch, simply turn it off or select Open the Application Menu. Changes take effect instantly, you don't usually need to restart the device, and if the standard means of the system is not to change the behavior of the swipe, you will have to resort to deeper settings through special applications.
Use of the Security App
In Xiaomi’s ecosystem, the Security system app is not only an antivirus, but also a memory management and optimization center. This is often where hidden switches affect the interface work. To remove intrusive search, open the Security app and wait for the scan to be completed.
At the bottom of the screen, look for the Accelerate or Clean icon. Sometimes the switch you want is in Advanced Settings, which is called by clicking on the gear icon in the top right corner. Look for a item called Google Search or Search Bar, and if you turn it off, you'll stop the system from running that module for certain actions.
It’s important to understand that updating Google Play Services components can bring these settings back, so after major system updates, it makes sense to recheck this section, and in some regions, the firmware may have limitations, and then this method will not work without additional manipulation of the device region.
☑️ Checking security settings
Configure via Google Discover
Users often confuse swipe search with Google Discover, which can also be activated by gestures. If your goal is to turn off the news feed that downloads content from the Internet, then you should look for the settings in the Google app itself, which will not only remove the visual element, but also save traffic and battery power.
Open the Google app on your smartphone and click on the profile avatar in the top right corner. In the drop-down menu, select Settings, then go to General. Here you need to find Discover or Google Tape and deactivate it. After that, the swipe right or up (depending on the configuration) will stop opening the news feed.
Another important nuance is the desktop search widget, which, if you have one installed, can also affect how you swipe it, and some versions of the launcher link the widget to activating the quick search function, and remove the widget by holding it down and dragging it into the shopping cart to see if gestures change.
| Function | Where to turn off | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|
| Google Discover | Google's settings → General | Turns off the news feed. |
| Search panel | Desktop settings | Remove the search bar when swiping |
| Search widget | Desktop (removal) | Cleans the interface, can remove the swipe |
| Optimization of MIUI | For developers | A profound change in the behavior of the system |
Application of third-party launchers
If the standard methods don’t work well or the MIUI interface seems too overloaded, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher, a radical but effective step that completely changes the look and feel of the smartphone. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Niagara Launcher.
Once you install a third-party app from Google Play Market, the system will ask you to confirm your use as your primary. Select Always or Default. In the new launcher settings, you can customize each gesture in detail. For example, in Nova Launcher, in Gestures and Enter, you can swipe up to open the app menu, and swipe down to open the notification bar, completely ignoring Google search.
⚠️ Note: When installing a third-party launcher, some Xiaomi system features, such as “Second Space” or specific gestures MIUI, It may not work properly or become inaccessible. Weigh the pros and cons before replacing the system interface.
The alternative launcher also offers the benefit of more smooth animations and deep customization, so you can change icons, fonts and desktop grids, and it's a great way to breathe new life into a device that you've lost your standard look.
Why are the settings reset after the update?
Method through settings for developers
For advanced users, there is a way to disable system components through the developer menu, which requires caution, since changing the parameters incorrectly can lead to unstable interface operation.
To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7-10 times on the MIUI Version (or OS Version), and you will see a message that you have become a developer. Then go back to the main settings menu, select “Additional” → “Developers”.
There may be an option to disable “Optimization” MIUI» However, this method does not work on all versions of the firmware. In some cases, you need to connect to a computer and use it. ADB-commands to freeze the com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox package, but this already requires a PC and command line skills.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchboxThis command completely disables the quick search component. Be careful: after that, the Google Assistant voice assistant may also stop working. To get it back, you use a command to replace disable-user with enable. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions.
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Before making changes to the developer settings, back up important data. While the risk is minimal, unpredictable system behavior after a launcher reset is possible.
Solving the problem for different models
Owners of different smartphone models may face variations in this problem, such as the low-end Redmi series models with a lightweight version of the MIUI Lite shell, which often only helps to change the region or install global firmware instead of Chinese.
On flagship models like Xiaomi 13 or 14, which are powered by HyperOS, algorithms can be more aggressive in promoting Google services. Here, you should pay attention to Google account settings. In the web version of the account, you can turn off ad personalization and activity history, which indirectly affects the frequency of search prompts.
Also worth mentioning are POCO models, which often have their own POCO Launcher launcher, which has a separate Search section in its settings where you can completely disable Google integration and replace it with App-by-Application Search or nothing at all, which makes POCO devices more flexible in the interface settings compared to the basic Redmi.
⚠️ Warning: Changing your region in settings (e.g., the U.S. or India) can change the set of available features and applications in the GetApps store. Remember to return the region back if you notice the loss of services important to your region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I remove Google App from Xiaomi Phone?
Why does the search reappear after the reboot?
Does disabling search affect the voice assistant job?
Is it safe to use third-party launchers on Xiaomi?
How to return all default search settings?
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The most reliable way to get rid of swipe search is by combining disabling the feature in desktop settings and using a third-party launcher for full control of gestures.