How to permanently remove Google search bar from Xiaomi desktop: working methods for 2026

Why does Google search appear on Xiaomi and can it be removed?

Google’s search widget is automatically added to the home screen of most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones after the first firmware update or turn on, the result of a partnership between Xiaomi and Google that pre-installed the search giant’s services, but not everyone is comfortable seeing this string — it takes up space, interferes with desktop aesthetics, and is sometimes accidentally activated when swipes are used.

Unlike standard applications, the search widget is not removed as a regular program through the Settings → Applications menu. It can only be hidden, disabled or replaced with alternative solutions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways for MIUI 12-15, including workarounds for stubborn firmware.

It's important to understand that some methods require system applications to be disabled, which can affect the stability of the smartphone, and we'll note these cases with warnings.

Method 1: Remove the widget manually (the easiest method)

If the search bar appears as a widget (rather than sewn into the launcher), it can be removed in 10 seconds:

1. Press and hold your finger on the Google search bar.
2. At the top of the screen will appear a basket with the inscription Delete – drag the widget there.
3. Confirm the action if necessary.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 12) widget can recover after rebooting.

Method 2: Disable the Google app through settings

If manual removal doesn’t work, try disabling the app itself, which is responsible for the widget.This method is suitable for most models, including the Xiaomi 13, POCO F5 and Redmi K60:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type in Google and select the Google app (not Google Play Services!).
3. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

Once disabled, the widget will disappear, but search in the Chrome browser and other Google features will remain functional.

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If the Disable button is inactive, try removing the app updates first and then try again.

Method 3: Use of alternative launcher (Nova, Hyperion, Lawnchair)

The standard MIUI launcher often ignores user settings and restores Google widgets, and the solution is to install a side launcher, such as:

• 🔹 Nova Launcher – supports deep customization, allows you to hide system widgets.
• 🔹 Hyperion Launcher – optimized for Xiaomi, has built-in themes MIUI.
• 🔹 Lawnchair is an open source lightweight launcher.

Instructions for setting:

1. Install the selected launcher from Google Play.
2. When you first start, select it as the default launcher.
3. Click on the empty space on the desktop → Desktop Settings → turn off the option to Show Google widgets (the name may differ).

Important: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T) after the MIUI update, the system launcher may become the main one again. To avoid this, in the launcher settings, disable the default Reset option.

Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have failed, you can force the widget to be disabled via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the smartphone to a computer, but does not need root rights.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB-tools, and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI Or reset the widget may come back. To get it back, use the command:

adb shell pm unhide com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging on USB| Download platform-tools| Connect the phone with the original cable-->

Method 5: Reset the launcher settings (if the widget returned after the update)

Sometimes the search bar appears again after updating MIUI or resetting the cache, in which case the resetting of the system launcher will help:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Launcher app (or MIUI Launcher).
3. Click Warehouse → Clear the data and Clear the cache.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

Once reset, all widgets and icons will go back to factory settings, so you'll have to reconfigure your desktop, but the Google search bar will disappear.

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

Not all methods are equally effective for different Xiaomi models, and the table below shows a comparison of methods for reliability and complexity:

For most users, the best option is to install Nova Launcher, which requires no technical skills, reliably hides the widget and offers additional customization options.

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If you don’t want to use ADB or third-party launchers, the combination of disabling the Google app + manually removing the widget gives you the best long-term result.

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after the search bar is successfully deleted, users face typical difficulties.

• 🔄 The widget returns after the reboot → Use it. ADB or disable automatic update of the Google app in Google Play.
• 🚫 You can not turn off the Google application → Check if it's set to system, and then it'll only help. ADB root.
• ⚙️ The launcher resets after the update MIUI → Before upgrading, back up your launcher settings (in Nova Launcher: Backup/Restore).

If none of these methods worked, check to see if your device has regional firmware installed (for example, for India or China). Some versions of MIUI have hard-stitched widgets that cannot be removed without completely flashing.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions