How to remove Google search bar from the screen Xiaomi Mi A2

Android One smartphone owners, such as the Xiaomi Mi A2, often face an intrusive interface that cannot be changed by standard means. Unlike the MIUI shell, it uses pure Android, where the Google search bar is built directly into the system launcher. This creates a sense of cluttered screen, especially on devices with a diagonal of 5.99 inches, where every pixel of usable area matters.

Removing this element requires not just drag and drop icons, but more in-depth intervention in system settings or using third-party software. Standard methods working on other brands are powerless here, since the widget is part of the system application com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox. The user will have to choose between maintaining the functionality of the voice assistant and the desire to get a clean screen.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available solutions to the problem, from secure replacement of the launcher to advanced methods of disabling system components through ADB. You will learn the risks of completely removing the search bar and how to return everything back if necessary. It is important to understand that any manipulation of system files requires care.

Why the search string cannot be removed in the usual way

The fundamental problem is the architecture of the Android One operating system. Unlike custom shells, where a manufacturer can afford to hide or remove certain interface elements, Google certification requires certain components on the default screen. The search bar in Xiaomi Mi A2 is not just a widget that can be removed with a long tap, it is an integrated part of the Pixel Launcher launcher or its modification.

Trying to just move icons or change the desktop grid will not work, because the system automatically reserved the top or bottom of the display for this element. Even if you manage to temporarily hide it, the device reboot will return everything to its place, which is done to ensure uniform user experience across all Android One devices.

In addition, the search bar is closely linked to Google Play Services, which is responsible for not only text queries, but also voice assistant, app search and weather widgets, and disabling this component can cause other system functions to work in an unstable way, so Android blocks direct deletion through the standard settings menu.

⚠️ Warning: Forced shutdown of system processes without prior preparation can result in a cyclic device restart (bootloop.

The safest method: installing a third-party launcher

The most effective and safe solution for the owner of Xiaomi Mi A2 is the installation of an alternative launcher.This method does not require root rights, does not violate the warranty (although for the Mi A2 it is likely already expired), and completely eliminates the risk of system failure.

Popular launchers like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher offer flexible grid, icon and control panel settings. Once you install the app, the system will prompt you to choose the default one. In the new launcher settings, you can simply not add a search widget, getting a perfectly clean screen.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – a classic of the genre, providing maximum detail of the appearance and behavior of the interface.
• 🌿 Lawnchair is a launcher that retains the visual style of pure Android, but devoid of intrusive Google elements.
• 💼 Microsoft Launcher is a great choice for those who are integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem and want high performance.

The installation process is simple: download an apk file or find an app in the Google Play Store, install it and click on the Home button to select the new default launcher. After that, the old search bar will disappear, giving way to the new interface. This solution is ideal for most users who want to just change the look without complex technical manipulations.

💡

When you first set up a new launcher, copy the icons from the old screen so as not to rearrange the applications manually.

Disconnection method through ADB for advanced users

For those who are reluctant to change the standard launcher but willing to risk stability for aesthetics, there is a method of disabling the component via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to “freeze” the process responsible for the search bar, effectively removing it from the interface, but leaving files in the system in case of recovery.

Before the procedure, you need to activate the developer mode on Xiaomi Mi A2. To do this, go to the Settings. → About the phone and seven times quickly click on the build number. After the message "You became a developer" in the settings menu will appear a new item System → For developers, you need to turn on debugging. USB.

Connect your smartphone to your computer, install ADB drivers, and open the command line. Enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

If the device is determined, execute the command to disable the search bar:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

Once you run the command, the search bar should disappear from the desktop, but be careful: this can affect widgets and voice search. If the system starts to behave incorrectly, you can always return everything back with the command adb shell pm enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.

⚠️ Note: Disabling system packages through ADB This method can cause errors in the Google Assistant and the OK Google function. Use this method only if you understand the consequences.

Comparison of methods of deleting the search string

The choice of the right method depends on your technical skills and goals. Below is a comparison table that will help determine the method of removing the obsession on the Xiaomi Mi A2.

As you can see from the table, installing a third-party launcher is the most balanced solution. The ADB method gives more control over the standard interface, but requires a computer and basic command line knowledge. Obtaining Root rights on Android One devices often leads to a loss of warranty and the inability to use banking applications without additional manipulation of SafetyNet.

💡

Using a third-party launcher is the only way to remove the search bar without the risk of disrupting Google’s system services.

Possible problems and solutions

Users may encounter a number of difficulties when modifying the Xiaomi Mi A2 interface, most often problems arise when using the ADB method. For example, after disabling the search package, the weather widget may stop working or the swipe menu may stop opening upwards, due to the fact that many system functions are tied to the same process.

If your phone is unstable after you do this, try restarting the device in safe mode first, press the shutdown button, and then hold your finger on the "Stop" button on the screen for a long time until you are prompted to go to safe mode, which will remove the problem launcher or reactivate system components.

Also worth mentioning is the update issue: After major Android updates, the launcher settings may reset and the search bar will return. In the case of third-party launchers, it is recommended to back up the settings inside the application itself, if this feature is supported by the developer.

• 🔄 Resetting – if nothing helps, a full reset to factory settings will return the system to its original state.
• 🔋 Battery discharge – some “heavy” launchers may consume more power than a standard interface.
• 📱 Incompatibility – Make sure the selected launcher is optimized for your device’s screen resolution.

⚠️ Note: If you are using the method ADB If you can’t return the search bar back, try to re-enable the packet in Safe Mode or via the Recovery menu.

Alternatives for the organization of the desktop

Instead of fighting the search bar, you can try to change the way you organize your workspace. With the Xiaomi Mi A2, with its 18:9 aspect ratio, you can effectively use the top of the screen for widgets that don't require a constant search bar, for example, calendar widgets or notes can take up space.

Using minimalist widgets allows you to create a unique interface that looks cleaner than the standard one. You can place your most important contacts, weather or currency rates at the top of the screen, making the search bar less noticeable or unnecessary. Many users forget that you can simply swipe your desktop or click on the home button to search.

And then there are stub widgets that visually mimic the search bar, but are just a picture or a link to a particular application, which allows you to keep the aesthetics familiar, but get rid of the functionality that you don't need, and you can find them in theme stores or create them yourself through customization apps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)