How to remove Google search bar from Xiaomi screen

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often encounter an intrusive interface element, the Google search bar, which is the default location at the top of the desktop. Despite the functionality of this widget, many users consider it unnecessary, because it takes up useful space and visually overloads the screen. This is especially true for devices with small diagonals, where every free pixel on the account. You can remove this element, but the standard settings of MIUI and HyperOS often hide the direct possibility of removal, requiring the user to know certain workarounds.

The process of getting rid of the extra widget depends on the version of the Android operating system and the MIUI shell installed on your device. In some cases, simple drag and drop is enough, in others you will need to disable the system application or use third-party launchers. Below we will discuss in detail all the current methods that will help you clean the “bang” of the screen of unnecessary elements and return personalization to your gadget. We will consider both the regular tools of the system and more advanced ways for experienced users.

Standard removal of the widget by drag and drop

The most obvious and safe way to get rid of the search bar is to try to remove it with standard interface tools. In most versions of Xiaomi firmware, you can interact with widgets with a long press. You need to find the search bar at the top of the screen and hold your finger on it for 1-2 seconds. If the system allows you to manipulate this element, you will see an action menu or a desktop editing mode.

Once you activate the edit mode, try dragging the widget to the top of the screen, where the Remove button or basket icon is usually located. However, it is worth noting that on many global versions of MIUI this option is blocked by the manufacturer, in which case the widget will stick to its place or simply disappear when you release your finger, returning back. This does not mean that deletion is impossible, just requires a different approach.

If standard drag and drop doesn't work, don't despair. It's just a signal that the widget is secured by system rights. In this situation, move on to the next sections of the instructions, which describe how to circumvent these restrictions. It's important to understand that the search bar is not just a picture, but an active widget of the Google App system.

⚠️ Warning: If you see a gear icon when dragging a widget, try tapping it. In some versions of the shell, the Show Widget switch may be hiding there, although in recent Xiaomi updates this option is most often removed.

Disconnection through application settings

A more radical but effective method is to disable the feature that displays the string. Since the widget is part of the Google app, we can influence its settings. Go to your smartphone's Settings menu and find the App section. In the list of all installed programs, find the Google app (often has a G logo).

Inside the app menu, we're interested in the Notifications tab or Other Settings tab. Depending on the Android version, the path may be different. You need to find the item associated with the search widget. If there's no direct setting, you can try to clear the app data, but it will reset the search results personalization. A milder method is to disable the app itself, but it can disrupt the voice assistant and other services.

A complete shutdown can cause errors in the weather or news widgets that are also tied to Google services, so if you are not prepared for potential disruptions in related features, consider changing the launcher, which will be described below.

Use of third-party launchers

The most flexible way to completely change the look of the desktop and guaranteed to remove the search bar is to install a third-party launcher. Launcher is a program that replaces the standard application launch interface. Popular options like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher give full control over every element of the interface.

Once you install the launcher from Google Play Market and assign it to the default, you get a clean desktop. In the new launcher settings, you can fine-tune the presence of search strings, their style and behavior. For example, in Nova Launcher, you need to go to Settings → Desktop → Searchbar and select the “Hide” option. This solution is ideal for those who want to customize the smartphone for themselves.

Using a third-party launcher can also have a positive effect on device performance if the standard MIUI shell runs slowly on your model.However, keep in mind that some Xiaomi system features, such as gestures or themes, may work differently or require additional customization.

Hiding through Google App Settings

There's a method that allows you to hide a string without completely removing it or changing the launcher. It doesn't work on all versions, but it's worth a try. Go to the settings of the Google app itself. To do this, click on the search bar (if it's still visible) or find the application in the list of programs, click on the profile avatar in the corner and select Settings.

In the settings menu, find the General or Settings widget section, there may be an option "Show search bar on the home screen." Unchecking this item should remove the widget. If this option is not available, it means that the device manufacturer (Xiaomi) has forced this element on the system level, and software through the Google settings it does not turn off.

The good thing about this method is that it is reversible and safe: you don’t make changes to system files or risk the stability of the OS. However, as practice shows, with the release of new versions of Android (12, 13, 14), Google and Xiaomi increasingly block the ability to disable this element through regular menus, imposing their services.

Advanced Method: Removal via ADB

For users who are not afraid of the computer and command line, there is the most reliable way - the use of debugging by USB tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method allows you to forcibly remove or disable the system package responsible for the widget, even if the settings are hidden, USB-cable and installed drivers ADB.

First, turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone. To do this, quickly click on the build number in About Phone 7 times. Then, in the Advanced Settings menu that appears, activate Debugging over USB. Connect the phone to your computer and enter a command to remove the component:

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

This command will disable the Google Quick Search Box for the current user. The search string will disappear instantly and permanently until you decide to return everything back. Be careful: removing system components can affect the performance of voice search "OK, Google" and news widgets.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Introducing the wrong command can cause the system to run in an unstable way. Make sure you copy the command completely and correctly.

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To return the component removed through ADB, use the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox. This will restore the widget without reinstalling the applications.

Possible problems and solutions

Users may encounter various difficulties when deleting the search bar, such as when a device is rebooted, the widget may reappear, often when the system detects that a standard launcher cannot display the desktop without the feature, or if the MIUI self-healing mechanism is triggered.

Another problem is that there's artifacts or an empty strip at the top of the screen, and that's solved by restarting the launcher or changing the desktop grid, and if you've used a third-party launcher, make sure it's given all the permissions it needs, including the right to display on top of other windows.

It’s also worth mentioning that on some Redmi and POCO models, the search bar can be embedded in a system partition that cannot be modified without the Root rights. In such cases, the only way out is to install custom firmware such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which are devoid of Xiaomi’s intrusive elements.

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The safest and most efficient way for the average user is to install a third-party launcher that allows you to flexibly manage the interface without risking damage to the system.

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