How to remove Google widget from the screen Xiaomi: clean interface

Owners of modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco often face an intrusive presence of Google services right on the desktop. The standard shell MIUI or the new HyperOS by default integrates the search bar and news feed, which take up useful space and distract attention, this is especially true for users who prefer minimalist design or use alternative methods of searching information.

Fortunately, Android has the flexibility to disable or completely remove these items without obtaining superuser rights. The setup process does not require deep technical knowledge, but involves carefully following the steps in the settings menu. We will look at all the methods available, from simple concealment to radical removal of system components.

Before you make any changes, it’s important to understand that you’re not deleting your search engine or account, but you’re just getting rid of the widget’s visual display on your lock screen or desktop, a safe operation that won’t affect other apps, but will give you back control over the look of your device.

Disabling Google feed in desktop settings

The easiest and safest way to get rid of the intrusive news feed that appears when swiping to the right of the first screen is through the launcher settings. Xiaomi's system allows you to flexibly control the behavior of the home screen, disabling unnecessary functions in a couple of taps. First, unlock the device and go to the desktop.

Make a long tap (push) in the free area of the screen to open the edit menu. In the lower right or left corner (depending on the firmware version), a settings button will appear, often indicated by a gear or three dots. Click on it to open the launcher settings.

In the menu that opens, find the option for “Additional widgets” or “Ribbon widgets.” There may be several options, including “Google Discover” or “Yandex.” You need to switch the slider to the “Off” position or select the “No widgets” option.

⚠️ Note: Some global firmware versions may have a name «-1 If you don't see the switch, try changing the region in the phone's general settings to "India" or "Singapore," sometimes this will unlock hidden options for the lounge.

After changing the settings, the system may suggest restarting the launcher or simply apply the changes instantly. Check the result by swiping to the right - the news feed should disappear, making room for your icons.

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Changing the launcher settings is the most effective method that does not require the installation of third-party software and does not affect the stability of the system.

Removing Google Search from the Home Screen

The search bar, usually located at the bottom or top of the screen, is a separate widget that can be removed regardless of the news feed. Unlike system settings, here we work directly with objects on the desktop. Go to the Google search icon.

Click on the search bar and hold your finger until a vibration or pop-up appears. In the context menu, select the "Delete" option or simply drag the widget to the top of the screen where the "Delete" or basket icon appears. Release your finger to confirm the action.

If standard removal is not available (the line is sewn into the screen template), try changing the theme. Go to the Themes app, select any free theme and apply it. Many third-party themes do not include the default Google search bar, replacing it with empty space or your widget.

• 🗑️ Standard removal through long pressing and dragging into the basket.
• 🎨 Change the theme design to minimalist without built-in widgets.
• 📱 Using a third-party launcher to fully customize the interface.

In some cases, especially on older versions of MIUI, the search bar may return after a reboot. If this happens, it is recommended to check the system updates or consider installing an alternative launcher, which will be discussed below.

Using third-party launchers for full customization

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools seem too limited, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher, which completely replaces the standard screen control interface, providing unlimited customization options. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher.

Once you install an app from Google Play or GetApps, the system will ask permission to use it as the default launcher. Accept that, and your desktop will be transformed. In the new launcher settings, you can disable any Google widgets, change the grid of icons and animations.

However, new versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14 have protection against unauthorized interface changes, a 60-second timer before the changes, and security warning pop-ups can appear when the launcher switches.

Despite the slight inconvenience, third-party launchers allow you to create a unique interface that is completely devoid of Google branding, if that is your goal.They consume a little more battery resources, but give maximum control over the appearance.

Disabling widgets on the lock screen

Often, users are annoyed not so much by the desktop as by the lock screen, where Google widgets such as Review or news can also be displayed. To remove them, you need to go to lock settings. Open Settings and find the Lock Screen section.

Inside the menu, look for "Widget Slider" or "Wallpaper Carousel." If you have a wallpaper carousel on, it often pulls Google widgets along with it. Try turning off Wallpaper Carousel or ticking Google content sources in its settings.

Also check the “Recommendations” or “Smart Recommendations” section, which can offer app widgets based on your activity, and disabling this feature will clear the lock screen of unnecessary visual noise and speed up the device’s unlocking.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling Wallpaper Carousel may cause wallpaper to stop updating when you lock the screen if you used this feature to change images.

After making changes, be sure to lock the screen and check the result. If the widgets are left, try restarting the smartphone, as the lock screen settings are sometimes cached by the system.

Radical method: disabling through application settings

For those who want to go all the way, there is a way to disable the widget display app itself, which is Google’s system app (not Chrome or Play Market, but the G app).

Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Find the Google app in the list. Click on it and select the option “Disable” or “Delete Updates” and then again “Disable.” The system will warn you of possible consequences.

Once disabled, Google widgets will physically disappear as the process that generates them will stop working, but this can affect the voice assistant and weather widgets if they are tied to Google services.

If you notice a system malfunction or important functions disappearing after you shut down, just go back to the same menu and click "Enable." This will return all components to their original state.

Possible problems and solutions

When you clean the interface, you may encounter unexpected behavior, such as when you remove the widget, you may have a grid of icons go or you may have a swipe stop working for the search, most often by simply restarting the launcher through the settings.

Sometimes users complain that instead of a Google widget, there is an empty white space, which is a shell rendering bug. To fix it, change the screen resolution in the settings (Settings → Screen → Resolution) to another value, and then return it back.

In rare cases, especially on custom builds or after flashing, widgets can be sealed into the system partition. ADB-commands to hide packets, which requires a connection to a PC.

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If after all the manipulations the interface is unstable, reset the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → All applications → System Launcher → Clean → Reset settings.

Remember that regular system updates close many security holes, but can also return deleted widgets. After a major MIUI or HyperOS update, it makes sense to recheck your desktop settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)