How to permanently remove Google widget from the home screen Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite: working methods for 2026

Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite is one of the few smartphones of the brand that runs on pure Android One instead of the branded shell MIUI. This feature makes it unique, but at the same time creates specific problems: for example, intrusive Google widgets that can not be removed by standard methods. If you are tired of the search bar or weather widget occupying a place on the home screen, this article will help you understand the nuances of their removal.

Unlike MIUI devices, where widgets are controlled via a thematic engine, the Mi A2 Lite uses the standard Google Launcher (or Pixel Launcher depending on the firmware version), which means that the usual methods like long-pressing and drag-and-drop in the cart do not always work here.

In this guide, we will look at all the current ways, from simple to radical, including disabling through ADB, changing the launcher settings and even replacing the standard application launch. Each method is tested on the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite with the latest firmware versions (Android 10-12) and adapted to the features of the model.

Why is Google’s widget not being removed in the standard way?

The main reason is the deep integration of Google services into Android One firmware. Unlike MIUI, where Xiaomi can block or modify system components, pure Android obeys Google's rules.

• 🔹 Google Search widget (com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox) is protected from removal as a system application.
• 🔹 Google Launcher automatically restores widgets after reboot or updates.
• 🔹 Settings "Home screen" is limited - there is no option to completely disable the widget, only its hiding.

In addition, the Mi A2 Lite is often a bug: after removing the widget after a long press, it disappears only temporarily, and then appears again. This is due to the background processes of Google App, which periodically “reset” the launcher settings.

⚠️ Note: If you use a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Apex), Google widgets may disappear automatically.

Method 1: Remove by long pressing (not always working)

The most obvious method is to try removing the widget manually. On the Mi A2 Lite, this only works 30% of the time, but it's worth trying:

1. Press and hold the Google widget (search bar or weather) on the home screen.
2. If a menu with the option to Delete or the icon of the basket appears, drag the widget there.
3. Confirm the action if necessary.

If instead of removing the widget, it just shakes or suggests resizing, this method won't work, so move on to the following ways.

Method 2: Disconnection through launcher settings

The standard Google Launcher allows you to hide widgets, but not remove them completely.

1. Press and hold the empty area on the main screen.
2. Select Home Screen Settings (or Home Settings).
3. Go to the Widgets section.
4. Find the Google widget and drag it to the “Disconnected” list or uncheck next to it.

This method does not remove the widget permanently, but prevents it from automatically appearing after a reboot. However, after the Google App update, the settings may reset.

💡

If the launcher doesn’t have the option to disable widgets, try updating the Google App to the latest version through the Play Market. Sometimes newer versions add flexibility to widget management.

Method 3: Using ADB to Deep Shut Down

For users who are ready for more complex manipulations, there is a radical method – disabling the widget via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the smartphone to the PC and executing commands, but is guaranteed to remove the widget forever.

Before we start:

• 🔧 Enable Developer Mode on Mi A2 Lite: Go to Settings → The phone. → Build number and press 7 times.
• 🔧 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → System system → For developers.
• 🔧 Install. ADB Tools on PC.

Next, execute the commands:

adb shell pm hide com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

This command hides the Google app, including all its widgets, and to bring it back, use:

adb shell pm unhide com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

⚠️ Warning: Disabling com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox may disrupt voice search, Google Assistant, and other services.

Method 4: Installation of a third-party launcher

The most reliable way to get rid of Google widgets is to replace the standard launcher with an alternative one, such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, which allows you to have full control of the main screen.

Instructions:

1. Install the selected launcher from the Play Market.
2. Press the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. In the launcher settings, disable all Google widgets or manually remove them.

Advantages of this method:

• 📱 Full control of the main screen.
• 🎨 Possibility of customization of icons, animations and gestures.
• 🔒 Google widgets won’t return after updates.

Disadvantage: Some MIUI features (e.g. Double-press to lock) may not work properly.

Method 5: Disabling Automatic Recovery of Widgets

If the Google widget comes back after being deleted, the problem is background processes.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Go to Google (com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox).
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. Go back and press Forced Stop.

Then remove the widget in the standard way (long press) to prevent it from returning:

• 🛑 Turn off auto-update for Google app in Play Market.
• 🔄 Clean the app cache regularly (once every 1-2 weeks).

What if the widget comes back anyway?

If none of the methods worked, the problem may be:

• 🔄 Automatic Google App Updates – Turn them off in the Play Market.
• 📱 Reset launcher settings – some firmware resets settings after rebooting.
• 🛠️ Conflict with other applications (for example, antiviruses or optimizers).

In extreme cases, you can try:

1. Install custom firmware (like LineageOS), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and voids the warranty.
2. Use the Xposed Framework with the XGELS module to deeply customize the launcher (power users only).

💡

On Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite with Android One, Google widgets are protected by the system more than on MIUI. Radical methods (ADB, custom firmware) give results, but can disrupt the stability of the smartphone.

FAQ: Frequent questions