Google Discover on Xiaomi smartphones is both a useful tool and a source of annoyance for many users. On the one hand, it offers personalized news, weather and quick search access; on the other, it takes up space on the home screen, consumes traffic in the background and sometimes shows unnecessary content. If you decide to get rid of this feature but don’t know how to do it correctly, this article is for you.
Unlike standard applications, Google Discover is integrated into the MIUI/HyperOS launcher at the system level, so simply removing the icon won't work. We'll look at all possible methods, from basic settings to deep firmware changes. It's important to understand that some methods require root rights or can affect the stability of the device, we'll warn you about this in advance.
This article is relevant for all modern models of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO based on MIUI 14/15 and the new HyperOS (including Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5). If your device runs on an older version of the firmware, some points may differ - specify the details in the comments.
1. Method: Disable Google Discover through launcher settings
The easiest and safest way to do this is to hide your Google Discover tape without deleting your system files, which requires no root rights and is reversible: you can return the tape back at any time.
Instructions:
- 📱 Click the empty space on the home screen until the launcher settings menu appears.
- ⚙️ Select "Home Screen Settings" (or "Home settings" in English firmware).
- 🔍 Scroll down to the Google App or Discover section».
- 🚫 Switch the slider "Show Discover tape" to the position "Off.».
After that, the tape will disappear from the left screen, but the Google app itself will remain in the system. Note: on some HyperOS firmware, this item may be called Disable negative screen.
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If you turn off the tape when you swipe to the left, try rebooting your smartphone, and sometimes the changes only apply after the reboot.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global and pre-installed Google Play, this method works 90% of the time. MIUI China without Google services, Discover tape initially no – the problem is different.
2. Method: Removing Google App Updates
If disabling through settings didn’t help, the problem may lie in the latest updates to the Google app.The system version of the launcher often conflicts with the updated version through the Play Market, which leads to forced display of the tape.
To return the original state:
- Open “Settings” → “Applications”.
- Find the Google app (an icon with a colored letter “G”) in the list.
- Stick to three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select “Delete updates».
- Confirm the action and restart the device.
This method will only work if your Xiaomi has a system version of the Google app installed (usually it comes with firmware), and if the Remove Updates button is inactive, you originally had an APK from the Play Market, and you will have to use other methods.
What to do if the button "Remove updates" is not available?
| Method | Do you need root rights? | Reversibility | Risk to the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection in the launcher settings | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Low. |
| Removing Google Updates | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Low. |
| Disconnection through ADB | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Medium. |
| Installation of a third-party launcher | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Low. |
| Deletion of system files | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⚠️⚠️⚠️ High-pitched |
3. Method: Disable Google Discover via ADB (without root)
If standard methods do not work, you can use debugging by ADB. This method does not require root rights, but will require connecting the smartphone to the computer and basic knowledge of working with the command line.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the developer mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developers. Activate USB Debugging.
File transfer
ADB Tools
cmd
ADB
adb devices
adb shell pm hide com.google.android.googlequicksearchboxOnce the second command is executed, the Google Discover tape will disappear from the home screen. To return it back, use the command:
adb shell pm unhide com.google.android.googlequicksearchboxInstall Xiaomi drivers on PC|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Download ADB Tools|Connect the phone in the mode "File transfer"|Check the detection of the device by the team `adb devices`-->
⚠️ Note: On some HyperOS firmware, the pm hide command may not work due to a modified architecture. In this case, try the alternative command: adb shell cmd package set-hidden com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
4. Method: Use of an alternative launcher
If you don't like not only Google Discover, but also the standard MIUI/HyperOS launcher in general, install a third-party launcher from the Play Market. It's a radical solution that will completely replace the home screen interface.
The best options for Xiaomi:
- 🏆 Nova Launcher – flexible configuration, gesture support, no advertising.
- 🎨 Lawnchair – open source, minimalist design, integration with Google Feed (but you can turn it off).
- ⚡ Microsoft Launcher – fast, with synchronization between devices.
- 🔄 Action Launcher – unique widgets and adaptive icons.
After installation:
- Click the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
- In the launcher settings, find the option “Disable Google Feed” or “Disable Minus Screen”.
- If necessary, hide the MIUI system launcher via ADB (pm hide com.miui.home command).
Important: On HyperOS, some launchers may conflict with system services, causing slowdowns. Before installing, check reviews for your smartphone model.
Standard. MIUI/HyperOS|Nova Launcher|Lawnchair|Microsoft Launcher|Other-->
5. Method: Radical deletion of system files (root only)
If you're willing to go to extreme lengths and you have root rights, you can completely delete the files responsible for Google Discover. This method is irreversible and can lead to unstable system operation if you do something wrong.
Instructions for experienced users:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/GoogleQuickSearchBox or (for new firmware): /system/product/priv-app/GoogleQuickSearchBox
- Remove or rename the GoogleQuickSearchBox folder (for example, in the GoogleQuickSearchBox_bak).
- Clear the cache and data of the Google app in the settings.
- Reset the device.
Discover tape will disappear forever, but may stop working:
- 🔍 Quick search by system (Google Search).
- 📡 Some of the features of Google Assistant.
- 🔔 Notifications from Google Services.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS, deleting system files can cause a bootloop ( looped reboot). TWRP Or OrangeFox!
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Deleting system files is a last resort: 90% of cases, 1-3 is enough. Root rights void warranty and increase the risk of bricking the device.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after successfully removing Google Discover, users are experiencing side effects. Consider typical situations and ways to fix them.
Problem 1: The tape is coming back after the Google update
Decision:
- 🛑 Turn off automatic updates to Google’s app in the Play Market.
- 🔄 Check for updates regularly and remove them manually (see Method 2).
- 🔒 Use App Ops (requires) ADB), to block background activity of Google.
Problem 2: Phone search is gone
If the global search stopped working after Discover was deleted:
- 🔍 Install an alternative search app (e.g. Sesame Search).
- 📱 Use the built-in search in the settings MIUI/HyperOS (swipe down on the main screen).
- 🔄 Return the Google System App through ADB (team).
Problem 3: Launcher starts to brake
This is true for Method 4 (third-party launchers).
- ⚡ Clear the launcher cache in the application settings.
- 🗑️ Remove unnecessary widgets and animations in launcher settings.
- 🔄 Reinstall the launcher or try another one (for example, Nova Launcher is lighter than Microsoft Launcher).