How to permanently remove Xiaomi widget tape from your desktop: the complete guide

Xiaomi widget tape (also known as Google search bar or Google search bar) MIUI-tape) - standard shell element MIUI, It appears when you swipe left on the home screen, and for many users, it becomes a source of annoyance: it takes up space, slows down the system, and shows unnecessary recommendations. Unfortunately, Xiaomi doesn’t provide an obvious “Delete” button, but there are several working ways to get rid of it – from simple to technically challenging.

In this article, we will discuss all current methods of removing widget tape, including hidden settings. MIUI, utilization ADB-It's important to understand that some ways can affect the stability of the system, so we'll detail the risks and consequences of each option. If you're ready to take back control of the desktop, read on.

Why Xiaomi Widget Ribbon Appears on the Screen and Can It Be Disabled?

The widget tape in MIUI is a hybrid element that combines:

• 🔍 Google Search (in most global firmware)
• 📱 MIUI-recommendations (news feed, weather, quick action)
• 🎯 System applications widgets (calendar, notes, health)

By default, it is activated in MIUI 12 and later, and its behavior depends on the region and version of the shell. For example, in Chinese firmware, tape is often integrated deeper and removed more difficult than in global ones. The main problem is that Xiaomi does not add a direct option to disable in the settings, hoping that users will get used to the “useful” functionality.

Can I turn it off? Yes, but with reservations:

• ✅ On some versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 13/14 For the Redmi Note 11 Xiaomi 12) The tape can be hidden through standard settings.
• ⚠️ Chinese firmware or custom builds may require manual editing of system files.
• 🔧 For complete removal (not just concealment) you will need root or ADB.

Before you go to the instructions, check the version of your firmware in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. This will help you choose the most effective method.

Method 1: Disable the tape through the launcher settings (without root)

The safest and easiest method is to use the hidden options of the standard MIUI launcher, which runs on most global firmware (especially MIUI 12-14) and does not require technical skills.

1. Open your phone’s settings and go to the Applications → Application Management section.
2. In the search bar, type "Luncher" (or com.miui.home for an accurate search).
3. Slip on the Louncher app, then select Warehouse and Cache → Space Management.
4. Click Reset (this won’t remove your wallpaper or icons, but only return the launcher to factory settings).
5. After restarting the launcher, try swiping left - the tape should disappear.

If this method doesn't work, then your version of MIUI will block the launcher reset, so move on to the next method.

⚠️ Attention: Launcher reset can temporarily reset the order of applications on the desktop.We recommend pre-fixing the location of the icons using the function "Stick the layout" (long tap on the desktop). → Settings → Secure the layout).

Method 2: Removal through ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)

If standard settings don’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a tool for debugging Android through your computer, which works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires you to turn on developer mode and install ADB on your PC.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
5. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and type: adb shell pm hide com.miui.miservice This command hides the system application responsible for the widget tape.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

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

⚠️ Note: Pm hide and pm disable-user commands are reversible – to return the tape, replace it hide/disable on unhide/enable. However, uninstall removes the app permanently and can cause malfunctions. MIUI.

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If, after the execution, ADB-Commands tape is still displayed, try restarting your phone or clearing the launcher cache (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Clear the cache).

Method 3: Use of third-party launchers (alternative)

Unless you really need to use the standard MIUI launcher, the easiest way to get rid of the widget tape is to install an alternative launcher from Google Play.

• 🏆 Nova Launcher – flexible settings, gesture support, no advertising.
• 🎨 Lawnchair – open source, minimalist design, integration with Pixel chips.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for performance, themes support.
• 🔄 Microsoft Launcher - Windows integration, cloud backup settings.

After installing a third-party launcher:

1. Click the Home button and select the new launcher as the default application.
2. In the launcher settings, disable all options related to Google search or newsfeed.
3. If necessary, hide the search bar through Launcher Settings → Dock Bar → Hide the search bar.

Important: Some MIUI features (such as navigation gestures or system widgets) may not work properly with third-party launchers. Check compatibility on 4PDA or XDA Developers forums before installing.

Method 4: Edit system files (root only)

If you have a bootloader unlocked and root rights set up (like Magisk), you can remove the widget tape by editing system files, which is risky, but it gives you 100% results.

You'll need:

• 📱 Root-rights device.
• 🖥️ File Manager with support for root (such as Root Explorer or Mixplorer).
• 🔧 Backup of the system (required!).

Instructions:

1. Open Root Explorer and go to /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/.
2. Find the MiuiSystemUI.apk file and back it up (copy it to a safe location).
3. Delete or rename the file (e.g., in MiuiSystemUI.apk.bak).
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Removal of system APK-File files can result in bootloop (a looped boot) or loss of functionality (such as a notification panel will stop working).Be sure to have a working backup before experimenting with it. TWRP.

Method 5: Recoiling back to the old version of MIUI (extreme case)

If none of the methods worked and the widget tape is critically disruptive, you might consider rolling back to an older version of MIUI where it didn't exist yet. For example, in MIUI 11 and below, there were no widgets in the current form.

The rollback process:

1. Download the archive with the desired version of MIUI for your model from the official website or Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Unlock the bootloader (if not already unlocked) via the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Fastboot or Recovery (instructions depend on the model).

Cons of this method:

• ❌ Loss of new features and security patches.
• ❌ Possible problems with application compatibility.
• ❌ Risk of "brike" with incorrect firmware.

Recoiling is only appropriate if:

• 🔹 Your model officially supported the older version. MIUI (check on 4PDA).
• 🔹 You are willing to sacrifice new functions for stability.
• 🔹 You have experience in Xiaomi devices.

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Firmware rollback is a last resort, and in 90% of cases, the problem with the widget tape can be solved in less radical ways (ADB or third-party launcher).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you try to remove the widget tape, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to start with the safest methods (launcher reset or third-party launcher) and only then move on to ADB or edit system files.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions