Xiaomi smartphone users often encounter an intrusive interface that appears when swiping to the right of the home screen, and this so-called “widget tape” or Google Discover, as well as the Mi Video and Mi Browser service, can significantly slow down the device, especially on budget models where RAM is limited, the constant loading of news and advertising blocks consumes traffic and battery power, which annoys many owners.
In this article, we will discuss how to remove Xiaomi widget tape to free up system resources. The process of disabling depends on the version of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, as well as regional settings. We will look at both standard methods through the menu and more advanced ways for power users.
It is worth noting that the complete removal of system components requires caution, but disabling standard services is a safe procedure, if you follow the instructions, which will allow you to personalize the device to your needs without the risk of losing warranty or damaging the firmware.
Causes and influence on the system
The widget tape to the right of the home screen is not just a decorative element, but a full-fledged service integrated into the launcher, which is activated by default to monetize the device through the display of news feeds and recommended content, and for many users, it becomes a source of digital noise, distracting from the main tasks.
The main problem is resource consumption, and the Quick Search Box or Google Feed backend is constantly accessing the network, updating the data, and this has several negative consequences:
- 📉 Increased battery consumption due to constant activity of the processor and communication module.
- 🐌 Slowing down the desktop opening as the system has to load heavy graphics elements.
- 📶 Mobile traffic consumption, even if you didn’t manually open the tape.
⚠️ Note: Complete removal of system applications through ADB It is recommended to use a disabling method that saves application files, but prohibits them from running.
In addition, some regions have defaulted on third-party news aggregators that cannot be removed by standard means without obtaining root rights, and understanding the nature of these processes will help you choose the right method to combat them.
Disconnecting the tape in MIUI 12, 13 and 14
In most versions of the MIUI shell, the deactivation process is standardized and doesn't require a computer connection. You need to access advanced desktop settings. This is the first step to clearing the interface of any unnecessary visual debris.
To start, unlock your smartphone screen and go to the main desktop. Push two fingers together (bending your fingers together) to go into page editing mode. In the lower right corner of the screen, you'll see a settings button, usually indicated by a gear.
In the menu that opens, find the option “Additional” or the Widget Tape/Google Discover switch immediately. Transfer the switch to the “Off” position. Now, when you swipe to the right, the empty page will no longer appear.
☑️ Checking settings MIUI
If you are using a third-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, these settings may not apply, as they only apply to the MIUI Home system launcher, in which case you either need to return to the standard launcher or look for settings inside the third-party application itself.
Removing widgets in HyperOS
With the release of the new HyperOS shell, Xiaomi has changed the logic of the interface, the widget tape has become more integrated and sometimes more difficult to disable with a simple switch, and in new versions the emphasis is shifted to personalized content, so the settings can be hidden deeper.
The process in HyperOS often requires not only the tape itself, but also the associated services to be disabled. First, try the standard path through desktop settings. If the switch is missing or inactive, then a separate system application is responsible for running the tape.
You'll need to find a content service on your application list, often called Wallpaper Carousel, GetApps, or Browser, and disabling those services can indirectly affect the widget feed by removing the sources of data loading.
Hidden HyperOS Settings
It's also worth checking your Google account settings. In some cases, the feed is tied to and synced through your profile. Disabling news sync in your Google account settings can help solve the problem if standard methods don't work.
Using ADB to remove completely
For advanced users who want to (radically) clean up the system, there is a method of using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) debugging bridge, which allows you to remove or freeze system applications that are not removed through the settings.
Before starting the procedure, you need to turn on the developer mode. → About the phone and press 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI» or "Version" OS». Then, in the advanced settings, activate “Debugging by” USB».
Connect your smartphone to your computer and run the command line with administrator permissions. You will need to enter a command to search for packages associated with widgets. Usually, the packages you search for contain the words quicksearchbox, globalsearch or miuihome.
adb shell pm list packages | grep searchOnce you find the packet name (e.g. com.android.quicksearchbox), use the command to remove it for the current user.This will not physically erase the application from the recovery section, but will make it invisible and non-functional in the system.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.quicksearchbox💡
Save a list of deleted packages. Write down the exact names of the system components before removing them, which will allow install-existing to restore functionality if something goes wrong.
Once you've done the command, the widget tape should disappear instantly. If it hasn't, reboot the device. It's important to understand that removing system components can affect the voice assistant or search if they're tied to the same packet.
Alternative methods and third-party launchers
If you don’t want to mess with ADB, and the standard settings do not help, the easiest solution is to install a third-party launcher. Replacing the standard shell with a clean Android interface is guaranteed to remove all Xiaomi’s branded chips, including the widget tape.
Popular launchers such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher completely ignore Xiaomi’s system settings regarding the widget strip. Once installed, the swipe to the right will either be empty or open the launcher’s widgets that can be configured or removed.
However, this method has its drawbacks: Third-party launchers may not support all MIUI gestures, such as hiding applications or specific animations, and the system can aggressively kill the third-party launcher process to save energy, which will require additional autorun configuration.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop settings | Low. | Medium | Absent. |
| Disconnection of services | Medium | Tall. | Minimum |
| ADB Teams | Tall. | Maximum | Average (code error) |
| Third-party launcher | Low. | Tall. | Instability of gestures |
The choice of method depends on your technical background. For most users, it is easy to switch the switch in the settings. If you want to achieve maximum performance, the combination of disconnecting services and using a light launcher will give the best result.
Possible problems and solutions
Once you turn off the widget tape, users may encounter interface artifacts, such as a blank page that may remain white or black, which is normal because the shell remembers that there must be a page on the right, even if the content is removed.
In rare cases, when you delete the Quick Search Box, you stop searching the devices on the menu, because the system search is tied to the same process, and the solution is to install an alternative searcher or restore a remote package.
⚠️ Note: If after manipulations the phone started to restart or the launcher constantly flies out, you need to reset the launcher settings through the application menu or restore remote components through the application menu ADB.
Also, you should consider that after a major system update (OTA), all settings can be reset to factory ones, in which case the procedure for disabling the Xiaomi widget tape will have to be repeated, and this process can only be automated with root rights and special scripts.
💡
System updates often return default settings. Check for widget tape after each major firmware update.
Optimization of the working space
Once you've managed to remove Xiaomi's widget tape, the space you've left can be used more efficiently, and instead of a news feed, many users put useful widgets in there: weather, currency rates, notes, or quick app launches.
Desktop organization has a direct impact on productivity: remove unnecessary icons, group applications into folders. A clean interface not only makes you happy, but also helps you find the right functions faster without being distracted by information noise.
Use minimalist widgets. MIUI and HyperOS have built-in tools to create custom widgets that don't overload the system, and it allows you to maintain aesthetics and functionality without compromising performance.