How to remove Zen on Xiaomi phone: radical and soft methods

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are famous for their functionality, but often come with pre-installed software that not all users find useful. One of the most intrusive elements in Russian firmware is the Yandex Zen recommendation tape built directly into the system launcher. It takes up space on the home screen, consumes CPU resources and can annoy those who prefer minimalism.

Users are often looking for a way to get rid of this widget completely, as standard icon removal does not always solve the problem: the tape can return after a system update or an accidental swipe. MIUI and the new HyperOS have a complex permission structure that requires careful approach to settings. In this material, we will analyze all the available methods from simple concealment to complete removal through the computer.

It should be understood that Zen in Xiaomi is not just an application, but a deeply integrated module of the system. Disabling it requires consistent actions to not disrupt the work of other system components. Below are proven ways to help you return a clean desktop and improve the performance of the device.

Situation analysis: Why Zen can't be simply removed

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to drag the widget into the cart or remove the application from the installed list. However, in Xiaomi firmware, the component is often hidden in the system partition and marked as critical to the launcher's operation.

The news feed is built into the system launcher, which is responsible for displaying icons, folders and desktops, which is why when you reset the launcher settings or update it, the widget can reappear, and this is done by developers to monetize and promote ecosystem services.

⚠️ Warning: Forced removal of system components without backing up may result in unstable interface operation or cyclical device reboot.

There are several levels of access to this component. The first level is the user settings that allow you to hide the widget. The second level is the use of special commands to disable the package. The third, the deepest, involves replacing the standard launcher with a third-party one.

Basic setting: hiding the widget through the interface

The safest and easiest way for every smartphone owner to do this is to turn off the tape through the desktop settings themselves, a method that doesn’t delete the application files, but makes it invisible to the user in everyday use.

You need to go to screen editing mode first, you need to pinch the screen with two fingers on the main screen, or you need to pinch the empty area and select Settings in the lower right corner, and you should find the section that opens the menu that is responsible for Additional or Advanced settings.

• 📱 Find the “Negative Screen” or “Widget Ribbon” switch and turn it off.
• 📉 In some versions MIUI you need to select "Yandex" in the list of sources of the tape and click "Disable».
• 🔒 Check the widget settings: (long press) in a free place -> Widgets -> Delete Yandex.

If the standard path doesn't work, try clearing the launcher data. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Explorer (or Desktop). Here you click Clean and select Clean All. This will return the icons to factory status by removing the extra widgets.

Radical method: Disconnection through ADB

For users who want to be guaranteed to remove the component from the system, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and having minimal technical skills, which allows you to forcibly freeze the package responsible for Zen.

Before starting the procedure, activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI or HyperOS version seven times. Then, in advanced settings, turn on USB Debugging.

After connecting to your PC and running the command line in the ADB folder, type a command to search for packages containing the word “zen” or “news”:

adb shell pm list packages | grep zen

Usually, the package is called com.miui.newhome or com.android.browser (if the news is embedded in the browser).

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.newhome

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable system packages that you do not know the purpose of. UI or the inability to load the desktop.

To get it all back if something goes wrong, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.newhome

Alternative solution: installing a third-party launcher

The most elegant solution to the intrusive services problem is to completely replace the shell with a third-party launcher, which will not only remove Zen, but also radically change the appearance of the interface, making it more like a pure Android.

Popular options include Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher. Once you install such an application, the system will prompt you to choose it by default. Select Always, and the Xiaomi system launcher will stop starting, and with it the built-in news feed will disappear.

However, there are nuances to this method: some features specific to Xiaomi, such as the right swipe widget card or specific gestures, may not work correctly or require additional customization, and system updates may reset the launcher's priority.

Comparison of Zen Disconnection Methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the risks and labor costs of each method.

Choose a method based on your confidence in the handling of the technique, and for most users, the first or second method is sufficient.

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Be sure to make a full backup of important data before using ADB, as interfering with system packages always carries a theoretical risk.

Cache Cleaning and Optimization After Removal

Once you have managed to remove Zen, it is recommended to carry out a preventive cleaning of the system, and residual files could be saved in the cache, taking up space and potentially slowing down the device.

Go to the Security app (standard for Xiaomi) and start the scan. Also manually check the Android/data folder for residual directories associated with Yandex. Do not delete files unless you are sure of their belonging.

Rebooting the device will fix the changes. If you've used ADB, the phone can boot a little longer than usual on the first start after modifying the system packages, which is a normal system reaction to changing the configuration.

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A comprehensive approach, including disabling the widget and cleaning the cache, provides the best result and prevents the reappearance of the intrusive tape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)