Google News Feed on Xiaomi: How to turn on and configure in 5 minutes

Google Discover (formerly Google Feed) is a personalized service that shows current news, weather, sports performance and recommendations based on your interests. On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI shell, this feature is often disabled by default or hidden behind settings. Why? It's about competition: Xiaomi promotes its own Mi Browser feed and services, but many users prefer the familiar interface from Google.

You can turn on the tape in a number of ways, from basic settings to manual activation via ADB. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods for MIUI 12, 13 and 14, and also tell you what to do if Google DiscoverSuddenly disappeared after the update. It is important to understand that on some models (for example, for the Chinese market), the function can be blocked at the firmware level. But in 90% of cases, the problem is solved in 5 minutes.

If you use Xiaomi with Global ROM, the chances of success are higher. On devices with China ROM or Custom ROM, additional steps may be required. Don't worry, we covered all scenarios, including circumventing restrictions through Nova Launcher or third-party widgets.

Why doesn’t Xiaomi have Google’s default feed?

The main reason is Xiaomi’s policy and agreements with Google, unlike pure Android (like the Pixel), the MIUI shell is actively promoting its own services:

  • 📱 Mi Browser replaces Google Chrome and its built-in ribbon.
  • 🔍 Xiaomi Search – Google Search Alternative with Integrated News.
  • 🌍 Regional restrictions: Google services blocked at system level on devices for the Chinese market.

Also, MIUI often removes the Google Discover widget from the standard launcher, even if the service itself is installed. This does not mean that the feature is unavailable – it just needs to be “retrieved” from the depths of the system.

Interesting fact: on some models (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11), the tape can appear and disappear after updates, due to the fact that Xiaomi periodically changes agreements with Google for pre-installing services.

📊 What kind of launcher are you using on Xiaomi?
Standard MIUI
Nova Launcher
Lawnchair
Other
I don't know.

Method 1: Enable through Google Settings

The easiest method is to activate the tape through the Google app, which works on most devices with Global ROM and does not require superuser rights.

  1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter G on a colored background).
  2. Tap your avatar in the upper right corner → select Settings.
  3. Go to the General section → Google Tape.
  4. Activate the Show switch on the main screen.
  5. Return to the main screen and swipe to the right – the tape should appear.

If you don't have Google Tape in your settings, your version of the Google App is outdated or modified, upgrade it through the Play Market or install the APK from the official site.

💡

To update the feed faster, enable the Auto Update option in its settings and add topics of interest to you (sports, technology, finance, etc.).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI If the swipe to the right doesn’t work, try changing the standard launcher to Nova Launcher (see Method 3).

Method 2: Adding Google widget manually

If the swipe to the right doesn’t work, but the tape is enabled in the settings, try adding it as a widget:

  1. Click and hold the empty space on the home screen → select Widgets.
  2. Scroll down to the Google section (or Google Search).
  3. Select the Discover or Ribbon widget and drag it to the screen.
  4. Place the widget on a separate screen or in a convenient location.

If the Discover widget is not listed, it is disabled by the system, in which case one of the alternative methods (see below) will help.

Xiaomi modelSupport for Google DiscoverAction required
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro (Global)✅ Yes.Method 1 or 2
Redmi Note 12 (Global)✅ Yes.Method 1 + Reboot
POCO X5 (Global)⚠️ Partially.Method 3 (Nova Launcher)
Xiaomi 12S Ultra (China)❌ No.Installation of Google Services Framework

On devices for the Chinese market (China ROM), Google tape may not work even after all the manipulations, in which case you will need firmware on Global ROM or use a VPN to bypass regional restrictions.

Method 3: Use of Nova Launcher

The standard MIUI launcher often blocks swipe for Google Discover, and the solution is to install a third-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher:

  • 📥 Install Nova Launcher from Play Market.
  • 🔧 Launch the app and select Nova Launcher as default launcher.
  • 🖱️ Go to the Nova settings: Settings → Application panel → Swipe down.
  • 🔄 Select Google App as a Swipe Action.
  • 🔙 Return to the main screen and swipe to the right – the tape should open.

The advantage of this method: Nova Launcher is flexible and does not conflict with MIUI.

Download Nova Launcher from Play Market| Backup the current launcher | Disable battery optimization for Nova|Reboot the device after installation-->

Method 4: Activation through ADB (for advanced)

If previous methods have failed, you can force the tape to turn on via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Step 1: Preparation

  • 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
  • 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB on a smartphone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
  • 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your debugging permission.

Step 2: ADB teams:

adb shell


pm enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.opa.OpaActivity




pm grant com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

After you execute the commands, restart the device. The tape should appear on the home screen or as a widget.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you're not sure what you're doing, skip this or see a specialist. MIUI 13/14 — On older versions, it may not work.

What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Make sure you have drivers installed for Xiaomi (you can download it on the official website). USB-cable (preferably original) Include the debugging option in the developer settings USB (security parameters) and Unlocking OEM. Reboot your PC and smartphone, then reconnect.

Alternatives to Google Discover for Xiaomi

If you can’t turn on the tape, consider similar services:

  • 🌐 Microsoft Start is a personalized feed with news, weather and finance, available as a web version or widget.
  • 📰 Flipboard is a news aggregator with the ability to subscribe to topics. There is a widget for the home screen.
  • 🔍 Yandex.Lenta – Russian analogue with support for swipe to the right (relevant for users from the CIS).
  • 📱 Mi Browser is Xiaomi's built-in news feed, less personalized but stable.

To install alternative services widgets:

  1. Download the app from the Play Market.
  2. Add the widget to the main screen (similar to Method 2).
  3. Set up the categories of interest in the app.

💡

If Google Discover is important but doesn’t work in either way, consider flashing it on Global ROM or using custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Problem 1: The tape is switched on but not updated.

Decision:

  • Check your internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi).
  • Update the Google app in the Play Market.
  • Clear the app cache: Settings → Apps → Google → Storage → Clear the cache.

Problem 2: Swipe right opens Mi Browser instead of Google Discover.

Decision:

  • Install Nova Launcher (Method 3).
  • Disable Mi Browser as the default app: Settings → Apps → Mi Browser → Open by default → Clean.

Problem 3: The Chinese firmware (China ROM) tape does not work.

Decision:

  • Install Google Services Framework manually (APK can be found on APKMirror).
  • Use a VPN to access Google services (e.g. ProtonVPN).
  • Consider reflashing on Global ROM (risky, can void warranty).
❓ Why After Updating MIUI Google's feed is gone?
Xiaomi periodically changes agreements with Google, and some services may be disabled. Try: Update Google app to the latest version. Clear app data (Settings → Apps → Google → Storage → Clear data). Use Nova Launcher (Method 3).
❓ Can I turn on Xiaomi without a Google account?
No. Google Discover requires login to a Google account, without which it won't show personalized news, and the alternative is to use Yandex.Lenta or Microsoft Start, which work without Google.
❓ How to turn off Xiaomi tape and leave only Google Discover?
To remove the built-in MIUI tape: Open Settings → Home screen. Turn off the option to Show Mi tape (name may vary). Install Nova Launcher and configure the swipe for Google Discover (Method 3). On some firmware, you can't turn off MIUI tape, in which case only a change of launcher will help.
❓ Why the news is not in my language?
The news language depends on: Your Google Account Language (check in your account settings); device Regional settings (Settings → Additional → Language and Region); Google Search and Interest Stories. To change the feed language, update your settings in the Google App: Settings → General → Feed Language.
❓ Does Google Discover work on the POCO F5 China ROM?
On China ROM devices (like POCO F5 for the Chinese market), Google Discover is usually blocked. Options: Install Global ROM (requires bootloader unlocking); Use ADB for forced activation (Method 4), but this can be unstable; install alternative launchers like Lawnchair that support Google widgets; the most reliable way is to buy a version with Global ROM.