Android phones are known for their customization options, but sometimes, certain features can become a bit overwhelming. One such feature is the Discover bar, which appears on the home screen of many Android phones. This bar displays personalized news and other content, but if you find it distracting or unnecessary, you may want to get rid of it. Here’s how to do it.
Understanding the Discover Bar
The Discover bar is a feature in the Google app, which is installed on most Android phones by default. When you swipe left on your home screen, you’ll see a feed of personalized content, such as news stories, weather updates, sports scores, and more. This is the Discover feed, and the Discover bar is the colored strip at the bottom of the screen that gives you quick access to it.
Why You Might Want to Remove It
While the Discover bar can be useful for some people, others may find it distracting or unnecessary. For example, if you prefer to use a different app for your news or weather updates, you may not need the Discover feed. Additionally, the bar takes up valuable screen real estate, which can be annoying if you have a small phone or want to see more of your home screen wallpaper.
Method 1: Disable the Google App
The easiest way to get rid of the Discover bar is to disable the Google app, which controls the feature. However, keep in mind that this will also disable other Google services, such as Google search and Google Assistant, so it may not be the best option if you rely on those features.
To disable the Google app, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
Step 2:
Tap “Apps & notifications.”
Step 3:
Tap “See all apps.”
Step 4:
Scroll down and tap “Google.”
Step 5:
Tap “Disable.”
Once you’ve disabled the Google app, the Discover bar should disappear from your home screen. If you ever want to re-enable the app, simply follow the same steps and tap “Enable” instead of “Disable.”
Method 2: Use a Third-Party Launcher
If you don’t want to disable the Google app, you can use a third-party launcher that allows you to customize your home screen. Many launchers offer the ability to hide the Discover bar or replace it with a different widget or shortcut.
To use a third-party launcher, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Download and install a launcher app from the Google Play Store. Some popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, and Action Launcher.
Step 2:
Open the launcher app and follow the setup instructions.
Step 3:
Customize your home screen as desired. Depending on the launcher you’re using, you may be able to hide the Discover bar or replace it with a different widget or shortcut.
Using a third-party launcher can be a bit more complicated than simply disabling the Google app, but it offers more flexibility and customization options.
Method 3: Use ADB Commands
If you’re comfortable with using ADB commands, you can also remove the Discover bar using your computer. This method requires you to connect your phone to your computer via USB and run a few commands in the terminal.
To use ADB commands to remove the Discover bar, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Enable developer options on your Android phone by going to Settings > About phone > Software information > Build number and tapping it seven times.
Step 2:
Enable USB debugging in the developer options by going to Settings > System > Developer options > USB debugging and turning it on.
Step 3:
Connect your phone to your computer via USB and open a terminal window on your computer.
Step 4:
Type the following command in the terminal window:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
This command will uninstall the Google app, which should remove the Discover bar from your home screen.
Keep in mind that using ADB commands can be risky if you’re not familiar with them, so proceed with caution and make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
People Also Ask:
Q: Can I remove the Discover bar without disabling the Google app?
A: Yes, you can use a third-party launcher that offers the ability to hide the Discover bar or replace it with a different widget or shortcut.
Q: Will disabling the Google app affect other Google services?
A: Yes, disabling the Google app will also disable other Google services, such as Google search and Google Assistant.
Q: Is it safe to use ADB commands to remove the Discover bar?
A: Using ADB commands can be risky if you’re not familiar with them, so proceed with caution and make sure to follow the instructions carefully.