The Google search bar is helpful, but it can take up a lot of room on the home screen. Some people really like seeing it there, while others don’t. Read on if you want to get rid of the Google search bar on Android. The steps are listed below.
How to get rid of the Google search bar
You can get rid of the Google search bar in a few different ways.
It can be done by:
- By making simple moves
- Disabling Google Now
- Using a User-Defined Launcher. (Root Required)
- Using a Custom ROM (ROM). (Root Required)
By doing small things
Here’s the most straightforward way to get rid of the Google search bar on your Android:
- Go to the “Home” screen.
- Hold down the search box
- There will be a pop-up.
- Make sure you want to get rid of the search bar.
- Done!
Disabling Google Now
If you’re using the Google Experience Launcher (GEL), it’s easy to turn off Google Now. Stock Android users shouldn’t use this method because it “soft-bricks” their device.
Soft-bricked means that the phone is stuck in a boot loop or has stopped working at some point during the booting process.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to Settings > Apps > All Apps > Google Search/Google/Google app.
- Tap Disable.
- Restart your device
- Note that turning off Google App will also turn off Google Chrome, Google Assistant, and more.
Method for a Custom Launcher: (Root required)
The launcher is a part of the Android interface that works like an app and lets users change their home screen. There are different kinds of it.
You can use Google Now launcher, Nova launcher, or Apex launcher as an example.
Here’s how to get rid of the Google Search Bar if you use the Nova launcher:
- Go to Nova settings > Desktop
- Choose Search Bar That Stays Put
- Tap None.
Other launchers have settings that are similar, and it only takes a few seconds to figure out what to do.
Method for a custom ROM: (Root required)
If you want to get rid of the search bar, this is the right choice. Just make sure that you have “rooted” your Android device.
If you use a Custom ROM, you can not only get rid of the Google Search Bar, but you can also change everything about your device.
