Disabling Samsung News: A Complete Guide for the Discerning Android User
So, you’re looking to reclaim your phone’s real estate and bid farewell to Samsung News? Understandable. While Samsung’s suite of apps aims to enhance the user experience, sometimes they just don’t align with individual preferences. The good news is, disabling Samsung News is entirely possible, though the exact method depends on your device and its software version. Here’s the direct answer:
How to Disable the Samsung News App? The most reliable method is to disable the app directly through your phone’s settings. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Samsung News. From there, you should see options to Disable or Force Stop the app. If you don’t see a direct “Disable” button, try uninstalling updates first. This often reverts the app to an earlier version that can be disabled. On some newer Samsung devices, the integration might be tighter, requiring you to disable the Samsung Free service (if available) or Bixby Home, which often hosts the news feed. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics and explore other avenues.
Understanding the Samsung News Landscape
Before we get deeper, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room. Samsung News, formerly known as Bixby Home or Samsung Daily, is often integrated into the user interface in a way that makes it seem inextricable. This integration can vary across different Samsung models and software versions, making a one-size-fits-all solution impossible. However, armed with the right knowledge, you can effectively manage, if not completely eliminate, its presence.
Direct App Disablement: The Preferred Method
As mentioned earlier, the most straightforward approach involves disabling the app directly. Here’s a detailed walkthrough:
- Open Settings: Locate and tap the Settings icon on your home screen or app drawer.
- Navigate to Apps: Scroll down and select Apps. This section lists all installed applications on your device.
- Find Samsung News: Use the search bar or scroll through the list to find Samsung News.
- Disable or Force Stop: If a Disable button is present, tap it. If not, try tapping Force Stop first, then look for the “Disable” button. You might need to uninstall updates before the “Disable” option becomes available.
- Confirm the Action: You may be prompted to confirm your decision. Select Disable to proceed.
Dealing with Integrated News Feeds
In some cases, Samsung News is deeply integrated into the system, often appearing as part of the Samsung Free screen or the Bixby Home. In these scenarios, disabling the app directly might not be enough.
- Disable Samsung Free (If Applicable): On some Samsung phones, swiping right on the home screen reveals Samsung Free (previously Samsung Daily). To disable this, long-press an empty space on your home screen. Swipe right until you see the Samsung Free panel. Toggle the switch at the top to off.
- Deactivate Bixby Home: If your device utilizes Bixby Home, disabling it might remove the news feed. To do this, long-press on your home screen. Swipe to the Bixby Home panel and disable it.
- Customize the Home Screen: Even with Samsung Free or Bixby Home disabled, you might still see news articles integrated into other widgets or apps. Customize your home screen by removing widgets or apps that display unwanted news content.
Alternative Launchers: A Radical Solution
If all else fails, consider using a third-party launcher. These launchers replace the default Samsung interface, giving you more control over the look and feel of your phone. Many launchers, such as Nova Launcher or Action Launcher, allow you to completely remove the left-most screen where Samsung News or similar services are typically located. This effectively removes the news feed from your daily experience.
Using Package Disablers (Proceed with Caution!)
There are apps available that claim to disable system apps, including Samsung News. These are often referred to as package disablers. However, exercise extreme caution when using these apps. Disabling critical system components can lead to instability or even brick your device. Only use these tools if you are comfortable with the risks and have thoroughly researched the specific app and its potential consequences. I strongly advise against this method for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s address some common questions surrounding the removal or disabling of Samsung News.
1. Why can’t I find the “Disable” button for Samsung News?
This is a common issue. It often occurs because you have the latest version of the app installed. Try uninstalling updates for Samsung News. This usually reverts the app to an older version where the “Disable” button is available.
2. Will disabling Samsung News affect other apps on my phone?
Generally, no. Disabling Samsung News primarily affects the news feed and its integration with the home screen. It shouldn’t impact the functionality of other apps unless they specifically rely on Samsung News data (which is highly unlikely).
3. How do I uninstall updates for Samsung News?
Navigate to Settings > Apps > Samsung News. Tap the three dots in the top right corner (if available) and select Uninstall Updates. If you don’t see the three dots, look for an “Uninstall Updates” button directly on the app info page.
4. Is it possible to completely remove Samsung News without rooting my phone?
In most cases, a complete removal (uninstall) is not possible without rooting your phone. Disabling the app or using a third-party launcher are the most effective methods for minimizing its presence without resorting to rooting.
5. What is Samsung Free, and how does it relate to Samsung News?
Samsung Free is a service that provides news, games, and other content, often accessible by swiping right on the home screen. Samsung News is frequently integrated into Samsung Free. Disabling Samsung Free often eliminates the news feed.
6. Will disabling Samsung News improve my phone’s battery life?
While the impact may be minimal, disabling an app that regularly fetches data (like a news app) can contribute to slightly improved battery life by reducing background activity.
7. I disabled Samsung News, but it keeps coming back. Why?
This can happen after a software update. Samsung updates can sometimes re-enable disabled system apps. You may need to re-disable Samsung News after each update. Also, ensure you are not accidentally re-enabling it through other settings or widgets.
8. What’s the difference between “Disable” and “Force Stop”?
Force Stop temporarily stops the app from running. The app can be restarted manually or by the system. Disable prevents the app from running at all unless you manually re-enable it. “Disable” is the more permanent solution.
9. Are there any risks involved in disabling system apps?
Yes. While disabling Samsung News is generally safe, disabling other critical system apps can lead to instability or malfunctioning features. Exercise caution and research before disabling any system app you’re unfamiliar with.
10. Can I use a package disabler app to remove Samsung News?
As mentioned earlier, using package disablers carries risks. These apps can disable essential system components, potentially leading to instability or data loss. I advise against this method unless you are an advanced user who understands the risks.
11. Will disabling Bixby Home affect other Bixby features?
Yes, disabling Bixby Home will likely affect other Bixby features. Bixby Home is the main interface for accessing Bixby’s features. If you rely on other Bixby functionalities, consider carefully whether disabling Bixby Home is the right choice.
12. How do I re-enable Samsung News if I change my mind?
To re-enable Samsung News, navigate to Settings > Apps. Tap the three dots in the top right corner and select Show disabled apps. Find Samsung News in the list and tap it. Then, tap the Enable button.
By understanding these methods and FAQs, you can effectively manage the presence of Samsung News on your device, tailoring your Android experience to your preferences. Remember to proceed with caution when disabling system apps, and always prioritize the stability and security of your device. Good luck reclaiming your home screen!
Leave a Reply