Table of Contents

How to Turn Off Discover on Google: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re looking to reclaim your screen real estate and eliminate that stream of suggested articles popping up on your Google app or Android device? You’ve come to the right place. Turning off Google Discover is surprisingly simple, though the method varies slightly depending on your platform. Here’s the straightforward answer:

How to Turn Off Discover on Google:

The primary method involves accessing the settings within your Google app. Here’s the breakdown:

Open the Google app on your Android device.
Tap your profile picture or initial, located in the top right corner.
Select “Settings”.
Tap “Discover”.
Toggle the switch at the top to turn Discover “Off”. The switch should change from blue (or your theme color) to grey.

That’s it! Google Discover should now be disabled. For iOS users or if the above method isn’t working, alternative approaches are discussed in the FAQs below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Google Discover

We’ve anticipated some of the most common questions regarding Google Discover, its function, and how to manage it. Let’s dive in.

Q1: What Exactly Is Google Discover?

Google Discover is a personalized feed of articles, videos, and other content that Google thinks you might be interested in. It uses your search history, location data, and other Google activity to tailor the suggestions. Think of it as a constantly updating magazine customized for you, appearing on your Google app or when you swipe right on some Android launchers.

Q2: Why Would I Want to Turn Off Google Discover?

There are several compelling reasons:

Reduce Distractions: The constant stream of content can be distracting and pull you away from what you’re actually trying to do.
Improve Battery Life: Fetching and displaying content requires battery power, so disabling Discover can subtly extend your device’s battery life.
Data Privacy Concerns: You might be uncomfortable with Google tracking your activity to personalize the Discover feed.
Unwanted Content: The algorithm isn’t perfect, and you might find the suggested content irrelevant or uninteresting.
Conserve Data: For users with limited data plans, constantly refreshing Discover can consume valuable data.

Q3: I’m Using an iPhone. How Do I Turn Off Discover?

The method for iOS users is similar, but with slight variations:

Open the Google app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
Select “Settings”.
Tap “General”.
Toggle the “Discover” option to “Off”.

If you don’t see a “Discover” toggle specifically under “General,” ensure your Google app is up to date.

Q4: Can I Turn Off Discover on the Chrome Browser?

Not directly. Discover is primarily a feature of the Google app and Android’s default launcher (Google Now Launcher or Pixel Launcher). Chrome doesn’t have a built-in Discover feed in the same way. However, if you see unwanted news articles on your Chrome new tab page, that’s likely a different feature you can manage separately within Chrome settings related to suggested articles or “cards.”

Q5: How Do I Stop Google Discover from Showing on My Android Home Screen?

This depends on your Android launcher. If you’re using the Google Pixel Launcher or a similar stock Android launcher, Discover usually appears when you swipe right from the leftmost home screen. To disable it:

Long-press on an empty area of your home screen.
Tap “Home settings” (or a similar option, like “Settings”).
Look for an option called “Discover”, “Google Feed”, or something similar, and toggle it “Off”.

For other launchers (Samsung’s One UI, Xiaomi’s MIUI, etc.), the process might vary slightly. Look for launcher settings within the settings app or by long-pressing on the home screen.

Q6: Can I Still Use Google Search If I Turn Off Discover?

Absolutely! Turning off Discover only disables the personalized feed of articles. It doesn’t affect your ability to use Google Search in any way. You can still search for anything you want using the Google app or your web browser.

Q7: Will Turning Off Discover Delete My Search History?

No. Disabling Discover does not erase your search history. Your search history is stored separately within your Google account and can be managed through your Google account settings. To manage or delete your search history, navigate to your Google account activity controls.

Q8: Can I Customize What Shows Up in Discover Instead of Turning It Off Completely?

Yes! Before completely disabling Discover, consider customizing it. This allows you to fine-tune the content you see:

Tap the three dots next to an article you don’t like and select “Not interested in this” or “Don’t show content from [website]“. This helps Google learn your preferences.
Follow topics by searching for them on Google and then tapping the “Follow” button.
Manage your interests within the Google app settings under the “Interests” section.

Q9: I Turned Off Discover, But I Still See Similar Articles. Why?

Several factors might be at play:

Cached Data: Clear the Google app’s cache to ensure the change takes effect fully.
Alternative News Feeds: You might be seeing articles from a different news aggregation app or service. Check other apps on your device.
Website Notifications: You might be receiving push notifications from websites you’ve subscribed to. Manage your website notification settings in your browser or device settings.
Other Google Products: Content displayed in other Google products (like Google News) are governed by their own separate settings.

Q10: Will Turning Off Discover Improve My Phone’s Performance?

Potentially, yes. While the impact is likely to be small, disabling Discover can free up some system resources, especially if you have an older or less powerful device. The continuous background refreshing required for personalized content consumes processing power and bandwidth.

Q11: I Turned Off Discover, But I Want It Back! How Do I Re-enable It?

Simply follow the same steps as turning it off, but this time, toggle the switch to “On”. The steps remain the same whether you’re using an Android device or an iPhone. Navigate to the Discover settings within the Google app and re-enable it.

Q12: Is Google Discover the Same as Google News?

No, although they are related. Google News is a dedicated news aggregation app and website that curates news stories from various sources. Google Discover is a personalized feed that includes a broader range of content beyond just news, such as blog posts, videos, and social media updates. While both use algorithms to suggest content, Discover is more personalized based on your individual interests and Google activity. Google News focuses more on delivering a comprehensive and diverse range of news coverage.

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with all the information you need to effectively manage your Google Discover experience. Remember to tailor your settings to best suit your preferences and optimize your device usage.