Google News is a convenient tool for staying updated with current events and topics of interest. However, not everyone wants a constant stream of news, especially if the content feels overwhelming or irrelevant. If you’re looking to reduce distractions, improve focus, or simply declutter your feed, you might be wondering how to turn off Google News.
Whether you’re using a smartphone or a computer, there are a few easy ways to disable or limit Google News and its features, including the Discover feed in the Google app.
This guide will walk you through different methods to turn off Google News based on your device and usage preferences.
What Does “Turning Off Google News” Mean?
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to clarify what “turning off Google News” actually means. You can’t completely delete the Google News app from your Google ecosystem, but you can disable its features, such as:
- The Google Discover feed (shown in the Google app and on some Android home screens)
- Notifications and alerts from Google News
- Personalized recommendations based on your interests
Now let’s explore how to turn off each of these options.
How to Turn Off Google News on Android
If you’re seeing news articles in your Google app or on your Android home screen, it’s likely the Discover feed is enabled. Here’s how to disable it:
Method 1: Turn Off Discover in Google App
- Open the Google app.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings > General.
- Find the option called Discover and toggle it off.
This will stop showing personalized news in the Google app.
Method 2: Disable Discover on the Home Screen (Pixel & Some Android Devices)
- Long press on an empty area of your home screen.
- Tap Home Settings.
- Look for the option like “Show Google App” or “Enable Discover”.
- Toggle it off.
This will remove the news feed panel when you swipe left on your home screen.
Method 3: Disable Google News Notifications
If you’re getting alerts from the Google News app:
- Open your device’s Settings.
- Go to Apps > Google News.
- Tap Notifications.
- Toggle off all notifications, or selectively turn off categories you don’t want.
How to Turn Off Google News on iPhone (iOS)
While iPhones don’t have a Discover feed, the Google News app can still send push notifications. Here’s how to disable them:
Method 1: Turn Off Notifications
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll to and select Google News.
- Tap Notifications.
- Toggle off “Allow Notifications.”
You can also adjust settings from within the app itself:
- Open the Google News app.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Go to Settings > Notifications.
- Disable specific categories or turn off all notifications.
How to Turn Off Google News on Desktop
While you can’t uninstall Google News from the web, you can avoid using it or stop seeing its stories via your Google homepage.
Method 1: Stop Using Personalized Google News
- Visit news.google.com.
- Scroll to the bottom and click on “Settings.”
- Under “Your Interests,” remove followed topics or stop personalized updates.
Method 2: Remove Google News from Chrome’s New Tab Page
If Google News headlines appear when you open a new Chrome tab:
- Open a new tab in Chrome.
- Click the Customize Chrome button (bottom right).
- Go to Cards or Content, depending on your version.
- Turn off “Show suggestions” or similar options related to news or Discover.
Alternative: Delete Google News App (Optional)
If you don’t use the Google News app at all, you can uninstall or disable it:
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Google News.
- Tap Disable or Uninstall, depending on your device.
On iPhone:
- Tap and hold the Google News app icon.
- Tap the “X” or choose Remove App.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to reduce digital distractions, avoid certain content, or simply streamline your app experience, learning how to turn off Google News gives you more control over your daily interactions with technology. Whether it’s disabling the Discover feed, turning off notifications, or uninstalling the app entirely, you can tailor your device to better fit your needs.
By following the steps above, you can enjoy a quieter, more focused digital environment—without the constant flow of news.
