Android's Briefing feature, a personalized news and information feed, can be a useful tool, but it might not be for everyone. If you find it distracting or simply prefer not to use it, turning it off is easy. The exact steps vary slightly depending on your phone manufacturer and Android version, but the general process remains consistent. This guide will walk you through disabling Briefing on several popular Android interfaces.
Which Android Device Do You Have?
The location and method for disabling Briefing depend heavily on your phone's manufacturer and the specific version of Android you're using. The most common interfaces include Google's Pixel experience, Samsung's One UI, and others like Xiaomi's MIUI and OnePlus' OxygenOS (now merged with ColorOS). Many manufacturers customize the Android experience, leading to variations in settings menus.
Before proceeding, it's crucial to identify your device's manufacturer and Android version. This information is usually found in your phone's settings under "About phone" or a similar section.
Disabling Briefing on Common Android Interfaces:
While the exact steps may vary, the underlying principle remains the same: locate your phone's "Google" settings, find the "Discover" or "Briefing" section, and toggle the feature off.
Google Pixel (and Stock Android):
- Open the Google app: This is the app with the colorful "G" icon.
- Tap your profile picture: Located in the top right corner.
- Select "Settings": This option is usually near the bottom of the menu.
- Tap "General": You'll find this under the main Settings menu.
- Choose "Discover": This section controls the Briefing feature.
- Toggle "Show in feed" OFF: This switch will disable the Briefing feed.
Samsung One UI:
Samsung's implementation of Briefing might be integrated differently. You might find it under:
- Open the Samsung Internet app: This is Samsung's default browser.
- Tap the three vertical dots (More options): Usually located in the top right corner.
- Select "Settings": Within the menu that appears.
- Look for "Feed" or "Briefing": The exact name might differ slightly depending on the One UI version.
- Toggle the switch OFF: This will disable the Briefing feed within the Samsung Internet app.
Note: Samsung often integrates features into its own apps, so check the settings of your default home screen, news app, or even the browser.
Other Android Manufacturers (Xiaomi, OnePlus, etc.):
For other Android manufacturers, the location of the Briefing settings might vary considerably. A common starting point is to:
- Check the settings of your default home screen app: This is the app that controls your home screen widgets and layouts.
- Look for "Google" settings within your device's overall settings: Many manufacturers provide a dedicated section for Google services.
- Search for "Briefing" or "Discover" within your phone's settings: Using the search function in the settings menu is often the fastest way to find specific options.
What if I Can't Find the Briefing Settings?
If you've searched thoroughly and still can't find the option to disable Briefing, it's possible that your phone's manufacturer hasn't included it or has significantly redesigned the settings menus. In this case, consider:
- Checking for updates: Ensure your phone and apps are up-to-date. Updates sometimes alter settings menus.
- Consulting your phone's user manual: The manual often provides comprehensive instructions for all features and settings.
- Searching online forums: Searching for your phone model and "disable Briefing" may yield helpful tips from other users.
- Contacting your phone's manufacturer's support: They can provide specific instructions for your device.
By following these steps and adapting them to your specific Android device and version, you should successfully turn off your Briefing and regain control over your home screen experience. Remember to always check your device's specific settings and documentation for the most accurate information.
