remove google search + other questions. - Google Pixel 3a XL Questions & Answers

Hello, I just got my new to me, unrooted refurb 3a XL and have a few questions regarding changes I'd like to make without having to root my device:
- Can I move the clock to the right side?
- When using pixel launcher, can I remove the google search? I disabled Google app & rebooted; but still can't remove it.
- Any way to enable gestures + Nova launcher? It's greyed out when choosing Nova launcher.
Thank you.

The december update (released yesterday) allows you to use gestures with 3rd party launchers. Update your phone.

Thank DriveEuro, that did the trick.
Any way to get the vertical recent apps instead of horizontal? I understand in Android 10 it's baked in the OS and can't be disabled by removing the pixel launcher? Any way around it?

Related

[NOTICE][APK]Download and install Google Search 3.2 with Google Launcher Now

Download and install Google Search 3.2 with Google Launcher Now​
Google has pushed out an update to the Google Search app, which now means there's also an update to the Google Experience Launcher. We've got the APK for you to install below, and this is looking like a substantial update – it looks like the new (and probably official) name for the Google Experience Launcher is Google Now Launcher.
What's New
Google says:
*Bug fixes and performance improvements
We say:
*New Google Now Launcher name with splash screen on start up
*6 columns on tablet home screens (up from 5)
*AirBNB reservations in Google Now
*Fixes disappearing icon in the hotseat bug
*Hotword detection now works in British and Canadian English
*Icon imports from old home screen
(we're still checking it out, might be more to come)
Be aware, you need to have the Google Home stub app installed to see the Google Now Launcher. This branding also doesn't show up on the Nexus 5, which already has the new launcher installed by default.
APK Download
The APK is signed by Google and upgrades your existing app. The cryptographic signature guarantees that the file is safe to install and was not tampered with in any way. Rather than wait for Google to push this download to your devices, which can take days, download and install it just like any other APK.
File name: com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox-3.2.16.1006154.arm.
Version: (Android 4.1+).
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Thank you very much 4 sharing. It is the Google search app download. What about the luncher?
Inviato dal mio XT1032 utilizzando Tapatalk
The search app includes the launcher.
at last, ok google works with English uk!
i think new version is out already ?
lost101 said:
The search app includes the launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it includes a launcher. If you already have GEL installed it will be updated, but it doesn't include one. I uninstalled my GEL launcher before installing this apk, and there was no change on the stock launcher. It wasn't until I installed GEL again that I saw the changes, namely now it's called "Google now launcher". Also the icons are still a bit on the big side. Good upgrade though, thanks!
Sent from my XT1034 using xda app-developers app
I got 3.2.17 update in the play store. It didn't include GEL. I had removed the launcher so I added it back. It's now GNL.
"OK Google" works when you have Google now open if you have stock launcher but that is it. You have to have Google now open. For it to work on any home screen, you need to install Google now launcher.
Edit: hot word detection is cool but at the expense of battery. Wow! Idle all night (over 9 hours) and 11% battery gone. Before enabling and adding GNL, is lose about 3% overnight (with everything syncing and location services on).
Edit 2: I disabled hot word detection and battery life is a lot better. The active listening needs to be optimized. It certainly doesn't work as efficiently as it would on the moto x.
I don't see much advantage of GNL over the stock launcher so far.
Sent from my Moto G
Newbie here. Installed GEL when I first got my Moto G and it's updated to new Google Now Launcher. However one quirk I notice is widgets don't work with this launcher....is that correct or do I have settings wrong?
I navigate to settings>home> it shows two launchers, one of which is Google Now. When using Google Now, when I flipped through the home screen pages, it only includes my apps and doesn't show any widget screenshots. When I revert back to default Moto G launcher, there are pages of both apps and widgets....
Am I missing something or is this a Moto G thing? Many thanks!
dtsm888 said:
Newbie here. Installed GEL when I first got my Moto G and it's updated to new Google Now Launcher. However one quirk I notice is widgets don't work with this launcher....is that correct or do I have settings wrong?
I navigate to settings>home> it shows two launchers, one of which is Google Now. When using Google Now, when I flipped through the home screen pages, it only includes my apps and doesn't show any widget screenshots. When I revert back to default Moto G launcher, there are pages of both apps and widgets....
Am I missing something or is this a Moto G thing? Many thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Long press the homescreen in order to get the widgets list.
google launcher now
rogeriorp said:
Long press the homescreen in order to get the widgets list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi
does this work with rooted note 10.1 2014? I cant seem to install it.
thanks
mrcorey said:
I got 3.2.17 update in the play store. It didn't include GEL. I had removed the launcher so I added it back. It's now GNL.
"OK Google" works when you have Google now open if you have stock launcher but that is it. You have to have Google now open. For it to work on any home screen, you need to install Google now launcher.
Edit: hot word detection is cool but at the expense of battery. Wow! Idle all night (over 9 hours) and 11% battery gone. Before enabling and adding GNL, is lose about 3% overnight (with everything syncing and location services on).
Edit 2: I disabled hot word detection and battery life is a lot better. The active listening needs to be optimized. It certainly doesn't work as efficiently as it would on the moto x.
I don't see much advantage of GNL over the stock launcher so far.
Sent from my Moto G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should try the Nova Beta Launcher is really fast, faster than stock or GEL especially when you disable all animations.
Sent from my XT1034 using Tapatalk
I like nova (and apex, too). Currently still on GNL by I'll probably either go back to stock or maybe nova. But, when warranty either runs out or I get closer to that, I'll root this phone and rom it to death like I have with my last few phones.
I can't believe that I've had this phone for a whole month and haven't rooted it yet. But, I don't feel the need yet. I'm eager to see what happens with this launcher, though. Not so sure about the hit words, though. After all, it's just swipe, tap, to do the same thing.
Sent from my Moto G
Black Status Screen Bars on S3
Hi guys.
I've tried this on both my Nexus 7 2013 (Kit Kat 4.4.2) and Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300 with Jelly Bean 4.3).
On the Nexus everything works fine. On the S3, however, I now have a black status bar, instead of a transparent one.
On the sotck launcher (you know, Touchwiz) I already had transparent status bars and I thought the Google Now Laucher had those too, no matter what device you installed it in.
Has this happened to anyone else?

HTC 10 with Google Pixel Launcher

Hi, so my question here is:
I have installed Googles new Pixel Launcher, and I like it a lot, but I don't get any "Notification circles" on my apps, I had the same problem with the last beta, and if I sideload other google "nexus" stuff, like googles phone app etc. the notification indicators on the apps are missing.
So, how can I get them to show, or is it not possible?
Cheers
I take it you don't have Google Now integration on that launcher?
No, there are Google now integration.
I ask because I plan to root my 10 shortly and flash the pixel launcher and I really enjoy the swipe to the right with Google now.
well, they have removed the swipe to the right, now you dubble tap the G logo and it moves you to the Google Now app

No launcher now ??? Only option "At the top of your All Apps list"

Please help, I don't have the stock Pixel 3 launcher installed or something anymore ?
Ok, I rooted my 3 XL last week, all working well, but I have done a ton of tweaks here and there, tried different launchers, uninstalled them, then go back to them, etc... Nova always being my main, but I wanted to go lightweight and stay stock, but stock doesn't allow swiping down on the screen to pull the notification shade down, whereas every launcher has that most basic option baked in, it blows my mind Google doesn't have that as default yet, but anyways.
I tried Rootless Pixel launcher with Magisk, but then there's also Rootless launcher on the Play Store. But they need you to install that companion app or bridge or something to get the Google Now Feed on the left panel, which I did, and all good.
But the way Swift Dark themes work, I didn't like any of the launcher's Google Now Feed panel, I only like the stock stock Pixel 3 launcher the phone comes with by default, it's more up to date looking, or better, than the outdated looking ones that come with Rootless Pixel launcher which is only 3.7 on Magisk, and like 3.9 on Play Store or something ?
Anyways, I uninstalled Rootless Pixel Launcher, and rebooted, and then the phone freaked out upon restarting, immediate stating some error " At the top of your All Apps list " keeps flashing and I it only goes to this setting screen, pressing home button does nothing.
I rebooted several times, tried a bunch of things, and somehow was able to get my to my web browser luckily, and did a quick install of "lean launcher" to get something going. I rebooted and I have Lean Launcher as my main and only launcher now, all working well. But I don't really want this launcher on, as it's a major battery hog and system hog. In Developer Settings, Running Services Lean is always at like 400mb, and in Battery settings Lean is usually at the top of the list. This is based on my Pixel 2 XL using Lean Launcher before, it works great, and is smooth, but for some reason it was always a battery hog.
So if I uninstall Lean Launcher, I get that same error again, and only options listed in the Default apps - Home app - two options "At the top of your All Apps list" or Lean Launcher, which is selected now.
My battery life sucks all of a sudden.
Unplug this morning 100% charge. I'm on home WiFi, I surf the web while eating breakfast, then do my workout in my basement, listening to YouTube Music. Took a short phone call, did some texts.
Battery life down to 66% now, after about 2.5 hours of use.
I think maybe it's Lean Launcher ? But in Running Services it shows only 2%. I just wish I could go back to the stock default launcher the phone came with. Bit it seems to have been wiped away or something.
At this point I'm ready to do a factory reset, but I'm rooted, and out in the field today no computer. So not even sure if possible to reset while rooted and have the phone go back to everything default ?
For the moment grab a different launcher, Nova, Action, Evie, are three I know are not too bad on batt. Once you've got something else, uninstall lean, I haven't used it but it sounds like you've got something hashed with it in at least the current installation.
Lean Launcher is really good, it's like the stock Pixel launcher, just more options. It's super smooth.
But I'm worried it's a battery hog ? Any know if it's known to be ?
If I went ahead to do a factory reset, but I'm rooted. Will the phone do a full system reset, and start over fresh with the original stock launcher ? Or does being rooted mess that up and not work ?
So I had some app updates in the Play Store, and one of the apps that had an update ready as the Pixel Launcher. I was surprised to see that, and when going to the Read More section it showed latest update Apr 17, 2017.
Anyways I updated, and then went back to Default apps, and now finally I see both options. Lean Launcher and Pixel Launcher. Whereas before it was just showing me Lean Launcher and At the top of your All Apps.
Hmm, enabling Pixel Launcher now looks weird. It's some old school like Pixel 1 style. Version # 7.1.1-3862848. Why would the Play Store update me to an older launcher version ? Oh well, guess back to Lean Launcher for now.
Zorachus said:
Anyways, I uninstalled Rootless Pixel Launcher, and rebooted, and then the phone freaked out upon restarting, immediate stating some error " At the top of your All Apps list " keeps flashing and I it only goes to this setting screen, pressing home button does nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had exactly the same issue with Pixel 1.
Replacing "NexusLauncherPrebuilt.apk" in module zip with the original apk from system image and reinstalling module did the trick.
And now magisk replaces my original NexusLauncherPrebuilt.apk in /system/priv-app with the same original NexusLauncherPrebuilt.apk and everything works fine, but if i disable the module i get this error again...
What fixed it for me
I had this exact same issue on my Pixel XL (1st Gen rooted with Android 9.0) and did the same install of the Rootless Pixel XL Launcher. I did end up getting the spam of "At the top of your All Apps list". My fix was to download the original pixel launcher from the google play, then uninstall the updates to it, to which it would revert back to the stock pixel launcher, but after each restart it'd go back to the "at the top of your All Apps List" problem, so I used Titanium Backup to make a backup of the app (after updating & uninstalling updates to the pixel launcher from the google play), and I restarted the phone, ran titanium backup, restored the app (make sure you restore it as Pixel Launcher and it'll show back up as At the top of your All Apps List when you go to restore it), and I've had the stock launcher with no other issues since.
I know it's an old thread but I just solved for me on Pixel 3 XL
So, first I deleted the original Pixel launcher with root and Total Commander but didn't help at all. Lean Launcher (apk) installed, all OK but still I can not install Glance module since somehow, the Pixel Launcher is still active even if I deleted ....and do not appear on Apps tab. The main reason is Pixel Launcher have a name, and without this particular name, the Glance function doesn't work on Pixel. So, Glance module MUST have THAT name And, you can not install it with Pixel Launcher installed... (bad Google!)
Ok, after that, I reinstalled Pixel Launcher from Gplay, go in Apps, unistalled from there and voila! Glance worked and now I have the full Lean Launcher working. Ofcourse, you will have an update on Gplay for Pixel Launcher, but just make sure you cut out auto update for it and all OK.
Now I really enjoy my Pixel 3 XL without that stupid search bar on my screen and with more options from Lean Launcher!
Hyperion launcher is snappy as hell! Its a new launcher made by the dev or devs of substratum. So i trust it and i like. Give it a whirl!

Android 10 remove Google search bar

I GOT THE OTA Android 10 update a couple of days ago and Nova launcher no longer functions completely.
I am customizing the Pixel launcher and would like to remove the Google search bar on the home screen.
I would also like the screens to wrap around.
Can I do these things?
Unicorn512 said:
I GOT THE OTA Android 10 update a couple of days ago and Nova launcher no longer functions completely.
I am customizing the Pixel launcher and would like to remove the Google search bar on the home screen.
I would also like the screens to wrap around.
Can I do these things?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't do those things with the stock pixel launcher to my knowledge. However, a modified pixel launcher might do the trick if your rooted. Look in this thread, and talk to @Tulsadiver to see if he can make one for you. What exactly isn't Nova launcher doing for you? Seems to be working fine for me.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/themes/android-p-various-mods-aroma-installer-t3777787
You can't remove Google search bar because it's part of Google launcher
Στάλθηκε από το Pixel 2 XL μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk
Unicorn512 said:
I GOT THE OTA Android 10 update a couple of days ago and Nova launcher no longer functions completely.
I am customizing the Pixel launcher and would like to remove the Google search bar on the home screen.
I would also like the screens to wrap around.
Can I do these things?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can remove the Google search bar, resize the icons and choose how many columns you want in the all-apps area and how many in the hot spot on the home page by using my Pixel Launcher zip installer. Plus background colors and text colors.
Choose one of the bases for No-Google search, flash anything else you like, lastly, flash complete installation. There will be a zip file created on your sdcard in a folder called ozop. Flash that via magisk manager.
https://mega.nz/#!EY5zwKIK!4tKdRBe3_rb1_Z0Zr6MKmMQun3rg-VFeVYH0oYJFMSI
Unicorn512 said:
...Nova launcher no longer functions completely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The search bar is not removable from the Pixel Launcher dock, and the Pixel Launcher does not support infinite scroll for screens. You'll have to use a custom launcher to do that, which leads to my question: what's not working properly on Nova Launcher? I've encountered no troubles with it on Android 10.
I have a Verizon edition so bone stock. Android 10 broke my adb command as well as the Custom Nav app. Hopefully issue is resolved soon.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
The search bar is not removable from the Pixel Launcher dock, and the Pixel Launcher does not support infinite scroll for screens. You'll have to use a custom launcher to do that, which leads to my question: what's not working properly on Nova Launcher? I've encountered no troubles with it on Android 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use 3 button navigation and when I display all the tasks , there isn't a 'close all' option. There isn't even an 'X' to close them individually. I sent a note to the dev and the reply was this is an issue for all 3rd party launchers until Google changes something.
I am full Verizon stock and don't want to root. At least not yet...
Unicorn512 said:
I use 3 button navigation and when I display all the tasks , there isn't a 'close all' option. There isn't even an 'X' to close them individually. I sent a note to the dev and the reply was this is an issue for all 3rd party launchers until Google changes something.
I am full Verizon stock and don't want to root. At least not yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did notice this but didn't think it a big enough deal to mention. To remove an individual page however, swipe up. The recents screen is gesture-based.
If you're using a Verizon device, then there's no root for you at all unless you were lucky enough to get a device that mistakenly was unlockable. Verizon locks their bootloaders.
Thanks for the tip on the swipe up. I hadn't tried that and it works.
I am on the VZN network but bought the phone from Google. OEM unlock toggle in developer options seems to work.
Unicorn512 said:
I am on the VZN network but bought the phone from Google. OEM unlock toggle in developer options seems to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Smart man. :good:
It's only if you buy the device from Verizon that you're screwed.
Hi, thanks!
Sadly, no ozop folder is created, after flashing one of the base no search bar and complete installation.
I'm using orange fox, also tried running the complete installation zip in magisk, no result.
Any recommendation I would appreciate, I can't stand the goog e search bar.
Have a good day!
Hi,
I have a Samsung Galaxy S9 (Unlocked) which is running Android 10. I was looking to remove the Google search bar as well.
All I did was long press on the bar itself, a menu then pops up with 2 options
1) Information about google search
2) Remove search bar from home screen.
So I press option 2 and hey presto it is gone. Have just done a reboot to check that it doesn't come back and it hasn't!
Could it really be that easy?????!!!!
Alsajosora said:
Hi...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On a Samsung it's possible as they aren't a Google Pixel and don't use the Pixel's stock launcher.

Nova Launcher

As much as I want to use Nova Launcher, it's just not as smooth and quick as the stock Pixel Launcher. Anyone else feel this way? At the same time, I have a love/hate relationship with Pixel Launcher because I love having the icon unread notification numbers on Nova as well as being able to change the home screen grid size. In the end, though, Nova is just not as quick loading apps and the app drawer.
I agree Google isn't making it easy to use another launcher on Pixel phones. It's a shame.
Nova is definitely not as smooth as the Pixel launcher. But Nova has so many advantages for me that I'll take its options over overall smoothness any day.
Ghisy said:
I agree Google isn't making it easy to use another launcher on Pixel phones. It's a shame.
Nova is definitely not as smooth as the Pixel launcher. But Nova has so many advantages for me that I'll take its options over overall smoothness any day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here.
U guys can use one plus launcher, one UI launcher and a custom pixel launcher as well with More customizations. There's a thread on telegram.
Action Launcher does pretty much everything Nova can do and it does everything stock pixel launcher does too. Including copying from recents screen and using Android 10 gestures.
Launchers can add the ability to work correctly on Pixels, Google opened up the ability for 3rd party launchers in December, Action Launcher is only one I know of that can do it without using quickstep or magisk.
smartymcfly said:
Action Launcher does pretty much everything Nova can do and it does everything stock pixel launcher does too. Including copying from recents screen and using Android 10 gestures.
Launchers can add the ability to work correctly on Pixels, Google opened up the ability for 3rd party launchers in December, Action Launcher is only one I know of that can do it without using quickstep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ones I'm referring to don't require quickstep either, just flash in magisk
shooterlgk said:
The ones I'm referring to don't require quickstep either, just flash in magisk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Action Launcher doesn't require magisk.
smartymcfly said:
Action Launcher doesn't require magisk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fully aware, just providing more options
I keep seeing these threads where at least one person claims Nova doesn't work correctly. Last year, I would have agreed... but I've been using Nova for months and I have forgotten about any drawbacks if there are any. The only differences I remember are a couple animations and the recents menu doesn't have suggestion icons? (which never suggested apps I wanted to use, so I don't miss it)
What's the smoothness that people are complaining about? The animations run as fast as my finger pushes things around... Is it just the quality and type of animations? If so, I want functionality far over such things. Having to use substratum/magisk to customize the Pixel Launcher was way worse than recreating my layout in Nova. If only things like TeslaUnread were still officially supported... but Google likes killing off useful things.
Feel free to help me understand what I'm missing.
jljtgr said:
I keep seeing these threads where at least one person claims Nova doesn't work correctly. Last year, I would have agreed... but I've been using Nova for months and I have forgotten about any drawbacks if there are any. The only differences I remember are a couple animations and the recents menu doesn't have suggestion icons? (which never suggested apps I wanted to use, so I don't miss it)
What's the smoothness that people are complaining about? The animations run as fast as my finger pushes things around... Is it just the quality and type of animations? If so, I want functionality far over such things. Having to use substratum/magisk to customize the Pixel Launcher was way worse than recreating my layout in Nova. If only things like TeslaUnread were still officially supported... but Google likes killing off useful things.
Feel free to help me understand what I'm missing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova says in the settings that Google has not made it possible for Nova to use Android 10 gestures correctly. Google has made it work, but Nova hasn't been updated to allow it yet.
smartymcfly said:
Nova says in the settings that Google has not made it possible for Nova to use Android 10 gestures correctly. Google has made it work, but Nova hasn't been updated to allow it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my opinion, the warning is wrong. Back when I first got my phone, like half of the gestures didn't quite work. Now everything works for me.
At Nova's homescreen...
Swipe from side: Isn't triggered because you can't go back from home. Just flips pages.
Swipe from bottom: Opens app search. I'm not sure if the gesture is doing this or Nova is.
Swipe from bottom & hold: Opens recents.
Swipe from corner: Shows assistant overlay.
Everything basic works. I don't have palm swipe screenshots enabled.
My issue with Nova is the delay going back to the home screen. I can't immediately open another app. I always have to wait an extra second or click on app twice before it opens. I want the full pixel experience and it seems that Nova doesn't always deliver on it. I do occasionally go back to it until I get annoyed with my first statement.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
Honestly, I've never noticed this. I guess I go home before I know what I want to click on and so I'm never quick enough to see it.
The way it's acting, it reminds me of a paused activity that needs to refresh when the app gets restored. I tried to disable battery optimization for Nova, but it didn't help. I'm not sure how to solve that.
I tried the same test on my old phone and pressing the home button actually does nothing for a split second, then Nova shows and responds immediately. But when you gesture, you want it to happen immediately... not a split second later. So in that way, Android 10 and Nova do the sensible thing and shows the paused activity.
shooterlgk said:
U guys can use one plus launcher, one UI launcher and a custom pixel launcher as well with More customizations. There's a thread on telegram.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide a link please?
I was using Nova Launche a lot of time ago! let's going to check how does it works now!
I have no reason to use any other launcher than pixel launcher. It works just as I need.
not sure what the hoo-blah is. I have been using Nova prime beta with no issues. No problems returning home... No speed issues. The warning that is in there is talking about the gesture navigation system wide not inside the launcher. So this means you have to use the classic 3 button method to navigate (back, home, recent). IMHO this does not affect the experience at all. Definitely prefer Nova and the customization over the stock launcher. :good:
Edit:Actually just changed the nav settings and Nova is working with new gestures.
ksmullins88 said:
not sure what the hoo-blah is. I have been using Nova prime beta with no issues. No problems returning home... No speed issues. The warning that is in there is talking about the gesture navigation system wide not inside the launcher. So this means you have to use the classic 3 button method to navigate (back, home, recent). IMHO this does not affect the experience at all. Definitely prefer Nova and the customization over the stock launcher. :good:
Edit:Actually just changed the nav settings and Nova is working with new gestures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just switched back to Nova from Lawnchair on both my S20+ and Pixel 4XL. Nova works beautiful now and Nova Google Companion works with dark mode.
I'm on Android 11 Beta and am running Nova with no problems with gestures at all. For some reason on 10 they were not working as smooth and I would get some lag going back to the home screen. On 11, those problems have seemed to disappear.
While that's true, the closing app animation is not there and feels weird. ( Using gesture navigation )

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