Samsung News, while offering a convenient way to stay updated, might not be everyone’s preference. Here’s how to remove or disable it.
Table of contents
Uninstalling Samsung News
On newer Samsung phones, you might be able to uninstall the app directly. Look for Samsung News in your app drawer. If an “Uninstall” option is available when you long-press the icon, select it.
Disabling Samsung News
If uninstalling isn’t an option, disabling the app is the next best thing. Go to Settings > Apps (or Application Manager). Find Samsung News and select it. Then, tap “Disable.”
Removing from Lock Screen
To remove headlines from your lock screen: From the lock screen, tap the three vertical dots (usually in the top right). Select “Settings” and disable “Headlines.”
Customizing News Sources
To change news sources within the app, open Samsung News, tap the three-dot menu, go to settings, and then manage news sources.
Disabling Samsung Daily/Free on Older Devices
Older Samsung devices might have Samsung Daily (formerly Samsung Free) integrated into the home screen panel. To disable it:
- Pinch the home screen to enter edit mode.
- Swipe right until you find the Samsung Daily/Free panel.
- Toggle the switch at the top to turn it off.
Using a Different Launcher
If you prefer a completely different news experience, consider using a different launcher app from the Google Play Store. Many launchers offer customizable home screens and news feeds.
Important Considerations
Disabling or uninstalling Samsung News might affect other Samsung services or integrations. Always proceed with caution and consider backing up your data before making significant changes.
Managing News on the Bixby Home Screen (Older Devices)
On some older Samsung phones, the news feed might be integrated into the Bixby Home screen. Disabling it usually involves disabling Bixby Home itself.
- Swipe right on your home screen to access Bixby Home.
- Tap the three-dot menu (usually in the top right corner);
- Select “Settings.”
- Look for an option to disable Bixby Home or its news feed. The exact wording might vary depending on your device and software version. You might need to disable “Cards” or a similar feature to remove the news content.
Clearing Data and Cache (If Disabling Isn’t Enough)
If disabling Samsung News still leaves remnants or causes unwanted behavior, try clearing its data and cache:
- Go to Settings > Apps (or Application Manager).
- Find Samsung News and select it.
- Tap “Storage.”
- Tap “Clear Cache” and then “Clear Data.” Be aware that clearing data might reset any personalized settings within the app (if it’s still active).
Rooting Your Device (Advanced Users Only)
For advanced users who are comfortable with rooting their Android device, it might be possible to completely remove Samsung News by uninstalling it as a system app. However, rooting carries significant risks, including voiding your warranty and potentially bricking your device. Only attempt this if you fully understand the risks involved and have experience with rooting.
Alternative News Aggregators
If you’re looking for a replacement news app, there are many excellent alternatives available on the Google Play Store. Some popular options include:
- Google News
- Feedly (for RSS feeds)
- Inoreader
Staying Informed Without Samsung News
Ultimately, the best way to stay informed is to choose news sources that you trust and that align with your interests. Whether you use a dedicated news app, follow news websites directly, or rely on social media for updates, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to the world around you without relying on pre-installed apps.
