How to Get Rid of Your Briefing on Android?
Want to get rid of the news and information panel, ‘Briefing’, from your Android device? This article details several methods to disable or remove Briefing, bringing you a cleaner and more personalized home screen experience.
What is the Briefing App?
The ‘Briefing’ app, often powered by Flipboard, is a pre-installed news aggregator on many Android devices, particularly those from Samsung. It presents a curated stream of news articles, social media updates, and other information in a magazine-like format. While some users find it convenient, others prefer a minimalist home screen without this extra layer.
Why Remove or Disable Briefing?
There are several reasons why you might want to get rid of your Briefing on Android:
- Personal Preference: You might simply not find the news feed relevant or useful.
- Performance: The app can sometimes consume system resources, potentially impacting battery life and performance.
- Customization: Removing Briefing allows for more control over your home screen organization and widgets.
- Data Privacy Concerns: Some users are uncomfortable with the app’s data collection practices.
Methods to Get Rid of Briefing
The process for removing or disabling Briefing varies slightly depending on your Android device manufacturer and version. Here are the most common methods:
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Disabling via Home Screen Settings:
- Pinch the home screen with two fingers to enter edit mode (or long-press an empty area).
- Swipe right until you see the ‘Briefing’ panel.
- Toggle the switch at the top to disable it. In some cases, you will see the name of the launcher directly.
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Disabling via App Settings (If Available):
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Locate ‘Briefing’ (or Flipboard).
- If available, tap ‘Disable’. If ‘Disable’ is not an option, look for ‘Force Stop’ and then ‘Uninstall updates.’
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Removing via Samsung Free (Newer Samsung Devices):
- Pinch the home screen with two fingers to enter edit mode (or long-press an empty area).
- Swipe right until you see the ‘Samsung Free’ panel (which may include Briefing).
- Long-press the panel name and select ‘Settings’ or ‘Turn Off’.
What if There’s No Disable Option?
If you can’t disable or uninstall Briefing, it’s likely deeply integrated into your device’s system. In this case, you have a few alternatives:
- Force Stop: This will temporarily prevent the app from running, but it may restart later. Go to Settings > Apps > ‘Briefing’ (or Flipboard) > ‘Force Stop’.
- Disable Notifications: Prevent the app from sending you notifications to minimize distractions. Go to Settings > Apps > ‘Briefing’ (or Flipboard) > ‘Notifications’ and disable them.
- Use a Third-Party Launcher: Install a different launcher from the Google Play Store, such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair. These launchers often allow you to completely remove the Briefing panel and customize your home screen to your liking.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing Briefing with other News Apps: Make sure you’re disabling the correct app (usually called ‘Briefing’ or powered by Flipboard).
- Forgetting to Disable Notifications: Even if you disable the app, it may still send notifications if you haven’t disabled them separately.
- Assuming the App is Gone: Even after disabling it, the app might still be present in your app drawer. It’s only truly removed if you uninstall it (if possible).
Third-Party Launchers: A More Comprehensive Solution
Using a third-party launcher gives you greater control over your Android device’s home screen. Not only can you easily remove the Briefing panel, but you can also customize everything from icon packs to gestures. Popular choices include:
- Nova Launcher: Highly customizable with many advanced features.
- Lawnchair Launcher: A free and open-source launcher that mimics the look and feel of the Google Pixel Launcher.
- Action Launcher: Brings unique features like ‘Covers’ and ‘Shutters’ to your home screen.
Here is a simple table that compares the three launchers:
| Feature | Nova Launcher | Lawnchair Launcher | Action Launcher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customization | High | High | High |
| Price | Free/Paid | Free | Free/Paid |
| Root Required | No | No | No |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Briefing Removal | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Alternatives to Briefing
If you like having a news feed on your home screen but don’t like Briefing, consider these alternatives:
- Google News: A personalized news feed powered by Google.
- Microsoft Start: Delivers news, weather, sports, and more.
- Feedly: A RSS feed reader that allows you to follow your favorite websites.
Benefits of Removing Briefing
- Improved Performance: Reclaim system resources and potentially improve battery life.
- Cleaner Home Screen: Enjoy a less cluttered and more organized home screen.
- Enhanced Customization: Gain greater control over your device’s appearance and functionality.
- Increased Privacy: Reduce the amount of data collected by pre-installed apps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to disable or uninstall Briefing?
Yes, disabling or uninstalling Briefing is generally safe. It’s a non-essential app, and removing it won’t harm your device’s core functionality. However, if you’re unsure, create a backup of your important data first.
Will disabling Briefing free up a significant amount of storage space?
Not usually. The Briefing app itself doesn’t take up a lot of storage space. The primary benefit is reclaiming RAM and preventing it from running in the background, thereby saving battery.
Can I reinstall Briefing if I change my mind?
If you disabled it, you can easily re-enable it in the app settings. If you uninstalled it, you may be able to download it from the Google Play Store (though it may not be available for all devices or regions).
What if I can’t find the Briefing app in my app drawer or settings?
Some manufacturers hide pre-installed apps. Try using the search function within your device’s settings to locate it. Alternatively, check if it’s integrated into another app like Samsung Free.
Does removing Briefing affect other apps on my device?
No, removing Briefing should not affect other apps on your device. It operates independently.
Will a factory reset bring Briefing back?
Yes, a factory reset will restore your device to its original state, including reinstalling any pre-installed apps like Briefing.
Does removing Briefing prevent Flipboard from running in the background altogether?
Disabling Briefing typically stops Flipboard from actively running in the background and consuming resources. However, if you have other apps that rely on Flipboard’s services, those might still trigger some background activity.
What’s the difference between disabling and uninstalling an app?
Disabling an app prevents it from running, sending notifications, and consuming resources. The app files still remain on your device. Uninstalling completely removes the app and its associated files.
Is there any risk of bricking my device by trying to remove Briefing?
No, there is no risk of bricking your device by simply disabling or uninstalling Briefing. These are standard procedures for managing apps.
Will removing Briefing improve my phone’s security?
While removing Briefing directly won’t dramatically improve your security, it does reduce the number of apps that have access to your data, which is always a good practice.
Why does my Samsung phone keep re-enabling Briefing after I disable it?
This issue sometimes occurs due to software updates or specific Samsung account settings. Ensure that automatic updates are turned off for the Samsung Free application and review your account synchronization settings.
How can I be sure that Briefing is completely gone after I disable it?
To be completely sure, restart your device after disabling the app. Monitor your battery usage and app activity to see if Briefing is still consuming resources. Using a third-party launcher is a reliable way to confirm its removal from the main home screen experience.