Samsung continues to add Google apps alternatives to Galaxy smartphones. As a result, we have many Samsung apps such as Dialer, Samsung Internet, Contacts, Gallery, Samsung Notes, and other apps that directly rival the built-in Google apps. Another addition to the growing list is Samsung Free, which aims to replace the default Google Discover experience on Galaxy devices. Not a fan of Samsung’s latest add-on? You can easily disable Samsung Free on Samsung Galaxy phones.
We’ve seen Android manufacturers tweak the Google Feed UI to fit their custom Android skin and push their services. Samsung is no exception here. With One UI, the company adds Samsung Free to the left home screen of millions of Android phones by default.
Before we disable it, let’s learn a little about what Samsung Free is, what features it offers and what are its alternatives.
What is Samsung Free?
Samsung Free is Samsung’s answer to the growing popularity of Google Discover. The company used to use Flipboard in the TouchWiz days, but is now returning to its in-house solution with Samsung Free.
Samsung Free carries Live TV channels, News integration and Samsung Play to install Games directly from the home screen. Swipe right from the home screen and you can access all three from a single menu.
Why You Should Disable Samsung Free?
There are various reasons why Samsung Free bothers you and you disable the function on the phone.
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The Live TV function is only effective in certain countries around the world. Depending on your current location, you may not find it useful.
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Samsung Free’s News section does not hold a candle to Google Discover’s cutting-edge and highly effective news algorithms.
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Samsung Play is nothing more than attracting consumers to download common apps and games on the phone.
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The current Samsung Free performance leaves a lot to be desired. Loading time is more than we prefer.
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Samsung doesn’t seem to be using any AI to showcase its news articles. You may be left alone with irrelevant news recommendations.
Samsung Free seems to be useful mostly when there is support for a lot of live TV channels in your area and you are using a Samsung TV to stream content. Starting broadcasting from Samsung phone to Samsung Television is flawless.
Disable Samsung Free on Samsung Phones
Now that you have enough reasons to turn off Samsung Free, here are the steps to disable it.
Stage 1: Unlock your Samsung phone and go to the Samsung One UI home screen.
Step 2: Long press on home screen and swipe right.
Stage 3: You have the option to disable Samsung Free.
Turn it off and enjoy your One UI experience without Samsung Free.
Replace Samsung Free with Google Discover
With the One UI 3.1 update, Samsung is giving users the option to switch from Samsung Free to Google Discover.
Stage 1: Unlock your Samsung phone and go to the Samsung One UI home screen.
Step 2: Long press on home screen and swipe right.
Stage 3: Select Google Discover and return to the home screen.
This much. After that, you will see the Google Discover menu instead of Samsung Free on your Samsung Galaxy phone. But there is a catch.
The option to switch from Samsung Free to Google Discover is only available on Galaxy phones released with One UI 3.1 or higher. So if your current Galaxy phone has been updated from an older One UI version to One UI 3.1, you won’t have the same option as shown in the screenshots above.
For phones running an older One UI software, we have another solution for you.
Use Third-Party Android Launchers
The Google Play Store is full of third-party Android launchers that offer Google Discover integration.
Some of the popular names are Nova launcher and Action launcher. Using these you can get rid of Samsung Free and replace it with the Google Discover menu.
We used Nova launcher here as it is more popular than its competitor.
First you need to download and install Nova Launcher from Play Store.
Now go to APKMirror and download the Nova Google Now Companion app. Required to enable the Google Discover menu inside the Nova launcher. Go to Nova launcher Settings menu and enable Google Discover toggle from Google Discover menu.
You are ready to enjoy Google Discover with all Nova products on your Galaxy phone.
Uninstall Samsung Free from Samsung Phones
There is no direct way to completely delete or remove Samsung Free from Galaxy phones. You can just disable it or replace the existing setup with Google Discover. Whether you prefer Samsung Free or not, it will be a relief to be able to disable it.
Next: Unlike the stock Android UI, One UI 3 on Samsung phones is a joy to use. Read the post below to learn the top fifteen One UI 3 tips and tricks.