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If you own an Android device, you may have noticed a circle thing that appears on your screen from time to time. This circle, often referred to as a floating bubble or chat head, can be quite distracting and annoying, especially when you’re trying to focus on something important. Many users have expressed their frustration with this feature and are looking for ways to remove it from their Android devices. In this blog post, we will explore different methods that you can try to get rid of the circle thing on your Android device.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Remove The Circle Thing on Android
There are several reasons why you might want to remove the circle thing on your Android device. Firstly, as mentioned earlier, it can be highly distracting and disrupt your workflow. Whether you’re working on an important task, watching a video, or playing a game, having a floating bubble constantly popping up can be annoying and hinder your concentration.
Secondly, the circle thing may take up valuable screen space, making it difficult to access other apps or interact with content on your device. This can be particularly frustrating when you’re trying to read or view something that requires your full attention.
Moreover, some users find the circle thing to be unnecessary and intrusive. If you don’t use the feature or find it useful, it’s understandable that you would want to disable or remove it to have a clutter-free experience on your Android device.
Method 1: Disabling the Circle Thing via App Settings
1. Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Apps" or "Applications" (the name may vary depending on your device).
3. Look for the app associated with the circle thing. It is often the messaging or chat app you use.
4. Tap on the app to open its settings.
5. Locate the "App info" or "App settings" option and tap on it.
6. Look for the "Bubbles" or "Chat heads" option within the app settings.
7. Toggle off the switch or disable the option to turn off the circle thing feature.
Pros:
– Disabling the circle thing via app settings is a simple and straightforward method.
– This method allows you to keep the messaging or chat app installed on your device while removing the circle thing feature.
Cons:
– This method may not work for all Android devices, as the availability of app settings can vary.
– Disabling the circle thing via app settings may remove other useful features provided by the app.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party Launcher
1. Install a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store, such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher.
2. Open the newly installed launcher.
3. Navigate to the launcher’s settings by long-pressing on the home screen and selecting "Settings" or by accessing the launcher’s app icon in the app drawer.
4. Look for the "Gestures & Inputs" or "Home screen" options within the launcher settings.
5. Find the option to disable or hide system overlays or bubbles.
6. Toggle off the switch or disable the option to remove the circle thing from your Android device.
Pros:
– Using a third-party launcher gives you more customization options for your home screen and overall device experience.
– This method allows you to remove the circle thing without uninstalling or disabling any specific apps.
Cons:
– Installing a third-party launcher may require additional storage space on your device.
– There might be a learning curve involved in getting used to the new launcher’s interface and features.
Method 3: Disabling the Circle Thing via System Settings
1. Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Notifications" or "Sound & notification" (the name may vary depending on your device).
3. Look for the app associated with the circle thing. It is often the messaging or chat app you use.
4. Tap on the app to open its notification settings.
5. Disable or block the app’s notifications.
6. Restart your Android device to apply the changes.
Pros:
– Disabling the circle thing via system settings doesn’t require installing any third-party apps or launchers.
– This method applies to all apps that have notifications, not just messaging or chat apps.
Cons:
– Disabling notifications for an app may result in missing out on important updates or messages.
– This method may require you to navigate through multiple settings menus to access the desired options.
Method 4: Utilizing ADB Commands
Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands to remove the circle thing on your Android device requires a computer and some technical knowledge. ADB is a versatile command-line tool that allows you to interact with your Android device from a computer. Here’s how you can utilize ADB commands:
1. Install ADB on your computer by following the official instructions provided by Google.
2. Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Open a terminal or command prompt window on your computer and navigate to the folder where ADB is installed.
4. Enter the following command to ensure your device is properly recognized: `adb devices`
5. If your device is listed, proceed to the next step. If not, troubleshoot connectivity issues or recheck ADB installation.
6. Enter the following command to grant ADB shell privileges: `adb shell pm grant PACKAGE_NAME android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW`
(Note: Replace PACKAGE_NAME with the package name of the app associated with the circle thing.)
7. Restart your Android device to apply the changes.
Pros:
– Using ADB commands provides advanced control over your Android device.
– This method doesn’t require any third-party apps or launchers.
Cons:
– Utilizing ADB commands may be intimidating for users who don’t have technical knowledge.
– Any mistake in executing the ADB commands can potentially cause issues with your Android device.
What to Do If You Can’t Remove The Circle Thing on Android
If you’re unable to remove the circle thing using the methods mentioned earlier, here are a few alternative fixes you can try:
– Update the app associated with the circle thing to its latest version: Developers often release updates to address bugs and introduce new features. By updating the app, you may find an option to disable or remove the circle thing.
– Clear app cache and data: Sometimes, clearing the cache and data of the app can resolve any software-related issues and reset the app settings to default.
– Contact app support: If the app associated with the circle thing has an active support team, reach out to them for assistance. They may be able to provide specific instructions or suggestions to remove the circle thing on your Android device.
Bonus Tips
– Consider using a different messaging or chat app: If the circle thing appears only when using a specific app, try switching to an alternative app that doesn’t have this feature.
– Customize your Android device’s notification settings: Explore the various notification options in the system settings to find ways to disable or modify the behavior of the circle thing.
– Explore Android developer options: Enabling developer options on your Android device can give you access to additional settings and options to customize the behavior of system features.
5 FAQs
Q1: Will removing the circle thing affect other aspects of my Android device?
A: Removing the circle thing should not have any adverse effects on other aspects of your Android device. It primarily affects the user interface and how notifications are displayed.
Q2: Can I remove the circle thing without disabling app notifications?
A: Yes, some methods mentioned earlier allow you to disable the circle thing without completely disabling app notifications. This way, you can still receive notifications from apps without the distracting circle thing.
Q3: Is it possible to remove the circle thing on all Android devices?
A: The availability of methods to remove the circle thing can vary depending on the Android device and the version of the operating system it is running. Some methods may not work on older or heavily customized devices.
Q4: Are there any risks involved in using ADB commands?
A: Using ADB commands carries a certain level of risk as it involves interacting with system-level settings on your Android device. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and double-check the commands before executing them.
Q5: Can I reinstall the app associated with the circle thing to remove it?
A: Uninstalling and reinstalling the app associated with the circle thing may not always remove the feature. Some apps may retain settings or have the circle thing as a default feature that cannot be disabled.
Final Thoughts
Removing the circle thing on Android can be a liberating experience, allowing you to regain control over your device’s user interface and focus on the tasks at hand. Whether you choose to disable it through app settings, utilize a third-party launcher, or employ ADB commands, there are various methods to suit your preferences and technical abilities. If you encounter difficulties, consider trying alternative fixes or contacting the app’s support team. Remember to always exercise caution when making changes to your device’s settings and backup any important data before proceeding.