How Can I Stop Motorola Hello UI From Showing Annoying App Picks?

Why Is My Motorola Phone Suddenly Displaying Unwanted App Recommendations?

I understand how frustrating it feels when your phone starts showing ads where they shouldn’t be. Many Motorola users have experienced this same annoyance recently. Their Hello UI app drawer began displaying “App picks” without warning. These recommendations feel like unwanted advertisements on a device you paid good money for.

What Are These App Picks Really?

These “App picks” are essentially advertisements disguised as helpful suggestions. They appear in your app drawer without your permission. Many users feel betrayed because Motorola phones were known for their clean, near-stock Android experience. Now these intrusive recommendations clutter the interface you once loved.

One frustrated user spent £599 on their Motorola device only to find ads appearing in their app drawer. Another user with an Edge 60 Pro noticed these recommendations showing up in both the suggestions bar and game folder. The timing feels sneaky since no obvious software update preceded these changes.

Why This Change Hurts Users

The disappointment runs deeper than just seeing unwanted content. Here’s why users feel so frustrated:

• Broken trust: You bought a premium device expecting a clean experience
• No warning: These changes appeared without clear notification
• Feels like bait-and-switch: The phone you purchased isn’t the same one you’re using now
• Cluttered interface: Your once-clean app drawer now feels messy and commercial

Simple Steps to Remove App Picks

I’ll walk you through the exact process to disable these annoying recommendations. The good news is you don’t need technical expertise to fix this problem.

Step 1: Through Home Settings

1. Start by finding an empty space on your home screen. Press and hold your finger there until a menu appears. Look for “Home settings” and tap it.
2. Inside home settings, search for “Suggestions.” If you find this option, tap it immediately. You’ll see two important toggles:
   • “Suggestions in all apps list”
   • “Suggestions on home screen”
3. Turn both of these off completely.

Step 2: Through App Drawer Settings

1. If you don’t see “Suggestions” in your home settings, try this approach instead. Go back to “Home settings” and look for “Home screen style.” Tap on that option.
2. Find “App tray” or “App drawer” settings. You’ll see a gear icon or “Settings” option next to it. Tap that gear icon.
3. Inside these app drawer settings, look for these specific toggles:
   • “App picks”
   • “App recommendations”
   • “View app recommendations”
   • Any “newsfeed” options powered by Taboola
4. Turn off every single toggle related to app suggestions or recommendations.

Step 3: Complete Restart

After making these changes, restart your phone completely. This ensures all your settings take effect properly. Some users found this final step necessary for the changes to stick.

What If These Steps Don’t Work?

Some users have chosen more extreme measures when simple toggles don’t work. You can disable the entire Moto AI app, though this affects other features too. This nuclear option removes app picks but also eliminates some helpful Motorola features you might actually want.

Why Motorola Made This Change

Companies often add advertising features to generate additional revenue from devices already sold. These partnerships with advertising networks like Taboola create ongoing income streams. Unfortunately, this comes at the expense of user experience and trust.

Protecting Your Future Experience

Keep your settings checked regularly. Software updates might re-enable these features without warning. Stay vigilant about new toggles appearing in your settings menus.

Consider providing feedback to Motorola about this change. User complaints have influenced companies to reverse unpopular decisions before. Your voice matters in shaping future software updates.

This situation reflects a broader trend in the smartphone industry. Manufacturers increasingly view devices as platforms for ongoing revenue generation rather than one-time purchases. Understanding this helps you make informed decisions about future phone purchases.

The steps I’ve outlined should eliminate those annoying app picks from your Motorola device. Most users find success with the first method through home settings. If that doesn’t work, try the app drawer settings approach. Remember to restart your phone after making changes to ensure everything takes effect properly.

Your frustration with this change is completely valid. You deserve the clean, advertisement-free experience you originally purchased.