Are you tired of seeing Glance on your smartphone’s lock screen all the time? Whether it’s unexpected lock screen ads, lock screen stories, or annoying updates showing up every time you unlock your phone, Glance can sometimes be more irritating than helpful. If you’ve ever wondered how to take back control of your device, this guide will teach you how to turn off Glance on any smartphone using easy steps that anyone can follow. From Samsung and iPhone to OnePlus, Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, Vivo, Motorola, Google Pixel, and Huawei, this tutorial has got you covered.
With this article, you’ll also learn why Glance keeps turning on, the technical and privacy implications, and how to go beyond disabling it to customize your lock screen for a smoother, more private, and optimized mobile experience.
How to Disable Glance on Any Smartphone
Disabling Glance doesn’t have to be complicated. The process might slightly vary depending on the smartphone brand or Android version, but the principles remain the same. Most smartphones include Glance as part of wallpaper services or lock screen customization features, often turned on by default to show news, ads, or personalized content.
When you choose to disable Glance, you are not just turning off a display feature; you’re improving battery life, saving mobile data, and enhancing privacy control. Many users also report less RAM usage and smoother performance after turning off Glance, particularly on devices like Samsung, OnePlus, or Google Pixel. By the end of this section, you’ll know exactly how to remove Glance and regain a cleaner, distraction-free lock screen.
How I Disabled Glance on My Device (Step-by-Step Guide)
Here’s a detailed walkthrough showing exactly how I turned off Glance on my device. These steps are designed to work across most popular smartphones, whether you’re on iPhone, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Motorola, Realme, or Huawei.
Step 1: Open Settings
The first step is to locate the Settings app on your smartphone. It’s usually represented by a gear icon. For faster access, you can swipe down the notification panel and tap the settings icon or search “Settings” in your app drawer. Accessing system-level settings ensures you can control every lock screen option without relying on third-party apps.
Step 2: Go to Lock Screen Settings
Once in Settings, navigate to Lock Screen or Lock Screen Settings. Depending on your brand, it might also appear as Display or Security & Lock Screen. This menu gives you access to wallpaper services, notifications, and other lock screen customization options.
Step 3: Access Wallpaper Services or Lock Screen Options
Within Lock Screen Settings, find Wallpaper Services or Lock Screen Options. This is usually where features like Lock Screen Magazine, Peek Display, At a Glance, and Lock Screen Stories are controlled. Some smartphones also include AI-driven recommendations in this section, which can automatically reactivate Glance if not disabled properly.
Step 4: Disable Glance by Selecting ‘None’
Select the option labeled ‘None’ or turn off the toggle for Glance. This step ensures your device stops showing unwanted content, ads, or info feeds. After this, your lock screen should look cleaner, show only your chosen wallpaper, and stop displaying distracting lock screen ads or unwanted content.
Step 5: Restart if Necessary
Some devices require a quick device restart for the changes to take effect. This helps the system reset any background services that might re-enable Glance automatically. Once restarted, your lock screen should stay free from Glance, lock screen stories, and info feeds.
Why Does Glance Keep Turning On? (Common Issues & Fixes)
Even after disabling it, Glance may occasionally turn back on due to several reasons. Understanding these helps you fix it for good.
1. Software Updates Re-Enabling Glance
When your phone receives a system update, default settings often reset. This can reactivate Glance without warning. Regularly checking your Lock Screen Settings after updates can prevent this annoyance.
2. Default Settings on New Phones
Manufacturers enable Glance by default on many new phones to showcase features like Lock Screen Magazine or Peek Display. Ignoring initial setup screens may leave it active. It’s best to review settings during setup.
3. Third-Party Apps Enabling Glance
Some apps request permission to display content on the lock screen. These permissions can unintentionally re-enable Glance. Reviewing app permissions and disabling unnecessary access helps maintain control.
4. Accidental Activation via User Permissions
Gestures, shortcuts, or accidental taps can turn Glance back on. Understanding your device’s lock screen customization gestures prevents unwanted activation.
5. Manufacturer & Carrier Settings
Certain carriers and smartphone brands pre-enable Glance as part of firmware. If it keeps returning, manually adjusting system-level settings or contacting customer support may be necessary.
Understanding Glance – Multi-Perspective Approach
It’s important to understand Glance not just as a feature, but from different perspectives to see its benefits and drawbacks.
1. Consumer-Centric Perspective
From a user standpoint, Glance can be helpful by showing quick updates and information at a glance. However, many smartphone users find lock screen ads, unwanted content, and info feeds intrusive and distracting. Learning how to turn off Glance on any smartphone not only removes these interruptions but also improves overall usability, especially for those who prefer a minimalist lock screen. By disabling Glance, you can take full control of your lock screen customization, protect your privacy, and enjoy a cleaner, more organized mobile experience.
2. Technical & System-Level Perspective
Glance interacts with system-level settings and background services. It can increase RAM usage, slow down your phone, and drain the battery. Understanding this perspective helps in optimizing device performance.
3. Privacy & Security Perspective
Lock screen content may reveal sensitive information. Turning off Glance ensures better privacy control, prevents mobile data misuse, and stops apps from accessing personalization or AI-driven recommendations on your lock screen.
4. Performance & Optimization Perspective
Disabling Glance enhances battery life, reduces Android lag, and improves overall device responsiveness. For phones with limited RAM, such as older Realme, Vivo, or Motorola models, this step is highly beneficial.
Beyond Disabling Glance: Additional Customization Tips
Once you’ve turned off Glance, there are other ways to make your lock screen safer, faster, and more personalized.
1. Disable Swipe Left for Info Feeds
Many smartphones have a swipe left feature that shows news or ads. Turning this off reduces distractions and unnecessary mobile data consumption.
2. Customize Lock Screen Notifications
Limit lock screen notifications to essentials like messages, calls, or app alerts you care about. This enhances privacy and declutters the lock screen.
3. Add Emergency Contact Information
Even with Glance disabled, you can add emergency contact information to the lock screen. This ensures safety while keeping your device clean and optimized.
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Conclusion
Turning off Glance is more than just a convenience; it’s about learning how to turn off Glance on any smartphone, taking control of your device, protecting your privacy, and improving overall performance and optimization. By following a clear step-by-step guide, adjusting settings, and understanding why Glance might keep reactivating, you can enjoy a lock screen free of ads, info feeds, and unwanted content. Beyond disabling Glance, customizing lock screen notifications, adding emergency contact information, and managing app permissions ensures your phone works exactly the way you want. Whether you use a Samsung, iPhone, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, Vivo, Motorola, Google Pixel, or Huawei, mastering this process lets you enjoy a cleaner, smarter, and safer mobile experience.
