Google News on Android has been rolling out a redesign that simplifies the bottom bar. The change is meant to reduce tab clutter and make it faster to reach the feed sections most people actually use.
If you’ve updated and feel like the navigation moved under your fingertips, this guide will help you map the new bottom bar, re-build your feed, and fix the most common post-update issues.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Note: UI labels can vary slightly by device, language, and rollout stage.
What changed in the Google News redesign on Android
The redesign focuses on simplifying the bottom navigation bar so it’s less crowded and more consistent. Instead of multiple competing entry points, the bottom bar now emphasizes the core actions: getting stories, managing what you follow, and searching.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
In practical terms, you’ll typically see fewer bottom-bar destinations and more of your personalization pushed into the feed and “Following” style areas.
Why the bottom bar matters (and what it improves)
Bottom navigation is the fastest route to repeat behaviors: checking top stories, returning to your curated topics, and finding something specific. Simplifying the bar reduces the time spent deciding where to go.
- Faster scanning: fewer tabs means fewer context switches.
- More consistency: the same navigation locations tend to hold the same job across updates.
- Better discovery loop: following topics and using search becomes the main system, not random browsing.
Prerequisites before you update or troubleshoot
Before you troubleshoot navigation, confirm you’re working with a recent app and that your account and permissions are stable.
- Android version: any modern Android build should work, but older versions may see delayed rollouts.
- Google News app: update via the Google Play Store so you get the redesign changes.
- Signed-in state: personalized feeds depend on being signed in to the correct Google account.
- Network: unstable connections can make feed tabs appear blank or slow.
How to use the simplified bottom bar (Android)
Once updated, treat the bottom bar as your three-part workflow: browse what’s happening, refine with Following, and jump to specific topics with Search.
Home/Top stories
This is your main feed: breaking news, trending topics, and recommended articles based on your signals.
Use it when you want broad coverage without thinking about specific topics.
Following (your personalized topics)
“Following” is where your selected topics, publishers, or categories appear. If the redesign feels different, it’s usually because you’re expected to spend more time here.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If your Following feed looks off, revisit which topics you’ve followed.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Search
Search is the fastest way to cut through the feed when you want a specific keyword, team, brand, or event.
Try searching with names, not broad terms (for example, search for “iPhone 15 Pro” instead of “Apple news”).
Library or Subscriptions
Depending on your rollout, the last tab may be a library-style area that includes saved items, reading history, or subscriptions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIf you don’t see exactly what you expect, use Search to find the feature by keyword (like “saved” or “subscriptions”) and then compare with the menu inside the tab.
Enable or refresh your feed after the redesign
After a UI update, feed content can lag by a few minutes—or it can look wrong if your personalization signals didn’t refresh.
Check for the latest Google News version
- Open Google Play Store.
- Search for Google News.
- Tap Update if it appears (or confirm it’s already updated).
If you don’t see an update button, your device may already be on the redesigned version or you’re waiting for staggered rollout.
Force refresh and sign-in consistency
- Open Google News.
- Pull down on the feed to refresh.
- Tap your profile/account area if available and verify the correct Google account is selected.
In some cases, switching accounts (even accidentally) is why Following looks empty or why personalization resets.
Reset feed personalization signals
If the redesign has you seeing irrelevant stories, you can steer the feed without uninstalling the app.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- Use Following to add or remove topics.
- When you dislike a topic, use the article controls to tune recommendations (for example, “Not interested” style options if shown).
Don’t expect instant changes; recency and engagement signals typically take time to normalize.
Common issues after the update and how to fix them
Most problems fall into navigation glitches, stale personalization, or account/network issues. Try fixes in the order below.
Bottom bar buttons missing or stuck
This can happen after a partially applied update or a UI rendering glitch.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Close Google News completely (remove it from the recent apps screen).
- Re-open the app and check all bottom bar icons.
- Restart the phone if the UI doesn’t recover.
- If it persists: go to Settings > Apps > Google News > Force stop, then re-open.
Tabs don’t match what others see
Rollouts aren’t always uniform. Some users get the simplified bar first, and others later.
- Confirm the app is updated in Google Play Store.
- Check language settings and device locale; UI label mapping can differ.
- Wait 24–72 hours; staggered distribution is normal for mobile UI changes.
Following feed looks empty
If Following is blank, it’s usually one of these: you haven’t followed anything, you’re signed into a different Google account, or your feed hasn’t refreshed.
- Go to the Following tab.
- Look for an option like Manage, Following, or Edit.
- Verify you’re following at least one topic or publisher.
- Verify your signed-in account under your profile icon.
Search returns unexpected results
Search behavior is affected by personalization and recent activity.
- Try a more specific query (include proper nouns like company or model names).
- Search in a new session by force-closing the app and re-opening it, then searching again.
- If results stay off, tune with Following topics and use “not interested” style controls where available.
App crashes or slow navigation
Crashes after redesigns are often cache-related.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Google News.
- Tap Storage.
- Select Clear cache (use Clear data only as a last resort because it can sign you out or reset preferences).
- Re-open Google News and sign back in if needed.
How the new bottom bar differs from older Google News layouts
Older layouts often offered more persistent tabs—useful, but sometimes distracting. The redesign trims that down.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Fewer persistent tabs
Instead of multiple similar browsing destinations, the redesigned bar concentrates navigation into fewer destinations. That’s why you may feel like “everything moved.”
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
More reliance on search and Following
When you can’t find something via browsing, Search becomes the main control. When you want relevance over time, Following becomes the main control.
Less hunting for settings
Some controls that used to be easier to find via a tab may now live inside the tab’s menu or profile area. This can reduce the bottom bar footprint at the cost of extra taps.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Workarounds and alternatives if you can’t adjust to the redesign
If the simplified bar slows you down temporarily, you can keep your routine while you adapt.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Use Search for specific topics and sources
Instead of bouncing between tabs, search for a keyword plus a source name. This mimics “direct jump” behavior from older layouts.
Use Follow to build your feed instead of browsing tabs
Following is now the closest thing to a “set it once” navigation strategy. Add a small set of topics you care about most, then rely on the Home/Top feed to fill gaps.
Open articles from Google Search or Chrome
If you’re reading via links elsewhere, you can still keep your news flow. Open the article from the link, then use in-app actions to save or tune recommendations when those options appear.
Privacy and account considerations
Personalization is part of how Google News keeps your feed relevant. The redesign doesn’t remove that foundation—it changes how you reach it.
Recommended Free Tools
What personalization uses
Personalized feeds can be shaped by your activity, content interactions, and topics you follow. This means the same app can look different for different people.
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
How to review activity controls
If you want tighter control, check Google activity and ad personalization settings in your Google account. Adjusting those settings may change the feed behavior over time.
FAQs
Is the simplified bottom bar available to everyone?
No. Google News redesign rollouts are typically staged. Some devices or accounts receive changes earlier than others, even with the same app version.
Can I switch back to the old bottom bar?
Usually, you can’t. These UI redesigns are server- and app-driven, and the old layout generally isn’t user-selectable.
Why did my Following tab change after the update?
Following content is tied to your account and your chosen topics. If you switched accounts, changed what you follow, or your feed hasn’t refreshed yet, the tab can look different.
Will reinstalling Google News fix it?
Sometimes, but it’s a heavier step than clearing cache. Before reinstalling, try force stop, refresh, and clear cache. Reinstalling can reset local preferences and may require sign-in again.
Does this redesign affect Google News on iPhone or iPad?
This guide is specifically for Android. Changes on iOS/iPadOS can differ in timing and UI structure.
Bottom Line
The Google News redesign on Android simplifies the bottom bar to help you get to the feed faster: browse top stories, manage what you follow, and use search when you need precision. It’s a navigation shift more than a feature change.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If something looks wrong after updating, refresh, confirm your Google account, and clear cache before you reinstall. Once your Following topics and signals refresh, the new bottom bar usually feels more predictable than the older layout.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
