How to turn off Google Assistant on Android

For hands-free lovers, Google Assistant™ is the ultimate, well, assistant. You can get directions to Target or convert a liter to gallons without lifting a (literal) finger. Sometimes, though, you don't want the app eavesdropping on all your conversations, waiting for the trigger word. 

At Asurion, we know your phone is your lifeline, and we'll help you set it up to match your needs. Whether you're curious about Google Assistant commands—"Remind me to feed the dog in the morning"—or looking to switch it off, we've got you covered. Here's how to turn off Google Assistant in seconds. 

Turn off “Hey Google” voice activation

There's nothing more annoying than seeing that familiar microphone pop up in the middle of a conversation. And that loud chirp is enough to grate on anyone's nerves. It's distracting and could drain your battery life.

Here's how to stop voice activation on Android: 

1. Open Settings and tap Apps. 
2. Tap Assistant > Voice Match. 
3. Turn off Hey Google.

This will stop Google Assistant from launching when you say the trigger words.

Disable Google Assistant on the Home button or swipe

When you turn off Google voice commands, it doesn't remove the assistant completely. It could still appear when you press the home button or swipe up. 

Certain apps may also trigger this feature. When you open Google Maps, for instance, the assistant may recommend sightseeing spots along your route — even if you're only trying to get to the grocery store. 

Follow these steps to disable Google Assistant on Android: 

1. Open Settings > Apps. 
2. Tap Digital Assistants from Google. 
3. Decide if you want to change the default assistant app to Gemini or tap None. On some phones, you may need to tap You can turn off your digital assistant from Google at any time > Turn off. 

This process will deactivate Google Assistant, so you don't have to worry about it interrupting when you're using other apps. 

If you followed these steps but still can't figure out how to turn Google Assistant off, reach out to Asurion for Google Assistant troubleshooting and other tech support. 

Stop Google Assistant from launching in the background

Google Assistant is a jack-of-all-trades sort of app, which means it can sometimes activate when you're least expecting it. For example, when you ask Spotify to play the latest Noah Kahan album, it uses Google Assistant to understand what you're saying and find the right music. Sneaky. 

Here's how to completely remove Google Assistant: 

1. Open the Google App and tap on your profile picture. 
2. Tap Settings > Google Assistant > General. 
3. Switch off Google Assistant. 
4. Confirm by tapping Turn off. 

You can also turn off Google Assistant in the background, so it doesn't run behind the scenes: 

1. Open Settings > Apps > Default apps. 
2. Tap Digital assistant app. 
3. Tap Default digital assistant app > None. 

Maybe you need that Spotify voice control to get you through rush hour, so you can't afford to disable Hey Google completely. Tweak the Google Assistant privacy settings instead to limit what the app can access. This might involve toggling off Use text from screen and Use screenshot, so your robot friend can't read your screen. 

You can also customize the Google Assistant settings under Apps > Assistant. Turn off Google Assistant when your phone is locked under Lock Screen. Or dial back the "Hey Google" sensitivity, so it stops activating when you're not even in the same room.

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FAQ

How do I change the default assistant app on Android?

Google Assistant might be the default, but you're not married to it. Try out different Android Assistant options:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Default Apps. 
2. Tap Digital Assistant App and pick the new tool. 

Will disabling Google Assistant affect my phone’s features?

Kind of. When you turn off Google Assistant on Android, your phone's core features still work. You can tap out text messages and binge-watch YouTube videos as usual.

However, Android Assistant removal means that anything that relies on voice control won't work anymore. If you want to set a timer while your pasta boils, you'll need to track down your phone on the counter and set it manually. And get used to adding appointments to your calendar yourself instead of saying, "Hey Google, schedule me for a physical on Monday at 2 p.m." 

Can I turn Google Assistant back on?

Absolutely! You can easily turn Google Assistant back on by going back to the settings menu and reversing your earlier steps. When you return to the Default digital assistant app page, toggle it back on.