How to Turn Off Google Assistant or Gemini on Android

To turn off Google Assistant on Android, open the Google app, tap your profile picture, go to Settings > Google Assistant > General and switch Google Assistant off. If your phone has already moved to Gemini, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant app and set it to None instead.

Google said in August 2026 that it would start replacing Google Assistant with Gemini on Android phones and Wear OS from September 4, 2026 (reported), so the exact menu names on your phone depend on which assistant it currently uses. This guide covers both.

Turn Off Google Assistant on Android

1. Open the Google app.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
3. Tap Google Assistant.
4. Scroll down and tap General.
5. Turn off the Google Assistant toggle and confirm.

On some phones, the same option is under Settings > Google > Settings for Google apps > Search, Assistant & Voice.

Turn Off Gemini as Your Phone Assistant

If your phone opens Gemini when you hold the power button or say “Hey Google”, remove it as the default assistant:

1. Open Settings on your Android phone.
2. Go to Apps > Default apps (on Samsung: Apps > Choose default apps).
3. Tap Digital assistant app, then Default digital assistant app.
4. Select None.

The Gemini app stays installed, but it will no longer launch from assistant shortcuts.

Disable “Hey Google” Only

If you still want the assistant but do not want the phone listening for the hotword, open the Google or Gemini app settings, go to Hey Google & Voice Match and switch Hey Google off.

Stop the Power Button and Swipe Shortcuts

• Pixel: Settings > System > Gestures > Press and hold power button, then choose Power menu.
• Samsung Galaxy: Settings > Advanced features > Side button, then set Press and hold to Power off menu.
• Corner swipe: setting the digital assistant app to None also stops the corner swipe from opening it.

Turn Off Saved Voice and Gemini Activity

Turning off the assistant does not delete past activity. Visit your Google Account at myactivity.google.com, open Web & App Activity or Gemini Apps Activity, and turn saving off or delete old entries. For Gemini chats, see our guide to turning off chat history in Google Gemini.

Turn Off Google Assistant on Other Devices

• Wear OS watch: open Settings on the watch, go to Google or Assistant, and turn off the hotword and the button shortcut.
• Google TV: Settings > System > Google Assistant, or turn off microphone access for the assistant.
• Nest speakers: use the physical mic switch, or change settings in the Google Home app.

If Gemini shows errors after you switch back on, try our fix for the “Something went wrong” error in Gemini.

Final Takeaway

Turn off Google Assistant from the Google app’s General settings, or set the digital assistant app to None if your phone now uses Gemini. Then disable “Hey Google”, the power button shortcut, and saved activity for full control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does turning off Google Assistant delete my data?

No. Past recordings and activity stay in your Google Account until you delete them from My Activity.

Is Google Assistant being replaced by Gemini?

Google has said it is moving Android phones and Wear OS watches from Assistant to Gemini, starting in September 2026 (reported). Timing can vary by device and region.

Can I uninstall Gemini?

On many phones, you can uninstall or disable the Gemini app from Settings > Apps. On some devices it is a system app and can only be disabled.

Will “OK Google” still work after I turn it off?

No. Once Hey Google or the assistant is off, voice hotwords will not wake the phone.