As helpful as it might intend to, Google Assistant is not for everyone. Whether you liked it or not, the virtual assistant is there on your Android phone, ready to answer your command anytime you want to. But, as previously mentioned, Google Assistant is not a universal tool, therefore, anyone who doesn’t need it can switch it off.
The turn-off button is not apparent considering it’s Google’s best interest to push its users to utilize the tool and gives their data in exchange.
Fortunately, disabling Google Assistant is possible and in general, it won’t take away the overall experience of an Android phone (assuming you are not using any of the assistant features). So here’s how to turn off Google Assistant on virtually any type of Android phone.
1. Launch Google Assistant, either by opening its dedicated app or press and hold the home button. Then, tap the box icon on the bottom left.
2. Next, tap your profile picture.
3. Scroll down and open the General menu.
4. Tap on the Google Assistant switch lever.
5. Hit Turn Off.
6. Now, Google Assistant has been disabled.
As Google Assistant has been decommissioned, features, schedules, and tasks you previously added to the tool may no longer work. It also won’t respond to ‘Ok, Google’ if the voice match was enabled before. But if you need it back, just relaunch Google Assistant and you can turn it on again right away.
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How to Disable Google Assistant on Your Android Device
Google Assistant is a powerful tool, but not everyone finds it necessary or desirable. Whether you’re looking to streamline your phone’s interface or prioritize privacy, disabling Google Assistant is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
Step-by-Step Guide to Turn Off Google Assistant
- Open the Google App: Locate and open the Google app on your Android device.
- Access Your Profile: Tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the app.
- Navigate to Settings: From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”
- Find Google Assistant Settings: Scroll down and tap on “Google Assistant.”
- Go to General Settings: Select “General” from the list of options.
- Disable Google Assistant: Toggle off the switch for “Google Assistant.” Confirm your choice when prompted.
Once disabled, Google Assistant will no longer respond to voice commands or pop up unexpectedly.
What Happens When You Disable Google Assistant?
Disabling Google Assistant means:
- Voice commands like “Hey Google” will no longer work.
- Features such as tasks, schedules, or reminders set through the assistant will become inactive.
- The assistant won’t interrupt your experience with notifications or pop-ups.
If you ever change your mind, you can easily re-enable it by following the same steps and toggling the switch back on.
FAQ
Can I completely uninstall Google Assistant?
No, Google Assistant is a built-in feature on most Android devices and cannot be uninstalled. However, you can disable it as outlined above.
How do I stop ‘Hey Google’ without disabling the entire assistant?
You can disable the wake word by:
- Opening the Google app.
- Tapping on your profile picture > Settings > Google Assistant.
- Navigating to “Hey Google & Voice Match” and toggling off “Hey Google.”
Will disabling Google Assistant affect other apps?
No, disabling Google Assistant won’t impact other apps or services on your device unless they specifically rely on it for functionality.
Can I delete my interaction history with Google Assistant?
Yes, visit myactivity.google.com to manage and delete your assistant interaction history.
For more Android tips and tricks, check out this guide.
