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On most recent Android phones, the quickest way to stop Google Assistant—or Gemini—from opening is to remove it as the phone’s default digital assistant. The change takes a few taps and does not uninstall Google or Gemini.
Turn off Google Assistant on Android
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap Default apps.
- Tap Digital assistant app.
- Tap Default digital assistant app.
- Select None.
Google Assistant or Gemini should no longer open when you use the phone’s assistant gesture or shortcut. This setting disables the default assistant; it does not delete the apps or your Google account.
Can’t find “Digital assistant app”?
Android manufacturers use slightly different names and menu layouts. In Settings, use the search box and look for digital assistant app. You may instead see Device assistant app or Assist app.
Stop “Hey Google” from opening Gemini
Removing the default assistant may not disable hands-free activation in the Gemini app. If saying “Hey Google” still starts Gemini:
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- Open the Gemini app.
- Tap Menu.
- Tap your profile picture or initial.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Talk to Gemini hands-free.
- Turn off Hey Google.
This stops voice activation. It may not remove a separate power-button, home-button, or corner-swipe shortcut.
If the power button still opens an assistant
Some Android phones assign the assistant to a long press of the power button or side key. Look for this setting under:
Settings → System → Gestures → Press and hold power button
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Choose the power-menu option instead of the assistant. Menu names vary, so search Settings for power, side button, or gesture. On Samsung phones, check Settings → Advanced features → Side button.
Why older instructions may not work
Some older guides use Google app → profile picture → Settings → Google Assistant → General. That Google Assistant screen may no longer exist on phones that have moved to Gemini. Google’s current Android route is the Default apps → Digital assistant app setting, while Gemini’s hands-free control is under Talk to Gemini hands-free.
Google is also discontinuing classic Google Assistant on Android mobile devices beginning September 4, 2026, with Gemini becoming the Android assistant experience. The change is expected to roll out over several weeks.
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What the Android setting does not change
| Setting | Result |
|---|---|
| Default digital assistant: None | Stops the phone’s default assistant shortcut. It does not uninstall Google, Gemini, or Assistant. |
| Hey Google: Off | Stops voice activation in Gemini, but touch and button shortcuts may remain. |
| Phone setting | Does not automatically disable Assistant on Google Home speakers, Smart Displays, or connected headphones. |
Disable Assistant on connected headphones
Headphones have a separate Google Assistant control. In the Google Home app, open Devices, select your headphones, then choose Turn off Google Assistant.
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If you only want the phone to stop recognizing your voice, turn off Voice Match instead. This prevents “Hey Google” from responding to your voice, but it can also affect Voice Match-dependent features and personal results. For a complete shutdown of the phone’s assistant shortcut, selecting None under the default digital assistant setting is the more direct option.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Does choosing “None” uninstall Google Assistant or Gemini?
No. It only removes the assistant as the phone’s default digital-assistant shortcut. Google, Gemini, and Assistant remain installed unless you remove or disable them separately.
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- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Why does Gemini still respond after I select None?
Gemini may still have hands-free activation enabled. Open Gemini, go to Menu → profile picture or initial → Settings → Talk to Gemini hands-free, then turn off Hey Google.
How do I stop the power button from opening an assistant?
Check Settings → System → Gestures → Press and hold power button and select the power-menu option. On Samsung phones, look under Settings → Advanced features → Side button.
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Does turning off Assistant on my phone disable it on Google Home?
No. Google Home speakers, Smart Displays, and connected headphones use separate controls. For headphones, use Google Home → Devices → select the headphones → Turn off Google Assistant.
The Bottom Line
For the fastest Android fix, open Settings → Apps → Default apps → Digital assistant app → Default digital assistant app and choose None. If Gemini still reacts to “Hey Google,” turn off Hey Google under Gemini’s Talk to Gemini hands-free settings.
