Google Assistant is a mile above the competition on handheld devices due to its sheer responsiveness and overall usability. However, some users don’t find it particularly useful and want it gone. Today, we made sure to explain how to turn off Google Assistant, both completely or just the voice trigger option. Everything is explained below.
How do I disable Hey Google on Google Assistant?
Let’s start with voice commands. Many users find the shortcut access good enough and are not happy about the mic that is always on. Besides privacy issues, sudden triggers can also be an unnecessary drag.
Usually, while configuring the Assistant for the first time, you’ll be asked if you want to use the Hey Google voice trigger or not. So you can disable it right away.
Nonetheless, follow these steps to disable the Hey Google on your device:
- Trigger the Assistant on your device and tap on the Snapshot icon in the bottom left corner.
- Tap on your Account icon.
- Tap Voice match.
- Disable Hey Google.
And that’s it. After that, you won’t be able to trigger the Assistant with a voice command while the device is unlocked. Simple as that.
How to turn off Google Assistant completely
Now, if you don’t want the Assistant at all, you can disable it quite simply. If you are not using it or prefer some alternative assistant, you probably should disable it. Some people don’t find it to be helpful at all, while others use it regularly. A personal preference. It doesn’t help when Google Assistant keeps popping up on its own and this is a good reason to disable it completely.
Have in mind that you’ll still be able to search by voice, unless you want to disable that, as well. Once you disable it, the Assistant won’t be available with a Home Screen shortcut (slide from a corner for gestures or holding the Home button for buttons).
Here’s how to turn off the Assistant completely on your Android device:
- Navigate again to Assistant > Account as explained above.
- In the Assistant Settings list, look for General.
- Once there, disable Google Assistant with the toggle.
And that’s it. After that, the Assistant won’t appear again. If, for some reason, you want to re-enable it, here’s what you need to do:
- Open Settings.
- Select Google.
- Choose Account services.
- Tap Search, Assistant & Voice.
- Tap Google Assistant.
- Again, open General.
- Enable Google Assistant.
That should cover it. Tell us about your experience with Google Assistant. Do you find it useful or it’s just a nuisance? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in January 2021. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.
