To stop Gemini from opening when you use your phone’s assistant shortcut, change Android’s default digital assistant in Settings. To keep Gemini installed but stop a specific trigger, turn off that trigger separately. Deleting the Gemini app alone does not change the default assistant.
Choose what you want to change
| Action | What changes | Does Gemini stay installed? |
|---|---|---|
| Change the default assistant | Changes which assistant opens for assistant actions; on many devices you can choose another app or None. Google’s instructions note that steps vary by device. | Yes, unless you separately remove it. |
| Turn off an activation control | Stops a particular voice, lock-screen, button, or gesture trigger. | Yes; you can still open the app directly. |
| Delete the Gemini app | Removes the mobile app where Android allows deletion. | No, but this alone does not change the device’s default assistant. |
Change Android’s default digital assistant
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant app > Default digital assistant app.
- Select a different assistant, or choose None if that option is available.
Android menu labels and available choices differ by device. If you cannot find the setting, search Settings for digital assistant app. Google cautions that the steps vary by device: Manage or delete the Gemini app on your Android device.
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Switch from Gemini to Google Assistant
On devices and accounts where the switch-back option is available, Google documents this route:
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- Open the Gemini app.
- Tap Menu > profile picture or initial > Switch to Google Assistant.
- Choose Google Assistant, then confirm by tapping Switch.
Do not assume this option will appear on every phone. In a March 14, 2025 announcement, Google said it planned to transition mobile users to Gemini and that classic Assistant would no longer be accessible on most mobile devices later in 2025. Google’s current help page still documents the switch-back procedure, so availability depends on the device and its current software or account state. Google also said that functionality would not change at that time for devices that do not meet Gemini’s minimum system requirements. See Google’s announcement about the mobile Assistant transition and its current Gemini help instructions.
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Turn off a specific Gemini trigger
These controls are separate from the default-assistant choice. Turning one off does not necessarily change which app is selected as the default.
- Voice activation: Turn off Hey Google in the Gemini settings if you do not want voice activation.
- Lock-screen access: Turn off Use Gemini without unlocking if you do not want Gemini available while the phone is locked.
- Power button or gesture: Change the assistant action assigned to the power button or gesture in your device’s settings. The location and label vary by manufacturer and Android version.
Google’s Gemini settings guide covers these controls. Android.com also describes activation through a long press of the power button or “Hey Google”: Try Gemini, your personal AI assistant.
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Samsung Galaxy: change the assistant and side button separately
Samsung documents these settings for Galaxy phones and tablets; the available options can vary by model and software version.
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- To change the default, open Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > Digital assistant app > Digital assistant app, then choose Google if it is available.
- To change the side-button long press, open Settings > Advanced features > Side button > Long Press and select the action you want.
The side-button action is separate from the default digital assistant. Changing one setting does not automatically change the other. See Samsung’s guide to using Gemini on a Galaxy phone or tablet.
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Delete Gemini without changing the default
Uninstall the Gemini app if you no longer want it on your phone and Android offers an uninstall option. Google states: “Deleting the Gemini mobile app doesn’t automatically remove Gemini as your device’s default digital assistant.” If your goal is to stop Gemini from opening for assistant actions, change the default separately in Settings. Google’s app management instructions explain both actions.
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If the menu or option is missing
- Search Settings for digital assistant app, power, side button, or gesture; manufacturers use different labels and locations.
- If you cannot select Google Assistant, the switch-back option may not be available on that device or in its current software or account state.
- On a Samsung device, check the model-specific support guidance because Samsung says settings vary by device and software version.
- For a path that still does not match your phone, consult the manufacturer’s support documentation for your exact model.
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