You can stop an Android AI assistant from responding to voice, button, or lock-screen shortcuts without uninstalling it. To stop it being the default, change the Digital assistant app setting; to remove the app, uninstall it if Android allows. These controls are separate, and the exact menu labels can vary by device.
Choose what you want to stop
| Your goal | What to change |
|---|---|
| Stop voice activation | Turn off “Hey Google” in Gemini settings. |
| Stop a power-button or side-button shortcut | Change the button action in Android Settings. |
| Stop Gemini appearing on the lock screen | Turn off its lock-screen access setting. |
| Stop Gemini being the default assistant | Choose another assistant or None in Android’s Digital assistant app settings. |
| Remove the app | Uninstall it, or disable it if it is a preinstalled system app that cannot be deleted. |
Google describes the default assistant as something you can “change, remove, or set … at any time.” Google’s Gemini instructions cover these controls; availability and wording may differ by Android device and software version.
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Turn off Gemini’s activation shortcuts
Disable “Hey Google”
- Open the Gemini app.
- Tap your profile picture or initial.
- Go to Settings > Talk to Gemini hands-free.
- Turn off Hey Google.
Change the power-button action
- Open Android Settings.
- Go to System > Gestures > Press & hold power button.
- Choose an action other than the assistant.
Some manufacturers use different menus or call the button the side button. If the path does not match, search Settings for “power,” “side button,” or “gesture.”
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- Open Gemini and tap your profile picture or initial.
- Open Gemini on lock screen.
- Turn off Use Gemini without unlocking.
These changes disable particular ways of launching Gemini; they do not uninstall the app or necessarily change which assistant is selected as the default.
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Change or remove the default digital assistant
- Open Android Settings.
- Go to Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant app > Default digital assistant app.
- Select a different assistant, or choose None if offered.
Menu names and availability can vary. If you cannot find the option, search Settings for “digital assistant app.” Choosing None removes the default assistant selection; it does not delete Gemini.
Switch back to Google Assistant instead
In Gemini settings, choose Switch to Google Assistant. Google says Assistant will then respond to “Hey Google” or mobile-assistant touch activation. Switching does not automatically delete Gemini Apps Activity; review or delete that activity separately if you want to clear it.
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Uninstall Gemini or disable a preinstalled app
Try uninstalling the app
Google’s Pixel guidance gives this Play Store route for deleting an installed app:
- Open the Play Store and tap your profile picture.
- Choose Manage apps & devices > Manage.
- Select Gemini and tap Uninstall.
See Google’s instructions for deleting apps on Android. Uninstalling the app does not necessarily remove Gemini’s default-assistant selection, so check that setting separately.
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If Android does not offer Uninstall
On Pixel phones, Google says some preinstalled system apps cannot be deleted, though most can be disabled:
- Open Settings > Apps > All apps.
- Select the app.
- Tap Disable, if available.
Read Google’s Pixel guidance on disabling apps that came with Android. This path is Pixel-specific; for another brand, consult its support instructions. If Disable is unavailable, Android or the manufacturer may not permit you to disable that system app through this menu.
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What if you only want to remove Gemini’s device assistance feature?
Gemini’s Device assistance connected app is a separate Android feature. You can disconnect it under Gemini’s Connected Apps settings. That changes the connected feature; it does not change the default digital assistant or uninstall the Gemini app. See Google’s Android Device assistance help.
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Check the result
- If Gemini still opens after you turned off “Hey Google,” test the power-button and lock-screen controls separately.
- If you uninstalled Gemini but assistant activation still opens it, check Settings > Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant app and choose another option or None.
- If an app cannot be uninstalled, check whether Disable is available. The steps and options depend on your device maker and Android version.
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