Google Assistant can start from Hey Google, a long press of the power or Home button, a corner swipe, or an app icon. You can disable only the trigger that bothers you or turn Assistant off more broadly.
These steps apply to Android 12 through Android 15 phones with Google Assistant. During 2026, some phones may show Gemini in place of Assistant, with similar trigger settings inside the Gemini app or Google settings.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if Assistant keeps popping up accidentally, if voice detection feels too sensitive, or if you want Android without a built-in assistant.
Turn Off Hey Google Voice Detection
- Open the Google app.
- Tap your profile picture.
- Tap Settings.
- Open Voice > Voice Match.
- Turn off Hey Google.
This stops wake phrase listening but leaves manual Assistant shortcuts available.
Turn Off Google Assistant Completely
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps and open Google, or search Settings for Assistant.
- Open Google Assistant settings.
- Tap General.
- Turn off Google Assistant and confirm.
Change Button and Gesture Triggers
- On many Android phones, open Settings > System > Gestures > Press and hold power button, then choose Power menu instead of Digital assistant.
- On Samsung, open Settings > Advanced features > Side key and set long press to Power off menu.
- If corner swipe opens Assistant, look under System > Gestures > Google Assistant and turn off the corner gesture.
Important Notes
Gemini May Replace the Name
If your phone has moved from Assistant to Gemini, manage the same behavior from Gemini settings by tapping your profile picture in the Gemini app.
Bixby Is Separate
Samsung phones may also open Bixby. Bixby has its own Side key and voice wake-up settings, so turning off Google Assistant may not stop Bixby prompts.
It Is a System Component
Google Assistant is not normally a removable app. Turning it off in settings is the closest practical equivalent to uninstalling it.
Sources
- Google Support: Turn Google Assistant on or off
- Google Support: Use Hey Google voice detection
- Samsung Support: Manage Google Assistant and Bixby on Galaxy phones