The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but its owners often face the intrusive work of Google Assistant. The voice assistant is activated by random taps, eats up the battery and collects data about the user. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to turn it off, from standard settings to deep system changes.
It's important to understand that Google Assistant is integrated into MIUI firmware at the Google Play service level, so simply removing the app won't work. We tested all the methods on the Redmi Note 10S with MIUI 14 (Android 12) and identified their pros and cons. If you're willing to sacrifice some functionality for privacy, read on.
Why Google Assistant works for Xiaomi without your consent
Even if you've never activated a voice assistant, it can start automatically. Here are the main reasons:
- 🔄 Automatic activation via the power button. On many Xiaomi smartphones, holding the power button calls the Google Assistant instead of the off menu.
- 📱 Pre-installed Google services. Firmware MIUI includes the Google Mobile Services package (GMS), where the assistant is sewn at the system level.
- 🔊 Voice activation "OK, Google." The feature can be enabled by default or activated after updates.
- 🔄 Background: com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox and com.google.android.as are constantly in the background.
Xiaomi does not provide a direct option to remove Google Assistant, as it would violate Google’s licensing agreement, but there are workarounds ranging from a soft shutdown to a radical removal via ADB.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard Android settings
The safest method is to use the built-in options of the system, which does not require super-user rights and is suitable for most users.
- Open the Google app (the icon with the letter "G" on a color background).
- Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner → Settings.
- Select Google Assistant → go to General section.
- Turn off the Google Assistant slider (confirmation may be required).
- Go back to the previous menu and select Voice Assistant → Voice input → turn off Google OK.
This method does not remove the assistant completely, but only blocks it from running on voice and buttons. Google Play Services background processes will continue to work, but battery consumption will decrease by 5-10%.
☑️ Checking the Assist's shutdown
Method 2: Change the action of the power button in MIUI
On the Redmi Note 10S, holding the power button by default calls Google Assistant, not the off menu.
- Go to Settings → System and device → Buttons and gestures.
- Select the Power button → Holding the power button.
- Change the action from Google Assistant to Menu or Do Nothing.
After that, random clicks will no longer activate the assistant, but the service itself will remain on the system and can be launched through other triggers (for example, from the Google search bar).
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If your MIUI version does not have the buttons and gestures option, try the path: Settings → Additional → Special Features → Power button.
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (without root)
For advanced users, there is a method to disable Google Assistant via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It doesn’t require superuser rights, but it does require a computer and a computer. USB-cable.
Preparation:
- Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB drivers and check the connection with the command: adb devices
Disabling the Assistant:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.asThese commands completely block Google Assistant and related services, including voice search. To get it back, use:
adb shell pm enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
adb shell pm enable com.google.android.asWhat if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 4: Remove via Magisk (root required)
If you have superuser rights, you can completely remove Google Assistant packets, which is the most radical and irreversible method without flashing.
Steps:
- Install Magisk Manager and Universal SafetyNet Fix (to prevent banking applications from breaking down).
- Download the DisableGApps module or use App Systemizer to convert Google Assistant into a custom app.
- Remove apps via Titanium Backup or manually from /system/priv-app/: GoogleQuickSearchBox Velvet GoogleAssistant
⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications may cause Google Play Services to crash, sync errors, and inability to update other Google apps. TWRP.
| Method of disconnection | Root is required. | Reversibility | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ (partial) | Low. |
| Change the power button | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ (partial) | Low. |
| ADB-team | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (high-pitched) | Medium (possible failures of Google services) |
| Removal via Magisk | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No (no backup) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (full-fledged) | High (risk of "bricking") |
Method 5: Using Third-Party Applications
If you don’t want to dig into the settings, you can use the utilities from Google Play:
- 🛠️ App Inspector – allows you to disable system applications without ADB (Android 8 is required+).
- 🔧 Package Disabler Pro – blocks Google Assistant and other Google services.
- 🚫 Bloatware Remover – removes pre-installed applications (root rights required).
Be careful when using these programs: some of them may contain ads or ask for unnecessary permissions.
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Third-party applications for removing system software are often blocked by Google Play Protect. Before using, disable protection in security settings or add the program to exceptions.
What happens if you disable Google Assistant?
Complete removal of the assistant has consequences that you should know about in advance:
- ⚠️ Google services may stop updating YouTube, Gmail, Google Maps.
- 🔋 Increased battery life: without background processes, the battery will last 10-15% longer.
- 🔍 Loss of functionality: Voice search, reminders, integration with Google Home will disappear.
- 🛡️ SafetyNet problems: some banking applications may stop working (solved by Magisk module).
If you use the Google ecosystem (e.g. Google Photos or Google Drive), it is better to limit yourself to a soft shutdown through settings. For users who prefer alternatives (Yandex.Alice, Siri), a complete removal will be justified.
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After disabling Google Assistant, install an alternative assistant, such as Bixby (for Samsung devices) or Alice from Yandex. They consume less resources and are better adapted for Russian-speaking users.