Modern Smart TVs from Xiaomi and Redmi offer a wide range of multimedia capabilities, but many users face intrusive built-in voice assistants. Often there is a need to remove this feature to avoid accidental activation, reduce the consumption of system resources or simply for privacy reasons.
Most of the time, there are two main systems: Android TV or PatchWall, which is based on Android. Each option requires a customized approach to setup. Some models simply change the menu settings, while others require more in-depth intervention, and it is important to understand that the complete removal of system components requires caution.
This article is a comprehensive guide to help you understand microphone settings, disable automatic start assistants and, if necessary, remove the corresponding packages through ADB. We will look at both the standard methods available to each remote owner and advanced ways for experienced users who want to gain full control of their device.
Standard methods of disconnection in system settings
The first and most secure way is to use the TV's built-in interface. In recent versions of MIUI TV firmware, developers have made it possible to limit voice control functionality without the need for third-party software, usually in the section responsible for personalization or special features.
You first go to the main menu and find Settings, then select System or Preferences, where the Voice Search or Google Assistant subsection is located, and you can find the switch that activates the "Ok Google" or similar trigger for the Mi Assistant, and disabling this option will prevent the TV from responding to voice commands when you press the microphone button on the remote.
However, it is worth considering that standard settings often do not completely "kill" the service process, but only hide the interface part of it. If your TV is running PatchWall, the algorithm may differ, in which case, try to find the Accounts item and temporarily disable the Google profile, which often blocks the assistant's work.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling system services completely through settings can cause other features such as text search or smart home management to function unstable.
If the standard path doesn’t work, you can try a more radical method through app settings.Look for Google or Android Assistant installed programs and click Stop.This action will temporarily freeze the process until the next reboot or system update.
Setting up the remote control
A common cause of irritation is the random activation of voice search when you press a special button on the remote. In some models of Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or Box, this button can be reassigned, although this is rarely done by regular means, most often requiring the use of third-party applications to reassign the buttons.
One effective solution is to install the Button Mapper utility from Google Play, and once installed, the app will request permission to access through Accessibility Service. From the program menu, select the microphone button and assign it a "do nothing" or "double tap" action, which will allow you to ignore single taps, which are most often random.
- 🔹 Install the Button Mapper app on your TV through the built-in store.
- 🔹 Activate the necessary permissions in the Special Opportunities section.
- 🔹 Select the physical microphone button in the list of available for reassignment.
- 🔹 Set the “No” action or create a macro that blocks the assistant from starting.
Some systems may force these background processes to save energy, and to avoid this, add the app to an exception list or a whitelist for energy saving.
If you have an old remote without a dedicated button, but voice search is activated by a keyboard combination, check the settings in the Devices and Accessories section. There may be an option to turn off voice input for key combinations. In rare cases, simple battery replacement helps, since sticking the contacts can simulate a press.
Using ADB to remove services completely
For users who want to get rid of the voice assistant, the most effective method is to use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) debugging bridge, which allows you to delete or freeze system packets that cannot be removed through the standard interface.
The first step is to activate the developer mode. Go to Settings. → About the device and quickly click 7 times on the item "Build Number". Once you have the activation message, go back and find a new section "Developers". USB and remember IP-the device address that is usually displayed on the network or in connection information.
☑️ Preparation for work with ADB
On a computer with a computer installed ADB Execute the connection command by substituting IP-address:
adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555Once you've successfully connected, you'll see a debugging permission request on your TV screen, and you'll receive it using the remote, and then you can start searching and removing packets, and Google's voice assistant will be able to use the following commands:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.chromecast.appThe first team removes the Google app, which is often the assistant shell, the second disables the Chromecast, which can also initiate voice search. Be very careful: removing critical system components can lead to a cyclical reboot.
⚠️ Note: Using pm uninstall removes the application only for the current user (user 0) without affecting the system partition. This is safe and allows you to return everything back through resetting settings.
Comparison of deactivation methods
The choice of the method of shutdown depends on your technical training and the ultimate goal. Below is a comparison table that will help you determine the best option for your situation. Each method has its advantages and risks that you need to weigh before starting an action.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| System settings | Low. | Partial | Minimum |
| Apps (Button Mapper) | Medium | Tall. | Instability of the software |
| ADB (Package Removal) | Tall. | Complete. | Possible malfunction. |
| Blocking through router | Tall. | Medium | Slowdown of the network |
As you can see from the table, using ADB is the best thing, but it requires care. The settings method is suitable for those who are afraid of breaking something, but tolerate background processes. Blocking through a router is a compromise option, which will be discussed later.
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Before removing any packages through ADB, take a screenshot of the list of installed applications or write down the names of the deleted packages so that in case of an error, you know what exactly you need to restore.
Remember that after a major firmware update (OTA update), all the changed settings and packets removed by the user can be restored automatically by the system.
Block traffic through the router
An alternative way to pacify the voice assistant is to block its connection to servers at the home network level, so if the TV can't connect to Google or Xiaomi servers, voice search will simply not work even if the app is running, a method that doesn't require tampering with the TV's programming code.
To implement, you will need access to your router's admin panel. Find Parental Control or Filtration. URL (URL You need to add the domain names that the assistant uses to the blocked list, which will prevent any attempts to transmit voice data.
- 🔹 Go to the router settings via the browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 1.1).
- 🔹 Find the section of blocking sites or filtering content.
- 🔹 Add domains: googleapis.com, googleassistant.com, micloud.xiaomi.net.
- 🔹 Save settings and restart the router and TV.
The good thing about this method is that it is reversible and doesn't affect the integrity of the TV system, but it can affect other applications that use the same servers for legitimate functions, such as weather updates or time synchronization.
List of domains to block
It is important to note that modern routers can have an “antivirus” or “child protection” function, where the lock can be configured more flexibly by linking it to a specific device (MAC-TV address, so that the rules do not apply to other gadgets in the house.
Possible problems and solutions
When you turn off the voice assistant, you may encounter a number of technical difficulties, such as when packets are removed via ADB, the TV may start to run slower or stop responding to remote commands, and in such cases, the first thing you should try is to restart the device by disconnecting it from the power grid for 1-2 minutes.
If the problem is not resolved, you may need to reset to factory settings.This will return all remote components and settings to place. To do this, go to Settings → Device → Reset. Remember, this action will delete all your accounts and installed applications.
⚠️ Note: If you have been manipulated by ADB TV stopped turning on (bootloop), you may need to flash the device through USB-drive using the official firmware from the manufacturer's website.
Another common problem is the inability to connect to the ADB. Make sure that the firewall on your computer doesn't block incoming connections, and that the TV and PC are in the same subnet. IP-Addresses instead of device searches.
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The most reliable way to avoid problems is not to delete system packages completely, but to use a disable command, which only freezes their work, leaving files in place.