How to permanently disable Google Assistant on Xiaomi Mi 9: 5 working methods

Xiaomi Mi 9 is one of the brand’s most popular flagships, but many users are faced with the intrusive work of Google Assistant.The voice assistant is activated by random taps, eats up the battery and collects data about your actions. If you want to turn it off completely, this article will help you do it correctly, without risk to the system.

We'll look at all the options available, from standard settings to deep changes through ADB and uninstall updates. It's important to understand that some methods require developer rights or even unlock the bootloader, so before you start, evaluate your technical skills and choose the right option.

We should warn you right away: on some MIUI firmware (especially global ones), Google Assistant is so deeply integrated that its complete removal can lead to disruptions in other Google services, in such cases we recommend limiting voice control and background activity to disabling.

Why does Google Assistant work on Xiaomi Mi 9, even if you don’t use it?

The Mi 9 (the cepheus model) has Google services (GMS) pre-installed, which are automatically updated via Google Play, including the Google App, which is responsible for the Assistant's work, and even if you've never activated the voice assistant, it can:

• 🔋 Battery discharge – background processes com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox consume up to 5-7% day-load.
• 🎤 Accidentally activate – pressing the Home button or gestures can trigger listening.
• 📡 Send data – Assistant synchronizes your search history with your Google account.
• 🔄 Update forced – even after disconnecting, new versions can return functionality.

In addition, on the Mi 9 with MIUI 12/13/14 firmware, Google Assistant can conflict with the brand assistant XiaoAI, which leads to a freeze in the interface. If you do not use voice commands, it makes sense to turn off unnecessary service.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest way is to use the built-in system options, which is good if you need to turn off voice activation and background work, but not remove the Assistant completely. MIUI 12.5+:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type in Google and select the Google app (the icon with the letter “G”).
3. Go to Permits and turn off: 🎤 Microphone - Prohibition of listening. 📍 Location – The Assistant will not use geodata. 📱 Auto Start – prevents work in the background.

Stop it.

Shut down.

Settings → System and device → Gestures → Home button

Google Assistant

This method doesn't remove the Assistant, but it significantly reduces its activity, and if you reset the settings after you restart the device, repeat the steps or move to more radical ways.

Method 2: Remove Google App Updates (Reset to the factory version)

Often, problems begin after an automatic update to the Google app, and you can return it to the factory version without root rights, but you will need to disable auto-updates:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Confirm action. The system will return the app to the version preinstalled on Mi 9.
4. Open Google Play, search for the Google app and click on three dots in its card → Disable Auto Update.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After removing updates, the system can automatically restore them through Google Play Services. To avoid this, turn off the Internet before taking steps.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods didn't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which doesn't require root, but you need developer rights and a computer.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Mi 9

ADB

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

This command removes the Assistant for the current user (--user 0), without affecting system files.

If the team fails (failure error) [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]), Try an alternative option:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

The effect is the same: the assistant disappears from the interface, but its files remain in the system.

adb shell pm enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

Method 4: Complete removal via TWRP (root required)

To completely remove Google Assistant, you will need:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 🛠️ Established custom Recovery (e.g, TWRP).
• 📦 Backup of data (deleting system files may cause failures).

Instructions:

1. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete the following files and folders: /system/priv-app/GoogleQuickSearchBox/system/app/GoogleQuickSearchBox (if any) /data/app/com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox-* (all folders with such a prefix)

Wipe → Cache

⚠️ Note: Delete system files through TWRP This can lead to the loss of functionality of other Google services, such as Google Pay or YouTube. If you are not sure about your actions, use methods without rooting.

Method 5: Use of third-party utilities (e.g. App Inspector)

If you need to pinpoint the Assist components without making deep changes to the system, you can use applications like App Inspector or Package Disabler.

• 🔍 View all Google App activities and services.
• ⚙️ Disable individual components (e.g., voice search only).
• 📊 Monitoring resource consumption.

Example of the Package Disabler:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Give it ADB rights (instructions will appear at the first start).
3. Find the list at com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.
4. Disable the following components: com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.opa.OpaActivity. com.google.android.apps.gsa.searchwidget.SearchWidgetProvider. com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.assistant.AssistantActivity (Assistant interface).

The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can only disable those features that interfere, leaving the other Google services to work.

💡

Before using third-party utilities, check reviews and rankings on Google Play.Some applications to disable system components may contain malicious code or require unnecessary permissions.

What if Google Assistant is back after the update?

Even after a successful shutdown, Google Play Services can restore Assistant when it updates.

1. Turn off auto-update for Google app: Open Google Play → find Google → three dots → Turn off auto-update.

Titanium Backup

• Install Titanium Backup from Google Play.
• Find Google in the list of apps and select Freeze.
• Use ADB to block updates: adb shell pm hide com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox This command hides the app from the update system.