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

Google Assistant on Xiaomi smartphones is often activated by accident – just press the Home button or say “OK, Google.” For many users, this is an annoying factor: The assistant eats the battery, collects location and search queries, and its pop-up notifications interfere with work. MIUI, Where Google Services are Integrated at the Firmware Level.

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to disable Google Assistant, from standard settings to radical methods using ADB and removing system applications. The instructions are relevant for all modern models of Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark based on MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-14. If you want to not just hide the assistant, but completely remove its traces from the system, read to the end.

Why Google Assistant works for Xiaomi, even if you didn’t turn it on

Xiaomi defaults to install Google Mobile Services (GMS) on all its smartphones sold outside of China, including Google Assistant, which is activated by:

• 🔘 When you first turn on your phone (unless you stop syncing with Google)
• 🔘 Pressing and holding the Home button (navigation bar or gesture)
• 🔘 When voice commands “OK, Google” (if voice search is enabled)
• 🔘 Through Google Search Widget on the Home Screen

Even if you’ve never used an assistant, it can consume up to 5-10% of your battery life per day in the background (according to the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Xiaomi 13T tests).

• 📍 Tracks your location for “contextual clues»
• 🎤 Records voice commands (even erroneous positives)
• 📱 Slows down the system due to background processes com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 Xiaomi 12S Google Assistant cannot be disabled through standard settings – you will need to use ADB This is due to Google's policy that requires manufacturers to keep the assistant active on devices with services. GMS.

Method 1: Disconnect via Google Settings (the easiest method)

If you just need to block random assistants, but do not remove them completely, use the standard settings:

1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter “G” on a color background).
2. Slip your avatar (or initials) in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to the Google Assistant section → General.
4. Turn off the sliders: 🔸 Google Assistant (Main Switch) 🔸 Voice Assistant (for the OK Google command») 🔸 Personalization (to stop collecting data)

After that, the assistant will stop responding to voice commands and hold the Home button. However, the process com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox will remain in the system and will consume up to 1-2% of the charge in the background.

Is the Google Assistant master switch disabled | Removed voice commands in settings | Personalization disabled | Rebooted smartphone to apply changes

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Method 2: Removing Overlay Rights for Google Assistant

If the assistant continues to appear on top of other applications (for example, when holding the Home button), it must be deprived of the rights to overlay:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top corner → Special Access → Overlay on other apps.
3. Search the Google (or Google Assistant) list and turn off the slider.
4. Also check the AutoRun section and turn it off for Google apps.

This method does not remove the assistant, but prevents it from suddenly appearing on the screen. On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 on Xiaomi 13 Lite), voice search in the Chrome browser can disappear after that, which is normal.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ (for example, POCO X5 Pro or Redmi K60) After disabling the overlay, the navigation gestures may stop working. In this case, use Method 4 (ADB).

Method 3: Disable via MIUI settings (for gestures and buttons)

If Google Assistant is triggered when you hold the Home button or gesture, you can unplug it in the control settings:

1. Open Settings → Display → Navigation Bar (or Gestures, depending on the version of MIUI).
2. Select the current navigation type (e.g. MIUI Gestures or Buttons).
3. Find the option Additional settings → Hold the Home button.
4. Replace the Google Assistant action with Do Nothing or Show Menu.

Steps:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the command to disable Google Assistant: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox If an error occurs, try an alternative command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
5. Reboot your smartphone.

After that:

• ✅ Google Assistant will disappear from the system completely (including voice commands and hold the Home button).
• ✅ Background activity of the com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox process will stop.
• ⚠️ Voice search will stop working in the Chrome browser and some other applications.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ (For example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro) after use ADB The Widevine Certification may be reset L1, This will lead to a decrease in streaming quality on Netflix and Disney.+. To return L1, You will need to reset the phone to the factory settings.

Method 5: Remove Google Assistant via TWRP (for advanced)

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, you can physically remove the Google Assistant package through custom recovery TWRP. This method is only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP installed.

Instructions:

1. Download an archive with remote GMS (e.g., GApps-config for your model) or use a Magisk Module such as DisableGApps.
2. Reboot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up when turned on).
3. Backup the System partition (in case of errors).
4. Go to Advanced → File Manager and delete files: /system/priv-app/GoogleQuickSearchBox/ /system/app/GoogleQuickSearchBox/
5. Wipe your cache (Wipe → Cache) and restart.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Complete removal of Google Assistant without recovery via updates.
• ✅ Free up to 100-150 MB of memory.
• ✅ All background processes associated with the assistant disappear.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ The risk of losing Google Play Protect certification (some apps may stop working).
• ❌ Violation of the integrity of the system can lead to problems with OTA-update.
• ❌ Requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all data on the phone.

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Removing Google Assistant via TWRP is the most effective way, but it is only for power users. If you are not sure about your actions, use the method with ADB or standard settings.

What to do if Google Assistant is back after the update

After updating MIUI or Google Play Services, the Assistant may be activated again to avoid:

1. Turn off automatic updates for the Google app: Open Play Store → Profile → Settings → App Auto Update. Select Not to Update Automatically. Find the Google app and click on three dots → Disable Auto Update.

Use App Ops (permissions management app) to block Google Assistant activity:

• Download App Ops (requires Android 10+).
• Find Google Assistant in the list and disable all permissions.
• Install Magisk Module to block GMS updates: Magisk → Downloads → Search for “DisableGApps” or “Universal GMS Doze”

If the assistant does come back, the only reliable way is to install custom firmware without GMS (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but this will require unlocking the bootloader and losing the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling Google Assistant on Xiaomi