Google Assistant on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is often activated by accident – when holding the Home button, swiping up from the bottom of the screen, or even while talking. For many users, this feature is useless, but consumes up to 5% of battery power per week due to background activity and collects data on voice commands. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to turn it off, from standard settings to deep system changes.
The Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) has integrated two assistants simultaneously: Xiaomi’s own XiaoAI and Google Assistant, and the second often conflicts with the MIUI shell, causing freezes when calling the camera or opening apps. We tested all methods on MIUI 12.5-14 firmware (Android 9-11) and identified those that work without losing functionality of the smartphone.
Why Google Assistant is in the way of Redmi Note 7
Even if you've never used a voice assistant, it still works in the background. Here are the main challenges that Redmi Note 7 owners face:
- 🔋 Battery consumption: According to tests, the assistant consumes up to 120-180 mAh per day even in standby mode due to constant listening to the microphone for the phrase “OK, Google».
- 📱 Random positives: gesture of the smile up (in) MIUI It is duplicated with the call of the notification panel) or pressing the Home button triggers the assistant instead of the desired action.
- 🛡️ Data collection: Google captures all voice queries, even erroneous ones, and links them to your account (check in Activity History).
- 🔊 XiaoAI conflicts: On the Redmi Note 7, both assistants can simultaneously respond to voice commands, leading to microphone errors.
In addition, on some MIUI firmware, Google Assistant blocks third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher) by intercepting control gestures, which is especially critical for users who prefer to customize the interface.
⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 7 Pro (model with Snapdragon 675) after disabling Google Assistant via the Snapdragon processor ADB The "Raise to unlock" function may be missing, due to the firmware features for the Indian market. → The phone. → Model.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
The most secure method, which does not require superuser rights or a PC connection, is suitable for users who only need to remove random positives, but not completely deactivate the assistant.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System.
- Find the Google list (not Google Play Services!).
- Go to the Notifications section and turn off all switches.
- Go back and select Permissions. Turn off: 🎤 Microphone 📍 Location 📁 Storage (unless you use Google Photos)
Settings → System → Gestures → Navigation panel
Google Assistant
"Additional gestures"
Notifications for Google | app disabled
Microphone and location permits revoked |
Deactivated call gesture in the navigation panel |
Automatic update of Google app in the Play Store is disabled
-->
This method does not remove Google Assistant completely, but makes it passive.The assistant will stop responding to voice commands and gestures, but will remain on the list of applications and will consume minimal resources (about 2-3 MB of RAM).
⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI before version 13.0.4+ On Redmi Note 7, the assistant gesture can be activated again.
Method 2: Complete disabling via ADB (no root)
If you need to permanently remove Google Assistant from your device, including its background processes, use the ADB command. This method does not require superuser rights, but will require a connection to your computer.
Step-by-step:
- Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive into any folder on your PC.
- On the phone, activate Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect the Redmi Note 7 to your PC via cable (use the original cord for a stable connection!).
- Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices If the device appears in the list, run: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
- Reboot the phone.
Once the command is completed, the Google Assistant app will disappear from the app menu and all associated processes will be stopped.This method does not delete Google system libraries, so it does not disrupt the Play Store or other services.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
| Method of disconnection | PC required | Root is required. | The effect | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through MIUI settings | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Disables the triggers, but leaves the background processes | ✅ Yes. |
| ADB-team | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | Completely removes the application for the current user | ✅ Yes (resetting) |
| Removal via TWRP | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | Deletes the assistant system files | ❌ No (firmware required) |
| Freeze at Titanium Backup | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Stops all processes of the assistant | ✅ Yes. |
Through standard MIUI settings|
ADB-rootless|
Removal via TWRP (with root)|
Freeze at Titanium Backup|
I won't turn it off.
-->
Method 3: Delete system files (for advanced)
If you're willing to take drastic measures and have an unlocked bootloader + custom recovery (TWRP) installed, you can delete the assistant files directly from the system partition. This method is irreversible without flashing the phone!
Instructions:
- Download TWRP for Redmi Note 7 (version 3.6.2+) and install it via fastboot.
- Boot into recovery: Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up.
- In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager.
- Delete the following files and folders: /system/priv-app/Velvet (main assistant application) /system/priv-app/GoogleQuickSearchBox /system/app/GoogleAssistant (if any)
Wipe → Cache
After this procedure, Google Assistant will be removed at the system level, but there are risks:
- 🚨 Google Services Disruption: Apps may stop updating through the Play Store.
- 🔄 Problems with OTA-update: MIUI may refuse to install updates due to modified system files.
- 🔊 Loss of features: Voice search in Chrome and some features of Google Maps will disappear.
💡
Before removing system files, make a backup partition /system into TWRP (backup → This will allow you to restore the phone if something goes wrong.
What to do if Google Assistant is activated after the update
Many Redmi Note 7 users are faced with the fact that after updating MIUI or Google Services, the assistant is activated again, which is due to the fact that the system restores the standard settings for system applications.
Decisions:
- 🔄 Remove Google Services: in Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services click Remove Updates. This will bring back the version that was when you bought your phone.
- 📵 Block Automatic Update: Open Play Store, find Google Assistant, tap three points and uncheck Auto Update.
- 🛡️ Use Magisk Module: If you have root, install DisableFlags from the Magisk repository – it blocks forced updates to system applications.
If the assistant continues to appear, check the settings for Special Options (Settings → Special Opportunities → Special Opportunities → Special Opportunities Services) – sometimes the Voice Access option is activated there, which duplicates the Assistant’s functions.
Google Assistant on Redmi Note 7
If you’ve disabled the standard assistant but want to keep voice control, consider these options:
| Annex | Functions | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| XiaoAI (built-in) | Voice commands, management of Xiaomi smart devices | ✅ Optimized for MIUI✅ Offline (Basic Teams) | ❌ No integration with Google services❌ Limited set of teams |
| Alice from Yandex | Search, weather, music management | ✅ Russian-language support✅ Smart Scenarios for IoT | ❌ It requires a constant internet connection❌ Collects data (linking to Yandex account) |
| Bixby (via APK) | Voice assistant from Samsung | ✅ Recognition of natural speech✅ Integration with some Xiaomi apps | ❌ Unstable work for MIUI❌ Requires manual tuning |
To install alternative assistants:
- Download. APK-file from the official website (for example, Yandex Alice).
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
- Configure the call gestures in Settings → System → Gestures → Additional gestures.
💡
XiaoAI consumes 2-3 times less battery than Google Assistant, as it is optimized for the Snapdragon 660 processor in the Redmi Note 7.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you turn off Google Assistant, users often face some problems. Here's how to solve them:
- 🔌 The phone is not determined in ADB: Check what's in the settings. → For developers included the option of debugging by USB (Use the original Xiaomi cable, because cheap ones often don't transmit data.
- 🔄 After the reboot, the assistant reappears: This means you have removed the app only for the current user. To remove it completely, you need root. Or use the command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
- 📱 Missing the Home button or navigation gestures: This happens if the system libraries were removed with the Assistant. MIUI fastboot.
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 7 with firmware MIUI Global after deleting Google Assistant may stop working «OK Google" in apps like Google Maps. If you want voice navigation, install alternative software (e.g. Osmand or Yandex Navigator).