The Redmi Note 8 Pro line of smartphones runs a MIUI shell that is based on the Android operating system. By default, the system has a deeply integrated voice assistant from Google, which is activated when you press the on button for a long time or by voice command. For many users, this becomes a source of irritation, especially when a random touch in your pocket triggers listening or when the habit of using the power button to turn off the screen is blocked by an unexpected start of the service.
The process of disabling Google Assistant on Xiaomi is not a one-time action, since activation is tied to several independent mechanisms of the system. You will need to change the settings in the menu of the Google application itself, as well as reconfigure the response of the physical power button in the system settings of MIUI. Only a comprehensive approach ensures that the assistant will stop bothering you at the wrong time.
In this detailed guide, we’ll look at all the possible ways to deactivate, including hidden settings that often go unnoticed. We’ll look at how to disable voice launch, how to change the lock button function, and what nuances Google Discover has on the lock screen. Understanding these processes will allow you to fully control the behavior of your device.
Why you should turn off the voice assistant on Redmi
The main reason Redmi Note 8 Pro owners are looking for a way to remove the assistant is because of the ergonomics of use. The power button on this model is on the side of the side, and it is common to accidentally pinch it in a case or when removed from your pocket. Instead of unlocking the screen, the user gets a running command waiting interface, which confuses the rhythm of using the gadget.
In addition, the constant background activity of the service can consume RAM and battery power, albeit in small amounts. For those who value minimalism and do not use voice control, the presence of a constantly listening microphone raises questions about privacy. Disabling the function returns the power button to its direct function of controlling the screen and rebooting.
Also worth considering is that Google Assistant is often integrated with other services like Google Pay or smart home, and its accidental launch can lead to unwanted actions like sending messages or turning on devices.Shutting down completely eliminates the risk of random commands, making smartphone interactions more predictable and secure.
⚠️ Warning: Once voice control is disabled, you won’t be able to use OK, Google commands to quickly dial, open apps, or search for information without unlocking the screen.
Disconnection through Google App Settings
The first and most logical step is to deactivate the basic functions directly within the app that handles the assistant. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, this system application is usually preinstalled and has higher access rights. First, you need to find the Google app icon (the colored letter G) in the menu of all programs and run it.
Once you open the app, click on your profile avatar in the top right corner of the screen. In the context menu that opens, select Settings, then go to Google Assistant. This is where all the key switches that control voice assistant behavior are concentrated. You'll need to find a subsection that's often called Popular Settings or just at the top of the list.
Find a switch called Google Assistant and put it in an inactive state. The system may request confirmation of your action, warning that some functions will stop working. Agree to the change in parameters. This action will disable the basic logic of the service, but does not necessarily remove the binding to the physical power button, so move to the next step.
- 📱 Open the Google app and log in to your account to access personalized settings.
- 🔍 In the settings menu, find the section responsible for voice interaction, not for general search.
- 🚫 Complete switching off of the switch blocks the processing of voice requests and synchronization of activity with servers.
- 🔄 After changing the settings, it is recommended to completely close the application through the menu of running tasks for applying changes.
What happens to the history of the requests?
When you disable Assistant, your voice request history stops updating, but old records can be saved in your Google account. To delete them completely, you need to separately go to the "My actions" section in the Google account settings and delete your voice search history.> Reconfiguring the power button in MIUI The most critical moment for Xiaomi users is the change in response to a long press of the lock button. MIUI The default action is “Google Assistant Call” when holding the power button for a period of time. 0.5-1 To return the ability to turn off the screen or take screenshots (at short and long presses, respectively), you need to change this setting. 8 Pro. Search by settings, type the word "button" or search for the "Additional" section (in some versions of MIUI it may be called "Advanced Settings"). Inside this menu, look for "Push and Hold the Reboot button. The default option is "Google Assistant." You need to change this parameter to Nothing or, if available, to the "Out Menu." The "Nothing" option will make a long push of the button inactive, which will prevent accidental launches, but remove the ability to quickly call the reboot menu. Select "Stop Menu" will return the classic behavior to Android, when it is offered to reboot or reboot it for a long time. ☑️ Check button settings Find section Additional in settings:Select Press and hold button on:Change from Google Assistant to Nothing:Check the button short and long press: 0 / 1 It is important to note that in some global versions of the firmware MIUI For Redmi, the option to completely disable the button response can be hidden or replaced. If you don't find such a point, perhaps your version of the system needs an update or, conversely, a rollback, since the company's policy in different regions is different. 8 Pro this path is standard. ⚠️ Note: If you select the “Nothing” option, then to reboot a frozen smartphone you will have to use a combination of volume and power keys or wait for the battery to discharge, since the software menu will not be called off. Managing OK, Google, even if you disable the primary assistant, the "OK, Google" keyword recognition feature can stay active in the background while waiting for the trigger. It's a separate module that requires its own setup. To turn it off, go back to the Google app settings, then to the Voice Enter (or "Voice Match") section. In this section, you'll see OK, Google. Click on it. Here's a list of applications that run voice detection. This is usually the Google App and the Lock Screen. You'll need to turn off both of these switches, then go back to the Voice Enter, and then you'll be able to re-requery your target, and then you'll be able to listen to the full sentence, if the target, as well, and you'll be able to listen to the next time to the corrected to the target, as well. After disabling these settings, the microphone will only activate when the relevant applications, such as a voice recorder or video call, are explicitly launched. 🎙️ Access to recognition settings is through the Voice Input menu in the Google app. 🔒 Disabling access from the lock screen improves security by preventing access to search without unlocking. 📵 Make sure the switch is off for all the apps listed.Comparing disablement methods to better navigate the setup MIUI And Android, it's useful to understand the difference between the levels of shutdown, so you can just reassign the button but keep the voice control active, or you can turn it off completely. Below is a table that will help you choose the best scenario for your use of the Redmi Note 8 Pro. Method What Disables System Impact Recommended for Tumbler in Application The Assistant's Logic does not respond to commands Those who use the Power button Settings The Power button Starting to Hold the Button Button Again Turns Off the All Users Screen Without Exception "OK, Google" Constant listening Battery Savings and Privacy Supporters Full Reset (ADB) System component The risk of unstable operation Only of experienced users As can be seen from the table, the most secure and effective method is the combination of the first three commands ADBid (Android) to the Redmi system for the upgraded system, but can lead to a complete error on the service of the Redmi 8. It is not recommended to try to "freeze" system applications through third-party utilities without root rights, since after updating MIUI all settings can fly off, and in the worst case, the phone will go into a cyclical reboot. Standard system tools are enough for comfortable use. Frequent problems and their solution During the setup process, Xiaomi users may encounter a situation where the settings are not saved or reset after rebooting. This may be due to aggressive battery optimization in MIUI, which "kills" the configuration processes, or with a conflict of application versions. In such cases, typical of some European firmware versions, the only way out is to install a third-party launcher or use macros if they are supported by your version of the system. However, it is often enough to simply update Google’s app to the latest version through the Play Market, and it is also worth mentioning the Google Discover feature, which can appear when swiping right on the home screen or on the lock screen. Although it's not the assistant itself, these services are closely related, and you can turn off the tape by holding an empty space on your desktop, selecting Settings and turning off the Google Discover switch, or"-1 screen". 🔄 When resetting, go the entire shutdown path again, starting with the Google app. 📲 Make sure you have a stable firmware version installed, not a beta version. MIUI. 🧹 Cleaning up Google’s app cache can help if settings “float” on their own. ⚠️ Note: If after all the manipulations the phone started to work incorrectly (sound disappears, notifications do not work), reset the settings of Google applications to factory through the menu "Apps" →"All applications" →"Google" →"Clear everything.” Additional privacy settings After you have successfully disabled Google Assistant on your Redmi Note 8 Pro, it is recommended to check the general privacy settings. → Google → Google app settings, where you can turn off ad personalization and action history, making smartphone usage more difficult, removing voice history is another step towards digital hygiene, and even if the assistant is off, old records can be stored on servers. Go to your Google account via your browser, go to the Data and Privacy section and find your voice control history. There is an option to automatically delete records older than 3 or 18 months. Remember that completely removing Android system components is impossible without violating the integrity of the system, but competent setting allows you to achieve the same result - the assistant will not disturb you, and the power button will work as you are used to. Xiaomi provides a sufficiently flexible tool to customize the interface to your needs. Can you completely remove Google Assistant with Redmi Note 8 Pro? Complete removal of the system application without root-rights can not disturb and make it invisible through its construction. Attempts to delete via ADB can cause errors in other Google services. Why does the assistant turn on in your pocket? It happens because of the In-pocket function or the accidental pressing of the power button. Disabling the reaction to a long press of the button in the MIUI settings solves this problem. Also check if the lift to activate function in the assistant settings. Does turning off the assistant on the voice recorder? No, the standard MIUI recorder and other applications for recording the audio function of the Google Assistant. You can safely use them to record the interview, or reload the voice button after the phone is switched. This ensures that all system services rewrite the configuration files and the new settings take effect correctly.