Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones running Android have a host of smart features designed to make life easier. One of these features is Google Assistant, a voice assistant that can be activated by voice command or the push of a button. Despite its obvious utility to many, some device owners find the feature intrusive, especially when it is triggered by chance in a pocket or bag.
Often users are faced with a situation when the power button is pressed for a long time instead of the usual switch-off menu, the voice assistant interface appears. This is due to the deep integration of Google services into the MiUI and HyperOS system. Complete removal of the system component without root rights is impossible, but there are a number of effective settings that allow you to completely neutralize its operation and disable all activation methods.
In this article, we will take a look at all available deactivation methods in detail. You will learn how to change the purpose of buttons, prevent background work and restrict access to the microphone. On some global Xiaomi firmware, a complete shutdown through the standard menu may not be available, requiring the use of additional restrictive methods. Follow the instructions consistently to achieve the desired result.
Disconnecting through the settings of Google Assistant
The first and most logical step is to disable the basic functions of the assistant itself through its internal settings menu.This doesn't remove the app, but makes it "deaf" and inactive when voice commands. First, you need to open the Google app on your smartphone or go to settings through the app menu.
In the settings interface, you need to find the partition that handles the voice assistant, and the path may vary slightly depending on the version of the MiUI shell, but the general logic is maintained, so here we disable listening to the activation phrase and block access to the history of actions, which increases privacy.
- 📱 Open the Google app and click on the profile avatar in the top corner.
- 🗣️ Go to Settings and select the Google Assistant section.
- 🔇 Find the Hey Google option and switch the slider to the "Off" position".
- 🚫 In the "Popular settings" section, disable the assistant's access to the lock screen.
⚠️ Warning: After these steps are completed, the assistant will stop responding to the voice, but may still open with prolonged pressing of the power button, unless you change the system settings.
If you use multiple input languages, the assistant may not work correctly or be activated for random sounds, and disabling support for multiple languages in Google settings also helps reduce false positives.
Change the action of the power button Xiaomi
One of the most annoying features of modern Xiaomi smartphones is the reassignment of the lock button function. By default, a prolonged press on the power button causes Google Assistant, rather than the shutdown menu, as was the case with older versions of Android. Fortunately, the developers of MiUI and HyperOS left the opportunity to bring back classic behavior.
To change this setting, you will need access to an advanced menu of special features, which is deep in the settings, as it is a disability-based support feature, but is used by all users for customization.
You have to go to the main settings menu of the phone and find the Additional Features section. In some firmware versions, this item may be simply called Special Features. Inside, we're interested in the button management subsection.
- 🔘 Go to Settings. → Additional functions.
- 🖐️ Select the option Press and hold the power button.
- ⚙️ In the list that opens, select the Off menu option instead of Google Assistant".
☑️ Checking button settings
After making the changes, try to press the power button for 2-3 seconds. The standard menu should appear with turn off and reboot sliders. If the assistant still pops up, you may have an old version of the shell installed on your device, where this option is rigidly tied to Google services.
Restriction of background work and permits
Even if you have disabled voice activation, the Google Assistant process can continue to run in the background, consuming battery power and CPU resources. To ensure that it stops its activity, you need to limit the rights of the application through the Android system settings.
This method is more radical, since it effectively strangles the application, preventing it from performing any actions without the user's direct permission, which can lead to the system reporting an error or no response when trying to run the assistant.
| Setup parameter | Recommended value | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-start | Off. | Prevents the start when the phone is turned on |
| Background activity | Limited. | Saves battery life |
| Microphone | Forbidden. | Blocks voice commands |
| Notifications | Off. | Removes tips and cards |
To access these settings, go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Search in the Google list (often an icon with the letter G). Inside the app menu, select Battery or Charge Savings and set a background activity limit.