How to permanently disable Google Assistant on Xiaomi with MIUI 12:5 working ways

Why Xiaomi users want to get rid of Google Assistant

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12 often face unexpected activations of Google Assistant, a voice assistant that runs when you hold the Home button for a long time or by voice command "OK, Google." For many, this feature seems imposed: it consumes battery power, collects data about location and habits, and also conflicts with Xiaomi's brand assistant XiaoAI.

This is especially true for users who prefer a minimalist interface or use the device for corporate purposes, where unnecessary Google services may violate security policies. In addition, on budget models Redmi or Poco, the background activity of the Assistant significantly slows down the system. But how to turn it off if the standard settings of MIUI 12 do not always offer an obvious solution?

In this article, we will analyze 5 proven methods - from simple to advanced, including hidden settings and ADB commands. You can choose the method depending on your model (Redmi Note 9 Pro, Mi 10T, Poco X3, etc.) and the level of technical training.

Method 1: Disconnecting through Google Settings

The most obvious and safe method is to deactivate the Assistant from its own settings menu, which is suitable for most MIUI 12 devices, but may not work on some firmware with modified Google services (e.g., the Chinese versions of ROM).

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

  1. Open the Google app (the icon with the color letter "G").
  2. Slip on your avatar (or initials) in the upper right corner.
  3. Select the Settings item → Google Assistant.
  4. Go to the Assistant tab and scroll to the Devices section.
  5. Click on your smartphone name (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro).
  6. Turn off the Google Assistant slider.

After that, the assistant will stop responding to voice commands and the Home button retention, but the background processes of the service can continue to work, consuming up to 5-10% of the charge per day when you are actively using the device.

Is voice activation disabled "OK, Google"|Has there been a loss of reaction to the Home button|Has the microphone icon disappeared in the Google search bar?|Reduced battery consumption (check in Settings) → Battery)-->

Method 2: Removing updates for Google App

If the standard shutdown didn’t work, the problem could be in the automatic updates to Google’s app through the Play Market. The manufacturer often returns the Assistant’s functionality even after manually shutting down.

Do the following:

  • 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
  • 🔍 Find the Google App (not to be confused with Google Play Services!).
  • ⚙️ Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
  • 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.

After rollback, go back to the Google Assistant settings (see Method 1) and deactivate it again to prevent automatic updates:

  • 🛑 Open Play Market, Find Google App.
  • 🔧 Tap it on three points. → Turn off auto-update.

💡

If the "Remove Updates" option is inactive, then the Google app is system-based and has no updates. In this case, try Method 3 or 4.

Method 3: Disconnect via MIUI settings (hidden section)

MIUI 12 hides some of the options associated with Google to avoid conflicts with Xiaomi’s branded services, but you can access them through the Special Features or Advanced Settings menu.

Instructions for most models (Mi 11, Redmi K40, Poco F3, etc.):

  1. Open Settings → Special features → System settings.
  2. Scroll down and find the Home Button section (or Gestures on buttonless models).
  3. Select Long Click and change the action from Google Assistant to No or Blocked.

For devices with MIUI 12.5+, the path may be different:

Settings → Display → Navigation gestures → Additional settings → Long press

This method only disables the button Assistant, but does not block voice commands. To completely disable it, combine it with Method 1.

What if there is no "long press" section?
On some firmware (e.g. Redmi 9A or Poco M3), this item is missing. In this case, try: 1. Install a third-party launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher) and adjust the long tap in its settings. 2. Use ADB (Method 5) to force shutdown.

Method 4: Freeze Google Services with Developer Options

If previous methods didn't work, you could use "heavy artillery" -- shutting down system services through Developer Mode -- a more radical way, but it's guaranteed to stop all the Google Assistant stuff.

Procedure:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. tap on MIUI Version 7 times.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Working applications

Services

  • com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox (the main process of the Assistant)
  • com.google.android.as (voice recognition service)
  • Slip on each and select Stop → Disconnect.

These teams:

  • 🗑️ Remove updates to Google Assistant for current user (no root rights).
  • 🔇 Disable the voice assistant service.

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB Some features that depend on Google (such as automatic contact sync) may not work properly. Before executing commands, back up your data via Mi Cloud or locally!

Standard settings of Google|Removal of updates|Hidden settings MIUI|Disconnection through Developer Mode|ADB-team-->

What if Google Assistant is back on again?

Even after Google is disabled, the Assistant can spontaneously activate after:

  • 🔄 Firmware updates MIUI.
  • 📥 Updates to Google Apps via Play Market.
  • 🔧 Resetting settings to factory.