Owners of Xiaomi Mi9 often face the inconvenience of automatically running Google Assistant, a voice assistant that is activated by random taps or voice commands.This feature not only consumes battery power, but can also conflict with Xiaomi’s branded XiaoAI assistant. Unlike new models where the shutdown is intuitive, on the Mi9 (released in 2019), the process is complicated by the features of MIUI firmware and Android 9/10 version.
In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from standard settings to hidden developer and ADB commands. We will focus on the nuances associated with the lack of a “Switch off” button in some regional firmware and ways to circumvent restrictions. If you want to not just hide the icon, but completely deactivate the background processes of the assistant, read on.
Why does Google Assistant work on Xiaomi Mi9 even after being shut down?
Many users complain that after switching off through the settings, the assistant continues to activate, the reason being three levels of integration:
- 📱 System layer: Google Assistant is embedded in Google Play services and cannot be removed without superuser rights.
- 🔧 Level. MIUI: Xiaomi adds its own triggers (like holding the Home button).
- 🎤 Voice activation: OK, Google works through a separate Google App service.
Even if you have disabled the assistant in the Settings menu → Google → Assistant, it can be launched via:
- 🔘 Long pressing of the Home button (setting up) MIUI).
- 🗣️ Voice command "OK, Google" (Google App settings).
- 🔄 Background Processes Related to Google Play Services.
To completely disable the assistant, you'll have to use several methods, starting with the simplest one.
Method 1: Standard shutdown via MIUI settings
This method is suitable for users who have standard Google options stored in the firmware. The instructions are relevant for MIUI 10/11/12 based on Android 9/10:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to the Google → Settings section for Google apps.
- Choose Search, Assistant and Voice.
- Google Assistant.
- At the top of the screen, click on General Settings (or Settings in some firmware).
- Translate the Google Assistant slider to the off position.
If Google Assistant is not on the menu, then your firmware has been modified (e.g. MIUI EU or custom build).
☑️ Checking the disconnection through settings
⚠️ Note: On some of the firmware Xiaomi Mi9 (for example, MIUI Global Stable) after the settings are disabled, the assistant is still activated by holding the Home button, which is because Xiaomi reassigns this button at the shell level. To remove the binding, you need to use Method 4.
Method 2: Disable voice activation "OK, Google"
Even if the Assistant is disabled, the voice command "OK, Google" can continue to work, because voice recognition is processed by a separate service to deactivate it.
- Open the Google app (the G color icon).
- Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
- Select Settings → Voice search.
- Go to Voice Assistant.
- Turn off the “OK, Google” option (could be called Voice Control).
- Go back and turn off the “OK, Google” Recognition in the Voice Match section.
After that, the assistant will stop responding to voice commands, but the background processes of the Google App can still consume battery.
- 🛠️ Limit background activity (see Method 3).
- 🔧 Disconnect through ADB (see method 5).
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If the assistant still starts after disabling voice activation, check the settings of Google App → Settings → Notifications and turn off the option “Show notifications from the Assistant”.
Method 3: Limit background activity through battery settings
Google Assistant continues to work in the background even if you've turned it off.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find it in Google’s list (app, not services!).
- Pick Battery.
- Activate the option to limit background activity.
- Go back and do the same for Google Play Services.
This won't shut down the assistant completely, but it will significantly reduce its impact on autonomy. ADB-team.
| Method | The effect | Are root rights required? | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard shutdown | Disables basic functions | No. | Yes. |
| Battery limitation | Reduces background activity | No. | Yes. |
| Disconnection through ADB | Total shutdown | No. | Yes (via ADB) |
| Removal via Magisk | Complete removal | Yes. | Partially. |
Method 4: Reassign the Home button (for MIUI 10/11)
On the Xiaomi Mi9, the default Home button is tied to Google Assistant. To remove this anchorage:
- Open Settings → System → Gestures (or Buttons in older versions of MIUI).
- Select the Home button.
- In the Long-Tap section, replace the action with No Action or Last App.
- Save the changes.
If there is no Gesture, your firmware uses navigation buttons from Google.
- 🔄 Switch to the gestures. MIUI navigational.
- 🔧 Or use it. ADB for deactivation (see next section).
What to do if there is no "Gestural" item?
Method 5: Completely disabling through ADB (without root)
This is the most reliable method that will completely deactivate Google Assistant, including the background processes. ADB-Drivers and Included Debugging USB phone-on.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on USB Debugging.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchboxReset the device.
After that:
- ✅ Google Assistant will be completely disabled.
- ✅ Voice activation will disappear.
- ✅ Home button will stop running assistant.
⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They turn off the Assistant only for the current user. After resetting the settings or updating the firmware, you may need to repeat the procedure. MIUI 12.5+, replace com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox with com.google.android.as.
💡
ADB-The method is the only way to completely disable Google Assistant without root rights. It doesn't delete the application, it just deactivates it for your profile, making the process reversible.
Additional methods for experienced users
If standard methods do not help, consider alternative options:
- 🛡️ Remove from Magisk: Using the Universal Google Assistant Disabler (requires root rights) Removes all components of the Assistant, but may disrupt other Google services.
- 🔄 Custom firmware installation: Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience allows you to remove Google Assistant at the system level. MIUI (for example, XiaoAI).
- 📱 Use of alternative launchers: Nova Launcher or Lawnchair launchers allow you to reassign button actions, including disabling the Assistant call.
Before using radical methods (root, custom firmware), back up via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. On the Xiaomi Mi9, this is especially important because of the risk of data loss when unlocking the bootloader.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you turn off Google Assistant on Mi9, users experience typical errors:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| After the shutdown, the assistant appears again. | Auto-Update Google App | Turn off auto-update in Play Market or use ADB |
| The Home button is not reassigned | The firmware uses Google navigation | Switch to MIUI gestures or use ADB |
| ADB does not find the device | Not installed drivers or not included debugging | Install Mi USB Driver and check for USB Debugging |
| The assistant is activated via Bluetooth devices | Voice activation enabled in Bluetooth settings | Turn off "Voice Assistant" in the settings of the connected device |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 📌 Firmware version (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI). Some assemblies (e.g, MIUI Russia blocks the shutdown of the Assistant.
- 📌 Availability of updates (Settings) → The phone. → System updates in new versions MIUI There may be an option to disconnect.