Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9T smartphones often face a situation where the built-in Google Assistant is activated spontaneously or interferes with the comfortable work with the device. Voice assistant, being part of the Android ecosystem, is deeply integrated into the system and can be launched by pressing the power button, swipe from the corner of the screen or when connecting headphones. For many users, this becomes a source of irritation, as accidental activations block the screen or interrupt current tasks.
Disabling the service completely requires a comprehensive approach, as standard MIUI settings only partially limit its functionality. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available deactivation methods, from simple switches in the settings menu to more advanced ways through system resolutions, you will learn how to reassign hotkeys and remove widgets that occupy space on the desktop.
It’s important to understand that Google Assistant is closely linked to the search giant’s other services, so turning it off can affect voice input and some smart features at home.However, for the Redmi 9T, which is often used as a multimedia center or work tool, getting rid of intrusive notifications and background processes is a smart step to boost battery performance.
Basic configuration through the system menu
The first and most obvious step is to go to the native settings of the Google app itself, and that's where the master switch controls the assistant's activity, so you have to find the Google icon on the app list, go to the settings section, and select Google Assistant, and that's where the main switch is hidden, which puts the service into sleep mode.
Once you log into the Assistant menu, look for the tab “All Assistant Settings” or “Google Assistant Devices.” In this section, select your device, in this case Redmi 9T, and put the Google Assistant slider in an inactive position, which will prevent the Assistant from running through the “OK, Google” voice commands and, after a long push of the home button if the feature was active.
⚠️ Note: After these steps are completed, voice control may stop working in other applications that use the same. API Google, such as a Navigator or a Smart Home.
It’s worth noting that even after the main switch is turned off, some features may remain active in the background, such as music recognition or quick responses in instant messengers sometimes require additional manual deactivation in the respective subsections of the Google Settings menu.
Control of the power button and gestures
One of the most common reasons for unwittingly activating the assistant on the Xiaomi Redmi 9T is to set the power button. By default, in the MIUI shell, it is Google Assistant that causes long-term pressing of the power button, not the off menu. To change this behavior, go to the Settings section of your smartphone.
In the settings menu, look for “Advanced” or “Advanced Settings” and then select “On and Unlock button.” Here you will be prompted to select an action for long-term pressing. Switch the option from “Google Assistant” to “Switch off menu.” This will return the classic behavior of the smartphone, familiar to users of old phones.
- 🔘 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Activation button.
- 🔘 Select the option Long-Tap Option.
- 🔘 Set the value of the Off Menu instead of the Assistant.
- 🔘 Check the operation of the button with a short and long press.
In addition, Redmi 9T activates Activate from Lock Screen, allowing the Assistant to swipe from the bottom corner of the screen even when the phone is locked, and you can turn it off in the same Google Assistant settings by finding Lock Screen and removing the tick from the permission box.
☑️ Checking button settings
Disabling the widget and search bar
The Redmi 9T desktop often has a Google search bar by default, which is also the gateway to the Assistant. Clicking on the microphone in this line instantly activates voice input. To remove this element, click and hold your finger on the search bar until the edit menu appears, and select "Delete" or move the widget to the folder.
Also worth noting is the Google Discover screen, which swipes to the right of the home screen, which is tightly integrated with the assistant and offers tip cards. To turn it off, go to the settings of the Google widget on your desktop or to the general settings of Google and find the Overview switch, then deactivate it.
If standard means to remove the search bar fails, you can replace the launcher. Installing a third-party launcher, for example, Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, will allow you to completely customize the desktop and get rid of any intrusive elements of the interface MIUI and Google.
How to delete the search bar if it is not deleted?
Limitation of background activity and permissions
For those who want to maximize the impact and completely “sleep” the service, you need to limit its background activities. This will not only prevent accidental launches, but can positively affect the autonomy of the Redmi 9T. Go to Settings → Apps → All applications and find in the list of “Google”.
Inside the app menu, go to Permissions, where you revoke microphone, location, and contacts, without microphone access, voice commands can't be physically processed, and it's also helpful to turn off permission to display over other windows, which will prevent pop-up prompts.
| Parameter | Current status | Recommended action | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microphone | Permitted. | Banned | Turns off voice input. |
| Location | Permitted. | Banned | Hiding contextual clues |
| Over the other windows. | Permitted. | Banned | Removes pop-ups |
| Auto-start | Included. | Shut down. | Prevents the start of the loading |
Alternatively, in the same menu, find Battery or Energy Saving and select Background Activity Limitation or Severe Restriction mode, which will force the system to force Google to stop processes when you are not using them.
⚠️ Warning: Completely limiting background activity can cause weather or news widgets on the desktop to stop updating in real time.
Use of energy saving regimes
The Xiaomi Redmi 9T has a powerful battery, but MIUI’s power-saving modes can be a great tool for controlling applications. When you turn on Ultra mode or even standard Energy Saving mode, the system automatically restricts background processes, including Google services.
You can set this mode more flexibly. Go to Settings → Battery and click on the settings gear. Select "Apps in the background" and find Google. Set the "No Limits" limit only if you critically need it to work, otherwise leave the standard system limit.
- 🔋 Open the Battery settings in the main menu.
- 🔋 Click on the settings icon (cog) in the upper right corner.
- 🔋 Select the item "Applications in the background».
- 🔋 Find Google and set a limit on activity.
Using In-Aircraft mode also completely blocks the Assistant, as it requires an internet connection to function, but it is a radical method that shuts down all communications and is only suitable for situations where the phone is used as an offline player or alarm clock.
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Energy saving modes are an effective way to put the Assistant to sleep without deep system interference, but they can delay notifications.