Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
mido
Google Assistant
completely disable the voice assistant
Many Redmi Note 4 owners are facing a problem: even after the switch-off, Assistant continues to work through the Hold the Home button gesture or the voice command "OK, Google." The reason is the deep integration of the service into MIUI and Android firmware. We tested 5 working methods - from simple to radical - and detailed each so that you can choose the best option.
Important: Some methods require a superuser or PC connection. If you're not prepared for this kind of manipulation, start with the first two methods, which are secure and don't require technical skills.
1. disable Google Assistant via MIUI settings
The easiest way is to deactivate the assistant in standard settings, which is suitable for users who have Redmi Note 4 running MIUI 9-14 without custom firmware.
Go to:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → All applicationsSearch the Google list (not to be confused with Google Play Services!) and follow these steps:
- 🔍 Tap on the Google app → select Notifications → Turn off all switches.
- 🔄 Go back and press the Warehouse. → Clear the data and clear the cache.
- 🚫 In the Permissions section, disable access to microphone, camera and contacts.
- 🔕 At the bottom of the page, click Disable (if the button is active).
This method does not remove the Assistant completely, but blocks its background activity and access to key functions. After restarting the smartphone, check if the assistant stops working on voice commands or holding the Home button.
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If Google Assistant is still activated after disabling Google, try removing Google app updates through the same Storage → Remove Updates section. This will reset it to a factory version that is less intrusive.
2. Deactivation of voice control "OK, Google"
Voice activation is one of the most annoying functions of the Assistant, and you can turn it off separately, even if you need the assistant for other tasks.
Do the following:
- Open the Google app (the icon with the letter G on a colored background).
- Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner → Settings → Voice search.
- Select the Voice Assistant → Okay Google.
- Turn off all switches in the Voice Activation section.
If there is no OK Google option, then the function is already disabled or your version of MIUI is blocking access to these settings, in which case the ADB method (described below) will help.
3. Disconnection via ADB (no root)
If standard methods don’t work, try disabling Assistant with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), an official tool from Google that doesn’t require superuser rights.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB smartphone.
Steps:
- Download and install ADB Tools.
- Connect Redmi Note 4 to the PC and allow debugging (a request will appear on the smartphone screen).
- Open the command prompt (or Terminal) and type: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox This command removes the Assistant only for the current user without affecting system files.
- Reset the device.
USB | Installed drivers Xiaomi|Scanned ADB Tools|Switched to PC|Access to debugging-->
⚠️ Note: After the Google Play Services update, Assistant may return.To avoid this, disable the automatic update for the Google app in the Play Store.
4. Removal via TWRP (root required)
For users with an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP installed, there is a radical way to physically delete the Assistant system files, a method that guarantees the assistant is permanently deleted, but requires caution.
Instructions:
- Download to TWRP Recovery (hold Power + Volume Up when you turn on).
- Select Advanced → File Manager.
- Go to the folder. /system/priv-app/ and remove: 🗑️ Velvet (Main Package of Assistant). 🗑️ GoogleQuickSearchBox (voice search).
Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache
Reboot your smartphone.
⚠️ Note: Deleting system files can lead to unstable work MIUI. Before manipulation, make a backup copy through TWRP → Backup!
What if Google Services stopped working after deleting?
5. Alternative method: replacement of launcher
If the Assistant is activated by holding the Home button, the problem may be in the standard MIUI launcher.
- 📱 Nova Launcher (configurable, no ads).
- 📱 Lawnchair (lightweight, with gesture support).
- 📱 Hyperion Launcher (optimized for Xiaomi).
After installation:
- Open the launcher settings.
- Find the Gestures or Button Actions section.
- Assign another action to hold Home (for example, opening the application menu or voice search through Yandex).
This method does not remove the Assistant, but makes it inaccessible through the hardware button, while voice activation (OK, Google) will remain active – it must be disabled separately (see Method 2).
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Difficulty | Need root? | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection in settings | ⭐ | ❌ No. | Medium (blocks part of the functions) | Low. |
| Deactivation of "OK, Google" | ⭐ | ❌ No. | High (voice only) | Low. |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | High (removes for the user) | Medium (can return after the update) |
| Removal via TWRP | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | Absolute (removes forever) | High (risk of instability) |
| Replacement of launcher | ⭐ | ❌ No. | Partial (Home button only) | Low. |
For most Redmi Note 4 users, the best solution is a combination of Method 1 (settings) + Method 2 (disabling voice activation). If this does not help, go to ADB. The method with TWRP is recommended only for advanced users who are ready for potential problems.
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On the Redmi Note 4 with MIUI 10+ firmware, Google Assistant can automatically turn on after resetting. To avoid this, pre-reset the ADB command to remove it.
Frequent problems and solutions
When you turn off Google Assistant, Redmi Note 4 users face typical difficulties, and we have collected the most common ways to solve them:
- 🔄 Assistant Returns After Update: Disable Automatic Update for Google App in Play Store → Settings → Auto-update → Not update.
- 🔊 Voice activation does not turn off: Check Google's settings → Voice search → Match on device (backup recognition may be enabled).
- 🔧 Home button fails to respond after launcher change: Reset gesture settings in launcher or return standard MIUI Launcher.
- ⚠️ The smartphone stopped loading after deleting files in TWRP: Restore deleted folders from the backup or re-flash MIUI via Fastboot.
If none of the methods worked, check if your Redmi Note 4 has custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that can be integrated differently, so you need to find a solution for a specific build.