How to completely disable Google Assistant on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro

Mediatek Helio G90T

Google Assistant

forever

Many guides offer only superficial solutions like disabling voice activation, but the Redmi Note 8 Pro requires a deeper approach. Depending on the version of MIUI (global, Chinese, custom firmware), the methods may differ. We will look at all the current methods, from standard settings to using ADB and modifying system files.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of your data. Disabling system components always carries risks, from accidental resetting of settings to complete failure of some features (such as Google Play Services).

1. Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

The safest, but also the most limited, method, which doesn't remove Google Assistant completely, but only minimizes its activity, and is suitable for users who don't want to risk the stability of the system.

Open Settings → Applications → App Management. In the search bar, type Google and select the Google Assistant app (could be simply called Google or Assist & Voice input). Click Disable - this will block background activity, but will not delete the assistant files.

Next, go to Settings → System and Device → Gestures and buttons → Home button. Here, turn off the Google Assistant option in Long Press. Now random activations through the Home button will stop.

• 🔹 Pros: does not require root rights, reversible, safe.
• ⚠️ Cons: Assistant will remain in the system and can be updated through Google Play.
• 📌 Note: on some versions MIUI The path may be different – look for the Special Opportunities section → Default applications.

⚠️ Note: If after disconnection in Settings → Google Accounts remain active, Assistant can restore their work after rebooting. To avoid this, temporarily delete your account (app data will be saved).

2.Removal of updates and rollback to the factory version

Google Assistant is often updated through Google Play, restoring remote features, so to prevent this from happening, you not only need to disable the application, but also return it to the factory version.

Go to Settings → Apps → Google (or Google Assistant). Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates. Confirm action. Now the assistant version will be the same as it was when you first turned on the phone — with minimal functionality.

To prevent automatic updates:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Find the Google app (not to be confused with Google Play Services!).
3. Press three points. → Turn off auto-update.

This method is effective but requires regular checks: after resetting settings or updating MIUI, the auto-update can be turned on again.

Make a backup copy of the data|Check the version. MIUI (global/Chinese)|Disable Auto Update in Google Play|Delete your Google account (optional)|Prepare the cable. USB for ADB-->

3. Complete removal via ADB (no root)

For those who are ready for more radical measures, but do not want to get root rights, the method using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) will be suitable, which will remove the system packages of Google Assistant without unlocking the bootloader, but will require a connection to a computer.

First, turn on the Developer Mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate Debugging over USB and Allow OEM unlocking (if any).

Now connect your phone to your PC, install ADB-tools, and execute commands in the terminal (command line):

adb devices


adb shell




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.googleassistant

These commands will delete Google Assistant packets for the current user (without affecting system files). Once the device is restarted, the assistant will disappear from the menu and stop consuming resources.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI after updating OTA Remote packets can recover. To avoid this, repeat the commands before updating. ADB or block system application updates through MIUI Optimization (requires root).

4 Radical removal through root rights

If you are willing to go to extreme lengths and you already have unlocked bootloader + root access (for example, through Magisk), you can delete Google Assistant at the system file level. This method is guaranteed to get rid of the assistant forever, but requires caution.

Install any root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer) and follow the following steps:

1. Go to /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
2. Find and delete folders: GoogleQuickSearchBox Velvet (if any) GoogleAssistant (on some firmware)

/data/data/

Reset the device.

For reliability, it is also recommended to freeze the remaining components via Magisk or Titanium Backup, which will prevent them from recovering during updates.

Warning: Removing system applications can result in bootloop (a looped boot) or loss of functionality (e.g. Google Pay will stop working).Always have custom recovery (e.g. TWRP) on hand to restore the backup.

5. Disconnection through MIUI Optimization (for experienced)

MIUI firmware has a hidden MIUI Optimization feature that allows you to deeply customize system processes, which can block the auto-run of Google Assistant and related services.

To access these settings:

1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
2. Find MIUI Optimization (or Security Center) in the app.
3. Open the Autostart section and disable Autostart for: Google Google Play Services (caution!) Android System Intelligence

Also, MIUI Optimization can disable Google App Suggestions and Device Personalization Services, which will reduce background activity.

💡

If Gmail or YouTube stops sending notifications after you turn off autoplay, return your settings for Google Play Services to their original state, which is critical for most Google apps.

6.Alternative firmware: complete freedom from Google

If you're fed up with not only Google Assistant, but other MIUI system limitations, consider installing custom firmware without Google services (GApps-free).

• 🔄 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary services.
• 🛡️ GrapheneOS – firmware with a focus on privacy (requires unlocking the bootloader).
• 📱 Havoc-OS or Pixel Experience – with a minimum set of Google services.

Installation of custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader (officially via the Mi Unlock Tool).
2. TWRP or other recovery installations.
3. Format the data section (full reset!).

The advantage of this method is that you get full control of the device and get rid of not only the Assistant, but also other unnecessary services (Mi Analytics, Xiaomi Cloud, etc.).

💡

Custom firmware is the only way to permanently get rid of Google Assistant and other system restrictions, but it requires technical skills and lacks warranty.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience problems after trying to remove Google Assistant, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔧 "Google has stopped, which means that the critical component has been removed. Restore com.google.android.gms via Google. ADB or re-flash the device.
• 🔄 The assistant comes back after OTA-Update - before updating MIUI always follow commands ADB Re-update or disable auto-update system applications.
• 📵 Push notifications are not working — check if Google Play Services is disabled. Enable auto-run for this application in the app. MIUI Optimization.
• 🔒 Blocked Mi Account after reset – if you deleted your Google account but left a link to Xiaomi Account, after reset, you may need confirmation.

If the phone stopped loading after manipulation, use Fastboot mode and run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Recovery instructions can be found on the XDA-Developers forum.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, an attempt to remove system applications through ADB or root can cause hard brick (irreparable damage).Always check the status of the bootloader with the command fastboot oem device-info before experimenting.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions