How to permanently disable Google Assistant on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is a popular smartphone with a pre-installed Google Assistant, which many users consider unnecessary.This voice assistant not only consumes battery power in the background, but also collects data about your requests, which raises questions about privacy. Unlike the new Xiaomi models with MIUI 14+, where the shutdown is simplified, on the Redmi 8 Pro (with MIUI 11/12 based on Android 9/10), the process requires additional manipulation.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods – from standard settings to deep system changes with the help of the help of the system. ADB. You will learn how to remove the Assistant without root rights, what restrictions it imposes, and what to do if it continues to start after reset. MIUI.

Why Google Assistant is not disabled through standard settings?

On the Redmi 8 Pro (model M1906G7G), Google has integrated the assistant at the firmware level. Even if you turn it off in the app menu, the system can:

  • 🔄 Automatically restart the service after restarting or updating.
  • 📱 Use resources to process voice commands through Google Play Services.
  • 🔋 Consume before 5-7% Charges per day when using other Google services (e.g. Google Search or Maps).

The problem is that MIUI (Even in the global version, it does not provide full control over system applications. → Annexes → Application management → Google will see a gray switchboard called "Disable" that is inactive, and that's because of Google's policy for devices with services. GMS (Google Mobile Services).

⚠️ Note: On the Chinese versions of the Redmi 8 Pro (without the GMS) Google Assistant is missing initially, and if you see it, it means it's been modified or installed globally. MIUI.

Method 1: Disconnect via Google Settings (partial)

This method won’t remove the Assistant completely, but it will stop its background and remove voice activation, which is suitable for users who want to save other Google features (such as Search or Maps).

  1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter "G" on a color background).
  2. Slip on your avatar in the upper right corner → Settings → Google Assistant.
  3. Scroll down and select General Settings → turn off the Google Assistant switch.
  4. Go back and go to voice input. → Turn off Google and Voice Match.

After that, the assistant will no longer respond to voice commands, but its processes (com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox) will still hang in memory.

  • 📊 Open the Settings. → Battery and productivity → Battery utilization.
  • 🔍 Find Google or Assistant if the cost is higher 1-2%, method didn't work.

💡

If the Assistant is activated again after disabling, clear the cache of the Google app in Settings → Apps → App Management → Google → Storage → Clear the cache.

Method 2: Complete disabling via ADB (no root)

To completely remove Google Assistant without superuser rights, you will need an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method that works on Redmi 8 Pro with any version of MIUI, but requires a connection to a computer.

What you need:

  • 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Xiaomi drivers.
  • 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
  • 📦 ADB Tools by Google.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
  2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
  3. Connect the phone to the PC, select File Transfer mode and confirm debugging permission.
  4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
  5. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

Once executed, the Assistant will be completely disabled for your user (but not removed from the system).

adb shell pm enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Download ADB Tools and unpack in a separate folder |Enable developer mode on your phone | Connect your phone in File Transfer mode |Allow debugging over USB in a pop-up window-->

Method 3: Remove via Magisk (root required)

If you have Magisk installed on your Redmi 8 Pro (or are ready to install it), you can delete the Assistant permanently, including system files, which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and risks disrupting other Google services.

Advantages of the method:

  • ✅ Complete removal of all traces of the Assistant.
  • ✅ Release prior to release 150-200 MBT memory.
  • ✅ Absence of background processes.

Instructions:

  1. Install Magisk Manager and get root rights.
  2. Download the Universal Google Assistant Remover (check compatibility with your version of Android!).
  3. Install the module via Magisk and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: After removing the Assistant via root, you may stop working: Voice search in Google Search, some features in Google Maps (for example, voice navigation), security updates through Google Play Services. TWRP before removal!

Yes, constantly |Only for specific tasks |No, I'm afraid to break the phone |Tryed, but returned to stock firmware-->

Method 4: Disconnecting with Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools

For users who do not want to manually enter ADB-Teams, there is a convenient utility - Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools. It automates the process and allows you to disable not only the Assistant, but also other unnecessary system applications.

How to use:

  1. Download the tool with XDA Developers.
  2. Connect Redmi 8 Pro to your PC in ADB mode (as in Method 2).
  3. Run XiaomiADBFastbootTools.exe and select Debloat.
  4. In the list, find Google Assistant and tick.
  5. Press Uninstall Selected and confirm the action.
MethodRoot is required.Removes completelyRisk to the systemRecovery
Standard settings❌ No.❌ Partially.⚠️ Low.Easy (insert back)
ADB (no root)❌ No.✅ Yes, for the user)⚠️ Medium.Pm enable command
Magisk (root)✅ Yes.✅ Yes (full)❗ High-pitchedFlashing or backup
Xiaomi ADB Tools❌ No.✅ Yes, for the user)⚠️ Medium.Through the utility

Method 5: Firewall Block (without deletion)

If you don’t want to delete the Assistant but want to block its access to the Internet, use a firewall to prevent data from being sent to Google’s servers and reduce battery consumption.

Lockdown applications:

  • 🛡️ NetGuard (no root, but more efficient with root).
  • 🔒 AFWall+ (root-only).
  • 🌐 Blokada (blocking at the level) DNS).

How to set up in NetGuard:

  1. Install NetGuard from Google Play.
  2. Open the app and find it in the list of Google and Google Play Services.
  3. Disable Wi-Fi and Mobile Data access for both applications.
  4. Save the settings and restart the phone.
What happens if you block Google Play Services?
Blocking Google Play Services can disrupt many applications, including: 📍 Google Maps (will not determine location). 🎮 Games with authorization through Google. 🔄 Automatic contact and calendar sync: We recommend blocking only com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox (Assistant) and not all Google services!

What if the Assistant returns after the MIUI update?

After updating Google's MIUI firmware, the Assistant can automatically recover, because the system checks the integrity of system applications and restores remote components to prevent this from happening:

  1. Turn off automatic MIUI update: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Tap three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Turn off Automatic Boot over Wi-Fi.

Use Magisk to protect against recovery:

  • Install Universal SafetyNet Fix (if Magisk is used).
  • Activate DenyList in Magisk and add Google Play Services to the block list.
  • Remove the updates for the Google app: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox Repeat this command after each MIUI update.