Today’s Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are powered by Android, which is deeply integrated with Google’s services. One of the most notable features is the voice assistant activated by the phrase “OK, Google,” which allows you to control your device, run apps, and search the Internet without touching your screen, which is incredibly convenient in situations where your hands are busy.
But the constant tapping of the microphone can be a concern for privacy-conscious users, or simply annoying those who accidentally activate the assistant in their pocket. In addition, the background work of Google Assistant consumes battery power, albeit slightly, but in the long run it can affect the autonomy of the device, which is why the question of how to deactivate this option remains relevant for many owners.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways to disable the voice assistant in detail, and we will look at the standard system settings, the parameters of the Google app itself, as well as the nuances associated with the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS. You will be able to choose the method that is suitable for your smartphone model and software version.
Why you should turn off the voice assistant
The main reason users are looking for a way to turn off OK Google on Xiaomi is to increase their personal security. The voice assistant is constantly listening to the environment, waiting for a key phrase, which theoretically creates a vulnerability to data leakage. Although Google claims a high level of encryption, the fact that the sound background is constantly recorded and analyzed does not seem acceptable to everyone.
The second important aspect is optimizing device resources. Google Assistant is not just a background process, but a complex algorithm that uses neural networks to recognize speech. On low-end models of Redmi or POCO with limited RAM, this can lead to micro-latency in the interface or faster battery discharge in standby mode.
Also worth mentioning is the problem of random activation: A smartphone can respond to similar-sounding words from conversations, TV shows, or advertisements by suddenly turning on and executing commands, which not only distracts, but can lead to missteps, such as sending messages or running unnecessary apps.
- 🔒 Increased privacy: microphone stops constantly scanning space for trigger phrases.
- 🔋 Charge savings: Reducing background activity of the processor and communication modules prolongs battery life.
- 📱 False positives: The phone stops responding to extraneous sounds and random commands.
By disabling this feature, you regain full control of your device. It’s important to understand that deactivating OK Google doesn’t remove the Google Assistant service itself completely — you can all use it, but only on explicit request (like a long push of a button or a swipe), not by voice command.
Basic settings through the Google app
The most correct and formal way to manage voice assistant is directly in the Google app, which is where the basic settings for speech recognition and voice activation are stored. Before making changes, make sure you have the latest version of the app installed from the Play Market store.
To start, open the Google app on your Xiaomi smartphone. In the upper right corner of the screen, you'll see a round avatar of your profile or a letter corresponding to your account name. Click on it to open the menu. In the list that opens, select Settings, and then go to Google Assistant.
Inside the assistant menu, find the "Hey Google and Voice Match" subsection (in Russian localization it can be called "OK Google and Voice Match"). This is where the "OK Google" switch is responsible for activating the listening function. Transfer the slider to "Off" position. The system can request confirmation of the action, warning that voice control will be unavailable.
⚠️ Warning: After disabling this option, the smartphone will cease to respond to voice commands in standby mode. To call the assistant, you will have to use a long press of the power button or a swipe from the corner of the screen, unless these functions are disabled separately.
If you use multiple languages or profiles, make sure that settings are applied to your main account.In some cases, you need to reboot your Xiaomi device to make the changes take effect at the system level and stop showing voice readiness notifications.
Disconnection through Xiaomi system settings
The MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have their own voice controls that can duplicate or supplement Google’s settings. Depending on the firmware version, the path to the desired parameters may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same.
Go to the main settings menu of your smartphone. Find the "Additional settings" or "Extended settings" section. You should look for "Language and input." Inside this menu, select "Voice input" or "Google voice input." By clicking on the gear settings next to the active engine, you will be taken to the menu where you can turn off "OK Google" recognition.
Also worth checking is the Google section in the basic settings of the system. Scroll down to the Google Account Services block and select Search, Assistant and Google Lens. Next, click Google Assistant and find the OK Google switch. This is a path that is often found on global firmware devices.
| Parameter | Where to find out. | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Okay Google. | Google Appendix → Settings | Off. |
| Google Assistant | Settings → Google → Settings | If you wish, |
| Voice input | Settings → Language and input | If you wish, |
| Access from the lock screen | Assistant settings | Off. |
Remember that after the Xiaomi system update, some settings may reset to factory values. Check these settings periodically, especially after major security updates or a change in the Android version.
Adjusting access from the lock screen
Special attention should be paid to the function of accessing the assistant from a locked screen. Even if you have disabled voice activation "OK Google", the assistant itself can open with a long press of the home button or a swipe, which is not always convenient and safe if the phone is on the table.
To deny access to Google Assistant without unlocking your device, go back to the Assistant settings. Find the "Blocking Phone" or "Personal Results" section. There's the "Allow Personal Results on Locked Screen" switch. Disabling this setting will hide your personal information (calendar, reminders, photos) when you call the Assistant.
In addition, Xiaomi's security settings (Passwords and Security) can set the button response. If you have a smartphone without a physical home button, check your gesture settings. Often, the assistant's launch is tied to a swipe from the bottom corner of the screen. This feature can be reassigned or disabled in the Full Screen Mode or Gesture Management section.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling access from the lock screen completely improves security, but it prevents you from quickly asking a question or setting a timer without unlocking your phone with a fingerprint or password.
For maximum privacy, it is also recommended to disable the display of voice search history, this is done in the "Your data in the Assistant" section within the settings of the Google application, where you can delete all accumulated history and prevent it from saving in the future.
Microphone and permission management
Deep customization involves working with app permissions. Even if OK Google is turned off, Google's app can have permission to use the microphone in the background. Limiting that right is a radical but effective way to ensure silence.
Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Go to Google. Go to Application Permissions. Select Microphone. Here you will see three options: Permitted, Requested and Forbidden. Choosing Forbidden will completely disable the ability to record audio for the searcher.
However, the consequences of such a step should be considered: If the microphone is banned, voice search in the Chrome browser (if it uses system input), voice recorder (if it is a Google system application) and the ability to dictate text in messengers through the Gboard keyboard, if it is tied to system services will cease to work.
☑️ Checking privacy settings
A more flexible option is to use the Request mode, in which case every time the Google app tries to turn on the microphone, the MIUI or HyperOS system will show a permission pop-up, which will allow you to monitor each activation case.
Alternatives and Replacement of Voice Control
After disabling the standard assistant, many users are thinking about how to replace its functionality. In the ecosystem Xiaomi has its own voice assistant – Xiao AI (in global versions often unavailable or limited) or Google Assistant in manual mode.
If you need voice navigation, it’s best to use specialized applications like Yandex.Navigator or Google Maps, which have their own voice control settings inside the app, independent of the system “OK Google”, which allows you to maintain convenience, but limit the listening area only to the map service.
For users who value privacy, there are alternative open source assistants that don’t send data to corporate servers, but integrating them with Xiaomi Android smartphones requires technical knowledge and additional software installation, which can be difficult for the average user.
Can I remove the Google app completely?
It's important to understand the difference between disabling word activation and completely removing service. Disabling OK Google doesn't break the search bar or other Google services, it just takes away the constant listening feature. It's the optimal balance between functionality and privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the “OK Google” shutdown affect the voice recorder?
Can I turn off only the Russian language of recognition?
Will the battery be saved after shutdown?
What if the “OK Google” setting doesn’t turn off?
Does Google OK work in flight mode?
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Disabling the voice assistant is a balance between convenience and privacy, and you can completely remove the listening feature, while still allowing the assistant to be called manually for rare tasks.
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To quickly check if your phone is listening to you, you can temporarily turn on the microphone access indicator (the green dot in the corner of the screen), which appears in Android 12 and above when any application with a microphone is running.