Why Xiaomi users want to get rid of Google Assistant
Googleβs voice assistant is so deeply integrated into MIUI firmware that even after manually shutting down, it continues to consume resources in the background. According to XDA Developers tests, on Xiaomi Android 12+ devices, com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox can consume up to 150 MB of RAM and 3% of charge per day β even if youβve never used voice commands. Reasons for deactivation range from banal (βintrusive notificationsβ) to critical:
First, on devices with 4-6 GB of Google RAM, the Assistant can cause slowdowns when multitasking, especially if MIUI Optimization and Mi Cloud background processes are working simultaneously. Second, the Assistant collects data about your actions - from search history to geolocation, which contradicts the privacy policy of many users. Finally, on budget models (Redmi 9A, Poco M3), constant service activity reduces battery life by 10-20%.
In this article, weβll look at all the current ways to disable, from standard settings to hidden ADB commands that work even on the latest versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS. Importantly, some methods require superuser rights (root), but weβll also point out alternatives for clean devices.
Method 1: Standard Disconnection through MIUI settings
The easiest way that works for 90 percent of users is to deactivate through the settings menu, and it doesn't delete the app completely, but it stops most of the background processes. MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- In the search bar, type in Google and select Google Assistant (or Google App on some firmware).
- Click Disable (if the button is inactive β tap Stop first).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After that:
- π Voice activation will disappear on the command "OK, Google".
- π± Notifications from the assistant will stop coming.
- β οΈ But: com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox background processes may continue to work.
βοΈ What to check after disconnection
To stop the service completely, go to Settings β Accounts and Sync β Google β Google Account Settings β Services β Search, Assistant and Voice Input and turn off all the switches. This path works on Xiaomi 11T, Redmi Note 10 Pro and newer models.
β οΈ Note: Some of the updates after the update MIUI Check the status of the Assistant after each major update.
Method 2: Disconnect via ADB (without root)
If the standard method does not help, use it. ADB-commands -- they block the Assist from starting at the system level, and this method doesn't require superuser rights, but it does:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- π± Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Tap 7 times, then return to the additional β For developers β Debugging by USB).
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
Steps:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and enter in the terminal:
adb devices(Your device should appear. If not, confirm the debugging on your phone screen.)
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.apps.googleassistantThese commands completely block the launch of the Assistant, including:
- π€ Voice activation.
- π Integration with Google Search.
- π Background processes (savings up to 200 MB of RAM).
π‘
If the Assistant still starts after completing the commands, check for updates to the Google app in the Play Market. ADB-lockdown.
To get it back, use:
adb shell pm enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
adb shell pm enable com.google.android.apps.googleassistantMethod 3: Removal via Magisk (root required)
If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, you can remove the Assistant permanently, which is suitable for advanced users, since it requires:
- π Unlocked bootloader (instructions for Xiaomi are on the official website).
- π¦ Installed by Magisk (version 25.0)+).
- π οΈ Universal SafetyNet Fix (to keep banking apps from flying).
Instructions:
- Download the Disable Google Assistant module for Magisk.
- Install it through the Magisk app (Modules β Install from storage).
- Reset the device.
The module does the following:
| Action. | The effect |
|---|---|
| Delete com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox | Voice activation and search bar disappear on the home screen |
| Blocks com.google.android.apps.googleassistant | All Assistant features, including Google Lens integration, are no longer working |
| Disable the Velvet service | Data collection on user actions is stopped |
| Cleaning the cache of Google Services Framework | Removed βghostβ processes that consume RAM |
β οΈ Note: On some HyperOS firmware, the module may conflict with MiuiOptimization. If lags occur after installation, disable optimization MIUI developer-setting.
Method 4: Manual removal of system APKs (for experienced)
This is the most radical and only suitable if you are prepared for possible system failures. We will delete key files of the Assistant via TWRP or Root Explorer. On devices with HyperOS 1.0+, this method can lead to bootloop if you do not follow the sequence.
Required files for deletion:
/system/priv-app/Velvet/
/system/priv-app/GoogleQuickSearchBox/
/system/app/GoogleAssistant/
/data/data/com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/
/data/data/com.google.android.apps.googleassistant/Procedure:
- Create a backup copy through TWRP (Backup β System).
- Use Root Explorer or Adb Shell with Superuser Rights.
- Delete the folders listed above.
- Clean the cache and Dalvik-cache in TWRP (Wipe β Advanced Wipe).
- Reset the device.
After removal:
- β Google Now integration and voice commands will disappear.
- β Free up to 300-500 MB of space in memory.
- β οΈ Some Google Play Services features will stop working (for example, automatic contact sync).
What to do if a bootloop occurs after removal?
Method 5: Alternative launchers and workarounds
If you don't want to go through the system files, you can just hide the Assistant from everyday use.
- Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).
- In the launcher settings, turn off Google Discover (swipe left on the home screen).
- Replace the Google search widget with any other one (e.g., Sesame Search).
You can also turn off voice launch through:
- π Settings β Special facilities β Gesture management β Voice Assistant (disable Google Assistant).
- π± Settings β Lock screen β Voice assistant (set "No").
This method does not physically remove the Assistant, but makes it invisible in everyday use, and is suitable for users who want to keep the functionality of Google Play Services but get rid of the intrusive assistant interface.
π‘
Alternative launchers are the only way to disable the Assistant without risking the system, but they donβt solve the problem of background resource consumption.
What happens if you completely remove Google Assistant?
Deactivating or removing the assistant completely has both pros and cons. Here's what's going to change:
| Consequence | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomy | Increase in working hours by 10-20% | Some apps (like Google Maps) may be slower |
| Productivity | Free up to 500 MB of RAM | There may be a problem when using Google services. |
| Confidentiality | Data collection on voice commands and actions is stopped | Some features (such as Gmailβs Smart Reply) will no longer work. |
| Functionality | Intrusive notifications disappear | Voice search on YouTube and Google Photos will not work |
On HyperOS devices, removing the Assistant completely can cause Mi Share and Quick Apps to crash, as these features are partly dependent on Google Play Services. If youβre actively using the Xiaomi ecosystem (smartwatches, speakers), itβs best to limit yourself to the new features. ADB-method or disconnection through settings.