How to permanently disable “OK Google” on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Google’s OK Google voice assistant may be useful, but not all Xiaomi users like it constantly: It consumes battery power, collects data about your queries, and sometimes works randomly — for example, when you watch videos or talk on the phone. If you want to completely disable the voice assistant on your Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphone, this article will help you do it right.

Depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the device model, the process may differ.We will look at all the current methods, from standard settings to hidden settings and ADB commands.You will also learn how to turn off constant listening to the microphone in the background – this is especially important for those who are worried about privacy.

Why Google is working on Xiaomi, even if you didn’t include it

Many users are surprised to find that the voice assistant is active on their Xiaomi, even though they never set it up.

• 🔧 MIUI automatically integrates Google services – even if you don’t use them explicitly, some features (such as search or maps) can activate the assistant.
• 📱 The manufacturer preinstalles the Google app – it is responsible not only for search, but also for voice commands, and often works in the background.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI You can reset your settings – after upgrading, OK Google sometimes turns on again, even if you’ve disabled it before.

In addition, on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) voice search is activated by double pressing the power button – this feature can also be (and should be) disabled separately.

Method 1: Disconnect via Google Settings (the easiest method)

If you need to quickly and safely deactivate your voice assistant, start with this method.It works on all Xiaomi devices with the Google app installed (even if it is hidden in the folder).

1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter “G” on a color background).

This method doesn't remove the Google app, but stops listening to the microphone in the background. However, on some MIUI firmware, the assistant can be activated again after the reboot. If it does, move on to the next method.

Close all apps and say OK Google – there should be no reaction.|

Check that there is no microphone icon in the status bar |

Make sure to Settings → Apps → Google → Permissions disabled access to the microphone |

Restart your phone and repeat the test.-->

Method 2: Deactivation via MIUI settings (for all versions)

MIUI 12/13/14 has hidden options that allow you to disable voice commands at the system level, a method that is more effective than simply turning off the Google app, as it blocks the activation of the assistant through gestures and buttons.

Follow the instructions:

1. Open Settings → System and device → Gestures and buttons.
2. Select the Power button (or Double Press, depending on the model).
3. Turn off the option of Voice Assistant or Google Assistant Activation.
4. Go back to the basic settings and go to Apps → App Management → Google.
5. Select Permissions and disable access to the Microphone.
6. To completely lock, tap the battery and select Limit background activity.

After that, OK Google won't work on voice command or button press, but Google will stay on the system -- if you want to remove it completely, read the next section.

Method 3: Remove the Google App (power users only)

If you don’t use Google services (search, maps, Gmail), you can completely uninstall the app that handles the voice assistant, a radical method that is only suitable for those who are prepared for possible consequences (for example, broken updates to some applications).

Warning: This method requires unlocking the bootloader and root rights! Without them, you can't delete system applications.

⚠️ Note: Deleting Google’s app may cause Play Market, YouTube and other services to crash, and some system components may stop updating!

Instructions for users with root rights:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/Velvet (or /system/app/GoogleQuickSearchBox on older versions).
3. Delete the Velvet folder or rename it to Velvet.bak.
4. Reset the device.

If you have problems with the Play Market after uninstalling, try installing a lightweight version of Google Play Services via APKMirror. Alternatively, use ADB to disable the application without uninstalling (see Method 4).

Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (without root but with PC)

If you don’t want root rights, but you need deep shutdown of OK Google, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that allows you to block the application at the system level without removing it.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).

Steps to shut down:

1. Connect the phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
2. Enter the command: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Execute: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox This command disables the Google app responsible for voice search.
4. To disable Google Play Services (optional if you want to block background activity): adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gms ⚠️ Note: Disabling Google Play Services may disrupt some apps (such as YouTube or Gmail) and use this command only if you understand the risks!
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

Once you reboot, OK, Google will be completely deactivated. To get it back, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

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If ADB doesn’t recognize your device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers via the Mi Flash Tool or using Universal ADB Drivers. Also check that the developer settings include Allow Debugging over USB (Safe Mode).

Method 5: Using third-party apps to lock the microphone

If you need to temporarily shut off the OK Google microphone (for example, during an important conversation), you can use specialized utilities that do not remove the assistant, but block it on demand.

The best applications for this task:

• 🛡️ Bouncer temporarily blocks permissions (such as a microphone) and automatically restores them after the application is closed.

Instructions for App Ops:

1. Install the application and give it access through ADB (Command: adb shell pm grant com.kk.appops android.permission.GET_APP_OPS_STATS).
2. Open App Ops and find the Google app.
3. Turn off the microphone's resolution.
4. Reboot the phone.

This method doesn't remove OK Google, but it makes it inoperable until you get back permission, and it's suitable for those who want to control access to the microphone selectively.

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Third-party microphone locking apps are a good option if you don't want to interfere with system files but need extra privacy.However, they require regular updates and may conflict with some versions of MIUI.

What to do if Google is still working?

If after all the manipulations the voice assistant continues to activate, check the following points:

1. MIUI Updates: After the system upgrade, some settings are reset. Repeat the shutdown via Google and ADB Settings.
2. Third-party launchers: Some shells (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion) have built-in voice command support. Check their settings.
3. Xiaomi apps: Voice search can be integrated into Mi Browser, Mi Video or Mi Music, and turn it off in the settings of each app.
4. Factory Reset: If nothing helps, perform a hard reset (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset) and repeat the shutdown before installing apps.

It’s also worth checking if your phone has viruses or spyware that can mimic the work of OK Google, and scan the device using Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shutting down OK Google on Xiaomi