If you are the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone, you probably noticed in the list of applications Google Assistant β voice assistant from Google, which is integrated into the firmware. MIUI. Many users are wondering what kind of service it is, why it takes up space in memory, and most importantly, whether it can be deleted or at least disabled if it is not needed?
In this article, we will take a closer look at how Google Assistant interacts with Xiaomi devices, what functions it performs, and how to deactivate it, from simple shutdown to complete removal (including root methods), and consider the hidden consequences of deleting for the system and alternative solutions if you only need individual assistant features.
Itβs important to understand that Xiaomi works closely with Google, and many system applications (including Google Play Services) depend on the assistant components, so itβs worth weighing the pros and cons before any manipulation.
What is Google Assistant and why is it necessary for Xiaomi?
Google Assistant is a voice assistant from Google that can perform tasks on voice commands, from searching the Internet to managing a smart home. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is preinstalled as part of Google Mobile Services (GMS), Without which the device will not be able to fully work with Play Market, Gmail and other applications.
The main features of Google Assistant on Xiaomi:
- π Voice search β quick access to information without manual input.
- π Managing calendar and reminders β creating events, alarm clocks.
- π΅ Control multimedia β launching music, videos on YouTube.
- π Smart Home Integration β Managing Devices through Google Home.
- π± System commands β Opening applications, changing settings (for example, turning on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi).
However, not all users actively use voice assistant, many prefer alternatives like Alice from Yandex or do without them, in which case Google Assistant becomes an extra ballast consuming resources:
- π Background activity β the assistant can start spontaneously, consuming battery power.
- πΎ Occupied space - the app weighs ~100-200 MB plus cache and updates.
- π Updates through Play Market β Even if you donβt use it, it updates automatically.
Google Assistant also collects data about your requests for personalization, which can be a concern for privacy-conscious users.
Can you remove Google Assistant from Xiaomi: official restrictions
The short answer is that you can't completely remove Google Assistant without root rights. It's a system application that's protected against uninstallation by standard Android tools. There are several ways to disable or restrict it.
Xiaomi, like other manufacturers, is required to include Google services in firmware because of licensing agreements, and removing key components could lead to:
- π« Play Market Errors β Some Apps Will Stop Updating.
- β οΈ Synchronization failures β problems with Gmail, Google Drive, Photos.
- π§ Google Certification Violation β Your device may lose access to certain features (e.g. Google Pay).
However, if you are willing to sacrifice some functionality, you can take drastic measures. Below we will look at all the options available, from safe to extreme.
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI European and global markets (EEA/Global ROM) Deleting Google Assistant may result in loss of warranty in Chinese versions (China) ROM) It is not available at first, but Google is not available at all.
How to disable Google Assistant on Xiaomi without root rights
If you don't have to remove the assistant permanently, but you just have to deactivate its functions, use these methods. They're safe and they don't require special knowledge.
Method 1: Disconnecting through Google Settings
The easiest way is to block the assistant from accessing the microphone and notifications:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find Google (not Google Assistant!) and select it.
- Go to Permissions and turn off the Microphone, Camera, Notifications.
- Go back and click Disable (if the button is active).
Method 2: Removing updates
Google Assistant is updated through the Play Market, but the basic version is embedded to return it:
- Open the Play Market and search for Google Assistant.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
- Then go to Settings. β Annexes β Google Assistant and click Stop.
Method 3: Disabling voice activation
If you are annoyed by the accidental operation of the assistant (for example, by the phrase βOK, Googleβ), turn it off:
- Start Google Assistant (hold the Home button or say βOK, Googleβ).
- Click on the profile icon in the upper right corner β Settings.
- Choose Google Assistant β Settings β Voice assistant.
- Turn off the option of OK Google.
These methods will not remove the app completely, but will minimize its activity.
Disable permissions (microphone, camera)
Remove updates through Play Market
Stop the application in the settings
Turn off voice activation (OK, Google)
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How to Remove Google Assistant from Xiaomi ADB (rootless)
If standard methods do not help, you can go further and uninstall updates system way through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This doesnβt require root rights, but it will require connecting your smartphone to your computer.
Advantages of the method:
- β Does not violate the warranty (unless you use the root).
- β Returns the basic version of the assistant that can be disabled.
- β Does not break the work of other Google services.
Instructions:
- Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
- On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the Build Number in Settings) β The phone).
- Enable USB debugging in Settings β Additional β For developers.
- Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.googleassistantOnce you execute the command, Google Assistant will disappear from the list of applications, but its basic version will remain in the system (it can be disabled as described above).
β οΈ Note: After restarting or updating MIUI To avoid this, block its updates in the Play Market (click on three dots) β Cancel the update).
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If the adb command doesn't work, check if drivers are installed for your Xiaomi device. Windows may need to be manually installed through Device Manager.
Google Assistant Removal: Methods for Advanced Users
If you're willing to take drastic measures and have experience with Android, you can delete Google Assistant forever.
Method 1: Remove via Magisk (with root rights)
If you already have a root, use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer):
- Open the manager and go to /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
- Find folders with names: Velvet (the main component of the assistant), Google Assistant (if any).
.bak
Velvet.bak
Reset the device.
Method 2: Removal through Custom Recovery (TWRP)
If you are established TWRP, You can manually remove the application:
- Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
- Select Advanced β File Manager.
- Move to the /system/priv-app/ Delete the Velvet and GoogleAssistant folders.
- Wipe your cache (Wipe β Cache) and restart.
Method 3: Install custom firmware without GMS
The most cardinal method is to reflash the device on firmware without Google services, for example:
- π± LineageOS (without GApps),
- π± Havoc-OS (with optional GApps),
- π± Xiaomi.eu (modified) MIUI serviceless).
The downside of this approach is that you lose access to the Play Market and other Google services, and you have to install apps manually through the Google Play Market. APK-files or use alternative stores (e.g. Aurora Store).
| Deleting method | Root rights required? | Risk to the system | Returns after the update? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection through settings | β No. | β οΈ Low. | β Yes (on update) |
| ADB-team | β No. | β οΈ Medium. | β Yes (in a major upgrade) |
| Removal via Magisk | β Yes. | β οΈβ οΈ High-pitched | β Not (unless you update the firmware) |
| Custom firmware | β Yes. | β οΈβ οΈβ οΈ critical | β No. |
β οΈ Note: Removing system applications can result in a cyclic bootloop if you remove dependent components. TWRP or MIUI Backup.
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Deleting Google Assistant completely is only advisable if you do not use Googleβs services (Play Market, Gmail, Maps) or are willing to put up with restrictions.
What happens if you delete Google Assistant: the possible consequences
Even if you manage to remove the assistant, it can cause unexpected problems, and here are the most common consequences:
1. Disruption of other Google services
Google Assistant is closely related to:
- π Google Search β Voice Search may stop opening.
- π Google Maps β Voice navigation issues.
- π§ Gmail and Calendar β Failures in Notifications.
2. Update errors MIUI
The next major system update MIUI maybe:
- π Restore Remote Applications Automatically.
- β οΈ Error due to lack of system components.
3.Problems with Google Certification
Some devices will lose Google Play Protect certification after deleting Google Assistant, resulting in:
- π« Unable to use Google Pay.
- π Blocking certain apps (e.g. Netflix, Banking Apps).
To check the certification, install the Device app. ID Check the status of Google Play Services.
How to Restore Google Certification?
Google Assistant Alternatives on Xiaomi: What to Use Instead
If you have removed or disabled Google Assistant but want to keep the voice assistant functional, consider these alternatives:
1.Alice from Yandex
πΉ Pros: good Russification, integration with Yandex services (Search, Music, Maps, Weather).
πΉ Cons: fewer features for a smart home, depends on the Internet.
2. Siri (for iPhone users) + Xiaomi)
πΉ If you have an iPhone, you can use Siri to manage some of Xiaomiβs features through HomeKit.
πΉ Supports voice commands in Russian, but requires Apple ID.
3. Bixby (for Samsung owners) + Xiaomi)
πΉ If you have Samsung devices, Bixby can manage some of Xiaomiβs features through SmartThings.
πΉ The minus is a weak Russification.
4. Local assistants (without the Internet)
For basic commands (alarm clock, notes, application launch) suitable:
- π€ Utter! β offline assistant with customizable commands.
- π€ AutoVoice (in conjunction with Tasker) β for automating tasks.
If you only need voice activation (for example, to run music), you can configure voice commands to use the voice commands. MIUI:
- Go to Settings. β Special facilities β Voice assistant.
- Activate the voice control option and set up commands.