Xiaomi smartphones, including the popular Redmi Note 8 Pro, are powered by Android, which is deeply integrated with the search giant’s services. One of those built-in components is Google Assistant, activated by the phrase “OK, Google.” This feature allows you to control your device with voice, but not everyone needs it, and many owners prefer to turn it off for battery savings or privacy reasons.
The deactivation process may seem obscure, as the settings are scattered across different parts of the MIUI system. A standard switch to turn off all often doesn't exist in one place. You'll need to go through multiple settings menus in succession to completely remove microphone listening and keyword response. Below we'll detail all the steps needed to completely disable the service.
It’s worth noting that disabling voice search won’t affect other Google apps like maps or mail.You’ll still be able to use text search in your browser bar or desktop widget. However, the constant background activity associated with waiting for a command will be stopped, especially for those who value the autonomy of their Redmi Note 8 Pro.
Why do users turn off the voice assistant?
The main reason Android smartphone owners are looking to remove OK Google is because of privacy concerns: The device is constantly listening in the background, waiting for a trigger phrase, which for many users creates psychological discomfort and a sense of surveillance, even if the data is transmitted in encrypted form.
The second important aspect is the autonomy of the device: although modern algorithms are optimized, the background process still consumes processor resources and therefore battery power. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, which is famous for its performance, turning off unnecessary services can add several tens of minutes of active screen life.
Also worth mentioning is the problem of random activation. A smartphone can react to similar words in conversations or TV by suddenly turning on and recording. Constantly activating the microphone in your pocket can cause the battery to run out and the body to heat up. Disabling the feature solves these problems dramatically, returning full control of the device to the user.
Preparing for System Settings Change
Before making changes to the MIUI system components, it is recommended to make sure that you have a stable Internet connection, this may be necessary if the system requires you to update Google Play Services components or recheck licenses, and it is advisable to have a charger on hand so that the setup process does not interrupt due to low charge.
It's important to understand the difference between turning off the app itself and turning off the recognition function. We're going to target the voice recognition module, rather than deleting the entire search engine, which could disrupt other services. In the Redmi Note 8 Pro, these settings are deep in the app menu.
☑️ Checklist before setting up
If you have multiple user profiles or guest mode enabled on your device, you will have to apply the settings for each profile separately. Google Assistant system settings are linked to a specific account and usage profile. Make sure you are logged in to your main Google account from which you are using your phone.
Disconnecting through the settings of Google Assistant
The safest and most effective way to remove the response to “OK, Google” is to use the official settings of the service itself. Open the Google app on your Redmi Note 8 Pro and go to profile.
In the menu that opens, select Settings, and then search for the Google Assistant section. Here you are interested in the Hey Google tab and Voice Match (in the Russian version it can be called "Ok Google" and "Voice match"). This is where the main switch that activates listening is.
What to do if there is no settings?
When you go to the menu, you'll see the Hey Google switch, turn it to "Off." The system can request confirmation of the action, warning that voice control will stop working. We agree with this, because our goal is to turn this feature off, and then the smartphone will stop responding to voice commands from the locked state.
Managing Application Permits in MIUI
Xiaomi’s MIUI shell provides extended control over application rights. Even if you have disabled the feature inside Google’s settings, you can further restrict microphone rights for the corresponding system process. Go to Phone Settings, then Apps, and select All Apps.
In the list, look for the Google app (often with a colored letter G). Click on it and select App Permission or Permission. Here you are interested in the category Microphone. You can choose the option "Request" or "Disable", but be careful: a complete ban can disrupt the voice recorder in search or voice input.
| Type of permit | Recommended status | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone | Request. | Safely disabling background recording |
| Camera. | Banned | It doesn't affect the search. |
| Geoposition | Only when used | Need for contextual answers |
| Contacts | Request. | I need to search for contacts. |
A more radical method is to disable the service's auto-start. In the same app information menu, find Auto-Start and turn it off. This will prevent Google services from starting when you turn on your phone, but may require manually running if you do need voice search. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, this is an effective way to reduce the load on RAM.
Setting up the lock screen and Google Discover
Often users confuse voice assistant with search function on the lock screen. On Xiaomi smartphones, swipe right on a locked screen or on the desktop opens Google Discover tape. To turn off voice response there, you need to change the lock screen settings.
Go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Unblock and Lock. Find Services on the Lock screen or Tools. You can turn off Google widgets or change the lock provider to the standard MIUI. This will remove the ability to swipe search.
💡
Tip: For maximum effect, also disable the "Widget Tape" in the desktop settings to completely remove the integration of Google services with the main screen.
You should also check the settings of the Google app itself. In Settings → General inside the app, you can turn off the display of cards and news. This will make interaction with the searcher minimal, leaving only the on-demand search function, without intrusive suggestions and voice prompts.
Possible problems and solutions
Sometimes, after making changes, settings may be reset or the feature may be turned on again after a system update.This is because Google Play Services takes priority and can restore standard configurations, in which case it is recommended to check the updates to the Google app itself and, if the problem persists, clear its cache.
To clear the cache, go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Google → Memory. Press Clean and select Clear Cache. Don’t confuse it with Clear All, as this will delete your personal data and offline settings.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling Google system components completely may cause some third-party applications that use voice input or geolocation services to malfunction.
If you're faced with a phone that continues to respond to "OK, Google" even after all the settings, check if Safe Car mode or other scenarios in Google Assistant are activated. They may have their own activation settings, independent of the general ones. In rare cases, temporarily removing Google app updates through the app management menu helps.
The impact of the disconnect on the work of the smartphone
After you've done all the procedures, you'll notice changes in the behavior of the device, first of all, the lack of response to voice commands. However, the Redmi Note 8 Pro will continue to work normally. You can type text in your instant messengers, because this feature often uses a separate input module, independent of constantly listening to the activation phrase.
Users often notice improvements in battery life. Background processes associated with audio stream analysis no longer consume CPU resources. This is especially noticeable on larger-screen models, where every percentage of charge counts. The system becomes more responsive when running heavy applications.
💡
Disabling OK Google does not delete your Google account or block access to the Play Market, it only deactivates the voice activation function.
Just go back to the Google Assistant menu and activate the Hey Google switch, and the system will suggest you re-go through the voice training procedure so that recognition works as accurately as possible with your intonation.