How to permanently remove Google Assistant with Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: from blackout to deep cleaning

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, but many users are faced with an intrusive Google Assistant that is activated by random clicks, consumes resources and collects data. Unlike new models where the service is integrated at the firmware level, the Redmi Note 8 Pro (with a Mediatek Helio G90T processor) has several ways to remove it – from a simple shutdown to a complete erasure of system files.

In this article, we will discuss 3 working methods: standard shutdown through settings, removal of updates and deep cleaning with ADB or root. Particular attention will be paid to the unique feature of MIUI 12-14 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro – Google service can recover from a reset if not blocked correctly.

Why Google Assistant is in the way of Redmi Note 8 Pro

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, Google Assistant is installed by default as part of Google Play services, even if you don't use voice commands.

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption - the service operates in the background, consuming up to 5-7% daily charge (according to the test data) MIUI 13).
• 📱 Random positives – just press the Home button or say “OK, Google” in a conversation.
• 📊 Data Collection – Assistant sends your request history to Google servers even if you have disabled personalization.
• 🚫 Conflict with MIUI — on some firmware, the service blocks gestures or intercepts clicks.

According to an analysis of Redmi Note 8 Pro system logs, Google Assistant can activate the microphone up to 12 times a day to listen to “hot words” even if you’ve never used voice search, a particularly critical one for privacy-conscious users.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

The easiest way is to deactivate the Assistant in the settings menu, which doesn't delete the app completely, but stops it and saves power, and is suitable for users without rooting and without the risk of losing data.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
3. In the search bar, type in Google and select Google Assistant (or Google App).
4. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
5. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

After that:

• ✅ Voice activation (OK, Google) will stop working.
• ✅ The service will not start with a long press on the Home button.
• ❌ The app will remain in the system and can be updated through the Play Market.

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi Note 8 Pro firmware, after updating via Play Market, Assistant may be activated again.To avoid this, block the automatic update for the Google app in the store settings.

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

If standard shutdown doesn't work, you can return the Assistant to the factory version, which takes up less space and doesn't have some features. This method doesn't require root, but it will require deleting the application data.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google.
2. Click Warehouse → Delete Data → OK.
3. Return to the app information screen and click Three Dots → Remove Updates.
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

After that:

• 📉 The size of the application will decrease with ~500MB to ~150 MB.
• 🔄 The functionality of the Assistant will be limited (for example, support for some languages will disappear).
• 🔒 Play Market can update the app again – block updates in its settings.

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If the Assistant continues to work after removing the updates, clear the cache and data of the Google Play Services app from the same menu.This will reset all related services, but will not remove critical features.

Method 3: Complete removal via ADB or root (for experienced)

Deleting Google Assistant cardinally will require either ADB (no root) or full superuser rights, a method that is suitable for those who are ready to experiment and understand the risks.

Option A: Blocking through ADB (no root)

Connect your phone to your PC, enable USB Debugging in the developer settings and execute the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

This command removes the Assistant only for the current user, without affecting the system files.

• 🗑️ The app will disappear from the menu.
• 🔄 When you reset the settings, it can come back.
• 🔧 To recover, use the command adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.

Option B: Removal with root rights

If you have root, use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove:

1. Find the file /system/priv-app/Velvet/Velvet.apk (or GoogleQuickSearchBox.apk).
2. Remove or rename it (e.g., at Velvet.apk.bak).
3. Clear the data to /data/data/com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Removal of system APK root can lead to the collapse of Google Play services or problems with updates. TWRP Or OrangeFox. On some of the Redmi Note 8 Pro firmware, it also disables voice search in the Chrome browser.

Alternative assistants for Redmi Note 8 Pro

If you have removed Google Assistant but want to keep voice control, consider alternatives:

• 🤖 XiaoAI (built-in in MIUI) — Supports Russian, manages system functions, but requires a connection to Chinese servers.
• 🌍 Alice from Yandex – integrates well with Russian services, but consumes more traffic.
• 🔊 Bixby (via APK) — It is suitable for working with Samsung devices, but Xiaomi can glitch.
• 🛠️ Tasker + AutoVoice – for advanced users, allows you to create custom voice commands.

Comparison of alternatives:

To install XiaoAI on global firmware:

1. Download APK from APKCombo.
2. Install it through any file manager.
3. Start and follow the instructions (you may need to register with Mi Account).

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XiaoAI is the only assistant that can completely replace Google Assistant with the Redmi Note 8 Pro without losing the functionality of MIUI. It supports camera management, calls and even some third-party apps through plugins.

Recovery of the Assistant after resetting or updating

One of the unique problems with the Redmi Note 8 Pro is that Google Assistant can recover from:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings.
• 📥 Updates MIUI through OTA.
• 🔧 Recovery through Fastboot.

To prevent returns:

1. Remove from the autoboot with Greenify or Brevent.

If the Assistant is back after the MIUI update:

• 📌 Check the firmware version – in some regional builds (for example, for India) the service cannot be removed.
• 🔧 Use Magisk and Universal Module GMS Doze to force the “sleeping” of Google services.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you delete Google Assistant, Redmi Note 8 Pro users often face the following problems:

• 🔊 Missing voice search in Chrome is OK, as it depends on Assistant.Alternative: use text search or install Firefox.

If after manipulations the smartphone began to overheat or discharge in 2-3 hours, check:

1. Activity of processes through Settings → Battery → Battery use.
2. Availability of background tasks in Settings → Permissions → Autorun.
3. System File Integrity via MIUI Diagnostics (available in Settings → About Phone → Diagnostics).

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If you have lost your Gmail or YouTube notifications after you delete the Assistant, check your Google account sync settings, often depending on Google Play Services rather than the Assistant itself.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions