Why Redmi Users Want to Get Rid of Google Assistant
Googleβs voice assistant is integrated into MIUI firmware on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones by default. For many users, it becomes an unnecessary feature that not only takes up space in memory, but also consumes battery power in the background. According to tests by XDA Developers, disabling Google services on devices with MIUI 13/14 can extend autonomy by 12-18% by reducing background activity.
Another reason is privacy, because an assistant is constantly analyzing voice commands, search history, and location even when you're not using it. In 2022, researchers at Princeton University showed that Google collects up to 20 percent of additional user data through embedded services, including Assistant, which is a strong argument for deletion for those who value privacy.
Finally, many owners of Redmi Note 10/11/12 or POCO X3/X4 have experienced random voice assistants, and just say a phrase that is vaguely similar to "OK, Google" to start a search or open an unnecessary app, which is annoying, especially when you're making calls or listening to music.
Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)
The easiest method is to deactivate the Assistant in standard settings. It doesn't delete the application completely, but it stops it and removes it from the interface. It is suitable for all Redmi models on MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi 9A, Note 10 Pro, POCO F3).
Open Settings β Apps β App Management. In the search box, type βGoogleβ and select the Google Assistant app (or just Google if the first one isnβt listed).
- π΄ Press "Off" (button turns grey).
- π΄ Go to Permissions and disable access to microphone, contacts, location.
- π΄ In the "Notifications" section, deactivate all switches.
- π΄ Return to the main menu of the application and click "Stop" (forced stop).
β οΈ Warning: Once you shut down, voice commands for Google Search and YouTube will stop working. If you use OK, Google to manage a smart home (e.g., Xiaomi Home), this method won't work, you need alternative solutions.
To remove the Assistant icon from the home screen, pinch it with your finger and drag it to the basket (or in the Remove menu). On some firmware, the icon can return after a reboot, in which case only complete removal will help (see Method 3).
βοΈ Preparation for the Assistant's disabling
π‘
If the βDisableβ button is inactive, first remove the Google app updates through the βThree Dots β Remove Updatesβ menu.
Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)
For advanced users who are ready to connect the phone to a computer, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) that allows you to completely remove the Assistant package without superuser rights, but requires activation of the developer mode.
First, turn on the USB debugging:
- Go to Settings. β About the phone and 7 times click on "Version" MIUI" (A notice will appear saying, βYou have become a developer").
- Return to Settings β Additional β For developers and activate βDebugging by USBβ.
- Connect Redmi to your PC via cable (original!) and select File Transfer Mode.
Now download ADB Tools (the official Google package) and unpack into any folder. Open the command prompt (Win + R β cmd) and type:
adb devicesIf the phone is connected correctly, you'll see its serial number. Then take turns and execute the commands:
adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.googleassistantFor Redmi models with Google Discover preinstalled (main screen news feed), add:
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchboxβ οΈ Attention: On some firmware MIUI To avoid this, execute the command adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job before removing it, which will prevent automatic recovery of system applications.
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
Method 3: Complete removal with root rights
If you are ready to root, you can remove the Assistant permanently, including all related services, which is suitable for power users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk or TWRP.
Steps to remove:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
- Install Magisk and get root rights (see XDA Developers for instructions for your model).
- Download a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore or /system/app/GoogleAssistant and delete the folders: PrebuiltGmsCore (Google's core services), GoogleAssistant (the app itself) Velvet (voice search)
/data/data/com.google.android.gms
/data/data/com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
Reboot the phone.
After deleting, check for the absence of the Assistant team in the terminal:
su
pm list packages | grep googleassistantIf the output is empty, the application is successfully removed.
| Method | Root is required. | PC required | Removes completely | Restored after update |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection in settings | β No. | β No. | β No (only deactivate) | β No. |
| ADB-removal | β No. | β Yes. | β Yes, for the current user) | β Yes (after reset or upgrade) MIUI) |
| Removal from root | β Yes. | β No. | β Yes (fully) | β Not (unless you update the firmware) |
| Custom ROM firmware | β Yes. | β Yes. | β Yes. | β No. |
Method 4: Replacement with an alternative assistant
If you donβt need Google Assistant but want to keep the voice control functionality, consider the alternatives:
- π€ Alice from Yandex - supports Russian, integrates with Yandex.Music and Navigator. Install from Google Play and assign a voice command in the settings.
- π€ Siri (for iPhone users) β if you have a MacBook or iPad, you can sync reminders and notes via iCloud.
- π€ Bixby (for Samsung) β Suitable if you have Samsung devices (for example, Galaxy Watch) besides Redmi).
- π€ Mi AI Assistant β built-in assistant from Xiaomi (available on the Internet) MIUI 12.5+). Activated by the phrase "Hi Siri" (yes, that's right!).
To assign a new voice command:
- Go to Settings. β Voice assistant.
- Select Voice Control and add a phrase (e.g., "Hello Alice").
- In the "Default App" section, specify an alternative assistant.
The advantage of this method is that you don't lose functionality, but you get rid of Google's data collection, for example, Alice stores the history of queries on servers in Russia, which is preferable for many users.
π‘
Alternative assistants (Alice, Bixby) consume 30-40% less battery than Google Assistant, due to optimization for regional servers.
Method 5: Firmware custom ROM without Google (for experienced)
The radical solution is to install firmware without Google services (GApps-free ROM).
- π± LineageOS - pure Android without bloatware. supports Redmi Note 9/10/11, POCO X3/X4.
- π± Pixel Experience β firmware with Google Pixel interface, but without preinstalled Assistant.
- π± HaventOS β Optimized for performance, removed all unnecessary services.
- π± MIUI EU β modified MIUI without Chinese and Google services.
Instructions for installation (on the example of LineageOS):
- Unlock the bootloader (see Method 3).
- Install TWRP Recovery for your model (you can download it on the official website).
- Download LineageOS firmware (for example, for Redmi Note 10 Pro here) and Open GApps (if you need minimal Google services).
- Reboot to TWRP (Hardware: Power button + Volume up).
- Make a full backup (Backup section in TWRP).
- Wipe out the Dalvik, Cache, System, Data sections.
- Install firmware and (optional) GApps.
- Reboot.
β οΈ Attention: Custom-based firmware ROM Xiaomi warranty is cancelled on some models (Redmi) 12C, Note 12 Pro+) The Widevine may stop working. L1 (no HD into Netflix/Disney+). Before installing, check compatibility on the forum 4PDA or XDA.
What to do if the Assistant returns after the MIUI update
After updating the MIUI firmware through Settings β Update Google Assistant can recover. This is because Xiaomi includes it in the standard package of GMS (Google Mobile Services).
- π Reverse to the previous version MIUI Fastboot (instructions on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- π Install the Magisk patch: Download the Universal module GMS Doze or DisableGApps in the Magisk repository. Install via Magisk β Modules. β Install it from storage. Reset the phone.
- π Use it. ADB-command for re-deletion (see Method 2).
- π Turn off automatic updates to Google apps: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.vending This command will block Google Play Market, but you can install it APK manually.
If you update regularly, consider turning off the option. OTA-update:
- Go to Settings β About the phone β System update.
- Click on the icon "β" (settings) and disable "Automatic booting via Wi-Fi".
- Install an ad blocker (such as AdGuard) and blacklist the domain update.miui.com.