Turning off Google Assistant on your Pixel phone is a quick and easy process that can be completed in just a few steps. Whether you find the feature unnecessary, or just prefer to limit the amount of voice-activated services on your device, disabling Google Assistant is a straightforward task. Just follow these simple instructions and you’ll have it turned off in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial: Turning off Google Assistant on Pixel
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what we’ll be achieving here. Disabling Google Assistant will stop it from responding to voice commands or popping up unexpectedly. Here’s how you can achieve peace from your overly helpful assistant.
Step 1: Open the Google App
Open the Google app on your Pixel phone to start the process.
This is the app that looks like a colorful “G” and is where you can search the web and access various Google services.
Step 2: Tap on More
Tap on the “More” option located at the bottom right of the screen.
The “More” option is symbolized by three horizontal lines or dots and will take you to a menu with additional settings and options.
Step 3: Access Settings
In the menu that appears, tap on “Settings” to get to the configuration options for the Google app.
This is where you’ll find various options to customize your experience with Google services on your Pixel phone.
Step 4: Tap on Google Assistant
Find and tap on the “Google Assistant” section within the Settings menu.
This will take you to a page dedicated to all settings related to Google Assistant.
Step 5: Select the Assistant Tab
At the top of the page, tap on the “Assistant” tab to access specific settings for the assistant.
The Assistant tab will offer a list of devices connected to your Google Assistant and other related settings.
Step 6: Scroll down to Assistant devices and Select Phone
Scroll down until you see “Assistant devices” and select “Phone” from the list.
This will allow you to configure settings specifically for Google Assistant on your Pixel phone.
Step 7: Toggle off Google Assistant
Find the toggle switch next to “Google Assistant” and turn it off.
This will stop Google Assistant from activating on your phone when you say “Hey Google” or “Ok Google,” and from appearing when you long-press the home button.
After completing these steps, Google Assistant will be disabled on your Pixel phone. No more unexpected pop-ups or voice prompts! You can always turn it back on if you decide you miss the convenience it offers.
Tips: Getting the Most out of Your Pixel Without Google Assistant
- Customize your home button to launch a different app or function instead of Google Assistant.
- Explore alternative voice-activated assistants or manually use Google Search for your inquiries.
- Use manual shortcuts and widgets on your home screen for quick access to frequently used apps or features.
- Take advantage of the Pixel’s gesture navigation to quickly navigate your device without voice commands.
- Familiarize yourself with the settings menu to discover other features that can replace the functionality of Google Assistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn Google Assistant back on if I change my mind?
Yes, you can always re-enable Google Assistant by following the same steps and toggling the switch back on.
Will disabling Google Assistant affect other Google services on my Pixel?
Disabling Google Assistant will not affect other Google services like Gmail or Google Maps on your Pixel.
What if I don’t see the Google Assistant option in my settings?
Make sure your Google app is updated to the latest version, as the settings menus may vary with updates.
Can I still use voice search without Google Assistant?
Yes, you can still use the voice search feature within the Google app without having Google Assistant enabled.
Will turning off Google Assistant improve my Pixel’s battery life?
Disabling Google Assistant may have a minor impact on improving battery life since it won’t be actively listening for voice commands.
Summary
- Open the Google app
- Tap on More
- Access Settings
- Tap on Google Assistant
- Select the Assistant tab
- Scroll down to Assistant devices and select Phone
- Toggle off Google Assistant
Conclusion
There you have it—turning off Google Assistant on your Pixel phone is as easy as seven simple steps. Whether you’re looking to streamline your device’s functions, improve battery life, or just prefer to go old-school with your phone usage, disabling Google Assistant can help you achieve that. Remember, technology is here to serve us, not the other way around. So take control of your Pixel and make it work the way you want it to. And if you ever find yourself missing your virtual assistant, it’s just a few taps away from jumping back into action.
Now that you know how to turn off Google Assistant on Pixel, you can enjoy your phone exactly how you like it. Happy customizing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.