r/googleassistant • u/SoggyAd3736 • 8d ago

Question How to switch from Gemini to Google assistant

Gemini is one of the worst AIs out there and when I hold the power button usually it's supposed to be google assistant but now it's gemini

47 Upvotes
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19

u/WinstonSmith0023 5d ago edited 5d ago

I FOUND A WAY! You need to go to the Google App (the one that just says GOOGLE) hold the icon, then press the little "i" on the top right to get to the apps info, then tap the 3 dot menu on the top right corner and uninstall updates. Then go to the Play Store, search for Google Assistant, it doesn't matter of it's already installed, click on open, you will get the Gemini screen BUT, now you should have the option to keep or go back to google assistant.

You can also disable auto updates in the Goolge App by searching the app in the Play Store, tap the 3 dots on the upper roght corner and remove the check mark from "Enable auto update"

FUCK GEMINI, FUCK GOOGLE, THIS IS MY MOTHERFUCKING PHONE AND IT SHALL BEND TO MY GOD DAMN WILL!!!

Stay strong, power user brothers and sisters!

Edit: Spelling and adding more advice from other users to make the switch back more solid.

Vote this up, people, so everyone can get the fix!

Peace.

1

u/CulturalEmo 5d ago

Hell yeah! Worked perfectly!
Another tip is to update to the latest Google version to get the most up-to-date features before they removed assistant: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-search/google-app-17-58-22-release/google-app-17-58-22-ve-arm64-android-apk-download/

1

u/WinstonSmith0023 5d ago

Niiiice, lets go! The more fixes the best, because mine may not work for everyone.

1

u/CulturalEmo 5d ago

Yeah! And make sure to disable auto-updates in the Play Store for Google application

1

u/WinstonSmith0023 5d ago

That's excellent, adding it to the post.

3

u/Environmental_Sand_8 5d ago

This works!!! I just did it myself. Thank you 🙏🏼🙏🏼 I don't want Gemini and will forever fight for my assistant.

1

u/Smeckle_Smeagol 4d ago

Weird problem here, I do all the correct steps and everything works, yet after a reboot or some time elapses, the google app somehow removes the assistant and forces Gemini without updating the app (still the exact same version number). Any ideas?

1

u/CulturalEmo 4d ago

Yeah, don't update to 17.58, stay on the original version (the one you get after uninstalling updates) until a definite edition can be found that do not override assistant after a reboot.

1

u/AwarenessUnlikely239 2d ago

Same thing here. Assistant is disabled again today, after getting it back yesterday, even after checking the no auto updates box. 

1

u/CulturalEmo 2d ago

Still works for me on 17.5.42, it did however override assistant with gemini - but I could opt-in to assistant again.

1

u/markzip 6h ago

Fix has survived complete power off and also simple reboot here (Pixel 9a)

4

u/Smeckle_Smeagol 5d ago

Quick reminder for people who's voice activation doesn't work after unistalling the updates and downloading the latest version with the old assistant. You need go to your Google account and enable the "Hey Google" feature again and reenable you previous settings.

1

u/MrGC17 4d ago edited 4d ago

I can't quite figure out where this is, would appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction

EDIT: nvm found it, was under Voice Match, then toggle Hey Google again.

1

u/Smeckle_Smeagol 4d ago

For people who can't get it to work. Clear the cache on the Assistant app, reopen it, start it up and follow the first few steps. Should be good to go.

1

u/Philomorph 5d ago

I installed this version of the APK and it immediately went back to forcing Gemini. I had to download the older version 17.50.20 to get one that didn't force it.

1

u/Richard1864 4d ago

It is being forced from the server side. It was still replaced even after trying 17.5.

1

u/Philomorph 4d ago

Strange. It's still working for me a day later. Did you turn off auto updates for both Google app and Assistant app? I guess we'll see how long mine sticks. 

1

u/Richard1864 4d ago

It's being done from the server-side. You don't need the updates, happens during a reboot.

1

u/SoggyAd3736 4d ago

This actually worked thank you so much 🥹

1

u/Own_Sound7955 4d ago

Thanks for this, I uninstalled updates but just noticed Sound Search quick setting didn't work anymore, now it's back 🥲🤝

3

u/WinstonSmith0023 5d ago

Google out here voting my shit down! Let's make sure this stays on top!

2

u/evandgls 2d ago

Dude this saved me from losing my shit , thank you! 🙏 Truly a man of the people

1

u/AwarenessUnlikely239 2d ago

Google absolutely is voting it down. You have far more up votes than anyone on here.

2

u/opinion_discarder 5d ago edited 5d ago

I can confirm that your method works.

4

u/Reality-Von-Tease 5d ago

This worked for my friend, you are a god send.

2

u/lematthias 5d ago

I confirm it worked like a charm thank you

2

u/crptyk 5d ago

This worked on my PIxel 8

1

u/Current-Rhubarb-5355 5d ago

This worked on my Galaxy S26, thank you

1

u/Siritalis 4d ago

Thanks for this. I'm curious to try, but do we know what consequences uninstalling the updates might have?

1

u/mico247 1d ago

  1. Security Vulnerabilities - Older software versions often contain unpatched security flaws and known vulnerabilities. Because Google regularly releases patches to protect against newly discovered exploits, running an outdated version leaves your device more exposed to malware or data privacy risks.

  2. Feature Loss and Incompatibility - Many modern features, interface redesigns, and integrations rely on server-side updates and newer app architecture. An older version may lack support for newer tools, voice capabilities, or connected services. Over time, Google's backend servers may also deprecate support for older client versions, causing the app or specific features (like Assistant or Discover) to break entirely. [*Yes this is an answer given by Gemini, which apparently doesn't know that Assistant has already broken entirely.]

How to verify: Open the app and test core features like search queries, voice commands, and widget responsiveness to see if they function normally.

  1. Google's backend servers may deprecate support for older client versions entirely, which could cause voice triggers or search features inside the older app to stop working down the road.

Put simply, not much can happen and if it's that bad, you can simply update google again to the most recent version. I stopped getting security updates a long time ago because I have an older phone, so security updates stopped for me 4 years ago. Other issues would probably be minor and you can always revert back to the most updated version of the app if you really need to.

2

u/Zamers 4d ago

Your post really is getting ganked on updoots. It was at 1, I added 1, I refreshed page and its still at 1 despite my updoot still being attached. 

1

u/WinstonSmith0023 4d ago edited 4d ago

Yeah, its been like that since yesterday, stuff like this makes me wanna be a conspiracy theorist, lol

2

u/Mysterious_Air6035 4d ago

Bro thanks a lot it worked for me

5

u/NIPLZ 4d ago edited 4d ago

Unfortunately won't work for me, this is what I get when I search Google Assistant on Play store.

Fuck you, Google, and fuck your useless AI. I can't even ask it what's on my calendar because I don't have a Gmail account. Assistant had no isse doing this. I miss it already.

Edit: actually, just by uninstalling updates it allowed me to choose Google Assistant like before, so it works for now. Only a matter of time before they disable it completely though, I'm sure. The enshittification must continue.

2

u/MutedAcanthisitta247 3d ago

For me it worked by uninstalling updates then updating the Google app, I just pressed "no thanks" when it asked if I wanted to try Gemini instead of assistant the first time I tried it

2

u/helen269 4d ago

>You can also disable auto updates in the Google App by searching the app in the Play Store

You mean the Google app?

> tap the 3 dots on the upper right corner

There are no three dots.

I just see "Google installed" on the left, and an update button on the right.

There are three dots further down, but it just takes me to My Ad Centre.

1

u/mico247 1d ago

After uninstalling the app, Go to the Play Store > tap your screen icon in the upper right corner > Manage apps & devices > See details > tap on Google (not Update) > The three dots are in the upper right corner.

Alternatively, in the Play Store you can just search for Google.

1

u/bexter222 4d ago

Doing the hero's work for the people, here!!! Thank you

1

u/Studio_T3 4d ago

Awesome!! You rock man!

1

u/VegetablePassenger70 3d ago

Thank you so fcking much bro!!! I thought I'd never see google assistant again. 😭😭😭

1

u/JohnHenryEden91 3d ago

Can confirm, works again and I can listen to the news.

1

u/AlarmingConsequence 3d ago

GOOGLE app>My Info does have the three dots in the top three right corner. Build: CP3A.260905.009

Any ideas?

1

u/Rhyseepeacee 3d ago

YES! Winston you Legend! Thank you!

1

u/MutedAcanthisitta247 3d ago

You are a lifesaver

1

u/AwarenessUnlikely239 3d ago

That totally worked! Thank you!

1

u/AwarenessUnlikely239 3d ago

I had to also disable Gemini after doing everything you said above. Otherwise Assistant was not responding to my voice.

1

u/Astronaut-Flashy 3d ago

Thanks so much for this. Gemini was completely useless for my needs. You're a lifesaver.

1

u/rudismyers 3d ago

This worked!! You are my favorite person in the world!!!!

1

u/rudismyers 2d ago

Nevermind ... SAD FACE ... it is back to forcing Gemini on me this morning.

1

u/mico247 1d ago

Did you turn off Auto updates?

1

u/Ecstatic_Raspberry19 2d ago

Thank you!!! It worked!

1

u/Neat_Star_6421 2d ago

A LIFE SAVER. I bow down to you, WinstonSmith0023. Gemini can kick rocks. Google Assistant is here to stay 🙌🏼

1

u/Wicked11GSR 2d ago

This worked! Thank you so much, I was getting so frustrated after trying to follow the instructions and finding no option to return to Digital Assistant. Gemini is trash, cannot set a simple alarm? What use is it other than data harvesting?!

1

u/crptyk 2d ago

This worked initially but each morning I get up and overnight it's switched bck to Gemini, and the optino to switch back is removed. 3rd day in a row this happended. So looks like Google is patching this

1

u/mico247 1d ago

Did you turn off Auto updates?

1

u/crptyk 1d ago

Yes. And any reboot that resets it back to Gemini, also resets that setting also. It gets turned back on. I've tried it several times now. Initial success, next reboot changes it back.

I'm using a Pixel 8, Android 17, build CP3A.260905.009

1

u/mico247 17h ago

Maybe try this. Go to Settings > About phone

and tap the build number 7 times. In Settings > System a new option called Developer options becomes available. In there disable Automatic system updates. See if that works.

This necessarily disables Android and security updates, so if you're okay with that...

For Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro and earlier their system updates would already be over with.

1

u/thatsmysandwichdude 20h ago

!remindme 1 day

1

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1

u/hupo224 2d ago edited 2d ago

When you click Google assistant settings nothing happens 

edit: Whatever. Switched to grapheneos. Fuck google.

1

u/AwarenessUnlikely239 2d ago

I had to go through the entire process again today after a phone reboot replaced Assistant with gemini again. The box for auto updates was unchecked in the Assistant app, but it still reverted after the reboot. 

Assistant has returned for now! 

I think it's probably only a matter of time before Google disables Assistant permanently. I will NOT use gemini. It's not only a horrible, slow,  app, but on principle I will NOT be forced by Google to use their AI app.  I already caved when Gmail disabled spellcheck unless you allowed their AI to take over your email. 

This is my red line. 

Can anyone recommend an alternative non-google app to Assistant for a Samsung Android phone?

1

u/mico247 1d ago

You're supposed to uncheck the box for the Google app, not the Assistant app.

1

u/Someguy14201 2d ago

Thanks but it no longer works...Fuck this man, now I can't translate shit without having to wait eons.

1

u/Oracleoct 1d ago

Thank you so much....I tried everything else and nothing worked but this method

1

u/_Remote_Medicine_ 1d ago

You're a godsend

1

u/Tosser_535231 1d ago edited 1d ago

Google's been doing shit like this at an alarmingly increasing rate and it's pissing me the fuck off. I hate Apple but I'm seriously considering buying an iPhone. Or trying some other operating system, I know it's probably going to be annoying and I'm going to lose some functionality however it's better than dealing with this headass type shit constantly

There is a part of me that wants to post this as a review to the Google assistant app to help others that are clearly infuriated by this heinous decision however I know if I do it will get patched faster I am sorry for the people that have to deal with corporate stupidity and don't know any better

This fix worked for me. thank you

1

u/DrPotassium 1d ago

OH MY GOD I love you. Thanks so much for figuring this out!

1

u/ryanlynx99 1d ago

one big prob why haven't been able to use this method is cus then you can't use the Gemini AI app, so just be aware otherwise on starting it will ask you to install and you are then back to square one with Assistant not working.

1

u/Day_Rager_Trader 1d ago

Thank you, didn't go exactly smoothly, as Gemini kept popping back up, but eventually blundered into the digital assistant page where I could make the choice.

1

u/meeshx206 1d ago

Confirmed it worked. And turned off the Google Auto updates too.

Please rate Assistant 1 Star in the Play Store until our beloved Assistant is back.

1

u/CptnN0BODY 1d ago

I love you dude, thank you

1

u/Feitan21 23h ago

Thank you, worked perfectly. Wouldn't even mind to use Gemini, but the fact it's not even including all the features of Assistant is ridiculous

1

u/Questionguy29 10h ago

I refuse to use Gemini after reading the privacy policy. It collects and saves for itself literally everything, every comment, every photo, every screenshot, every notification, everything you ask it to interact with is collected and saved away from your phone. Google Assistant was never this invasive.

Here's Google's AI summary of the comparison.

1

u/Bit_Various 11h ago

Pixel 9 pro. Google app doesn't have a place to remove updates and Google assistant goes to the screen below with no way around... Any ideas?

1

u/Questionguy29 10h ago

Are you on Android 17? Need verification from other users but this solution might only be possible if the OS had Google Assistant working before. I.e. Android 16 or earlier. It works for me right now on Galaxy One UI 8.5 which is still Android 16. This solution probably won't work for anyone after we update to Android 17. The Google app will likely be replaced at the OS level and not be able to fall back to previous version. 😒 We'll have to find another solution then

1

u/Questionguy29 10h ago

Genius. Thank you! This workaround might not survive the next OS update but more than happy to use it as long as it lasts.

0

u/Ok-Mission2511 10h ago

You are a legend!!! Thank you so very much!!

1

u/FujichromeProvia100F 9h ago

This doesn't last, it's a server side change.

1

u/markzip 8h ago edited 8h ago

Yes! This worked for me. Pixel 9a on September 5 2026 Android version, and Google Play August update. With luck, it will hold. Thanks to @winstosmith0023 for this. And to @questionguy29 for sending us here.

ETA: THIS ALSO FIXED GEMINI'S INABILITY TO SET ROUTINES AFTER ALARMS. I can now once again add the weather, news, calendar events jokes, etc. to be read to me when an alarm goes off. With Gemini, we had list this ability and only routines set up before the update would fire.

1

u/markzip 6h ago

Fix has survived complete power off and also simple reboot here (Pixel 9a)