How to Turn Off Gemini on Android (Every Switch Explained)

'Turn off Gemini' means different things to different people. Some want it to stop popping up when they hold the Power button, some want 'Hey Google' to go quiet, and some want it gone from their phone altogether. Google's help centre handles each one separately, and the obvious move, uninstalling the app, doesn't do what most people expect. Here's the right switch for each job.

Pick the switch you need

What's annoying you	The setting to change
Gemini opens when I hold the Power button	Phone Settings, System, Gestures, Press & hold power button
Gemini answers when I say Hey Google	Gemini app, Settings, Talk to Gemini hands-free, turn off Hey Google
Gemini works on my locked phone	Gemini app, Settings, Gemini on lock screen, turn off Use Gemini without unlocking
I want Google Assistant back	Gemini app menu, Switch to Google Assistant
I want no assistant at all	Default digital assistant app set to None

Stop the Power button opening Gemini

1. Open your phone's Settings.
2. Tap System, then Gestures, then Press & hold power button.
3. Choose the action you want instead, such as the power menu.

Google warns that these steps vary by Android device. If you can't find them, search your Settings app for 'power', 'side button' or 'gesture'.

Turn off Hey Google

1. Open the Gemini app.
2. Tap the menu, then your profile picture or initial, then Settings.
3. Tap Talk to Gemini hands-free.
4. Turn off Hey Google.

Keep Gemini off your lock screen

In the Gemini app, open Settings, tap Gemini on lock screen and turn off Use Gemini without unlocking. After that, Gemini only helps once you've opened your phone with your PIN, fingerprint or face, which is a sensible privacy setting whether or not you use it much.

Switch back to Google Assistant

1. Open the Gemini app and tap the menu.
2. Tap your profile picture or initial, then Switch to Google Assistant, then Google Assistant.
3. In the dialog box, tap Switch.

Google notes that switching doesn't delete anything saved in your Gemini Apps Activity. If you want that gone too, delete it from Settings and help, then Activity, on gemini.google.com.

Remove the assistant completely

1. Open your phone's Settings.
2. Tap Apps, then Default apps, then Digital assistant app.
3. Tap Default digital assistant app and choose None, or a different assistant.

Don't be confused by the label: Google says the entry shows 'Google' whether you're using Google Assistant or Gemini.

Why uninstalling isn't enough

Here's the catch Google spells out: deleting the Gemini app doesn't automatically remove Gemini as your phone's default digital assistant. Google also says some Android phones now come with Gemini as the main assistant out of the box, so on those the assistant setting matters even more. Change the default assistant and the Power button setting first. Then delete the app if you still want it gone.

Gemini in Chrome, Gmail and Messages

Gemini also appears outside the app, and each place has its own off switch. Google's help points to Chrome settings to remove the Gemini icon from your browser and your desktop system tray or menu bar, to the smart features settings for Google Workspace to control Gemini in Gmail, Docs and more, and to Google Messages, where you can delete your Gemini chat. If you'd rather keep Gemini but control it better, my guides to Gemini in Gmail and Gemini in Chrome show what each one does.

On an iPhone

On an iPhone, Gemini is an ordinary app rather than the phone's built-in assistant, so there's no Power button or default assistant to change. If you don't want it, delete the app the way you'd remove any other. Any history it saved stays in your Google account until you delete it from Gemini Apps activity.

If Gemini keeps coming back

If Gemini reappears after you've switched it off, it's usually one of three things. A system update may have reset your Power button gesture, so check that setting again. A Google Assistant notification may have prompted you to switch, and tapping it moved you back to Gemini. Or you changed the setting on one Google account while your phone uses another. Work through those and it should stay off.

Stop Gemini keeping your chats

Turning off the assistant doesn't change what's already saved. To stop Gemini storing new chats, turn off Keep activity under Settings and help, then Activity. Google says conversations are still held for up to 72 hours even then.

My verdict

Decide what you want gone first. For most people, turning off Hey Google and changing the Power button gesture is enough. If you want Gemini out of your way entirely, set the default assistant to None, then uninstall. And remember Chrome and Gmail have their own switches.

Frequently asked questions

How do I turn off Gemini on my Android phone?

Turn off Hey Google in the Gemini app's settings, change the Press & hold power button gesture, or set your default digital assistant app to None.

Does uninstalling Gemini turn it off?

Not completely. Google says deleting the app doesn't automatically remove Gemini as your default digital assistant.

How do I go back to Google Assistant from Gemini?

In the Gemini app, tap the menu, your profile picture, Switch to Google Assistant, Google Assistant, then Switch.

How do I stop Gemini opening when I hold the power button?

Go to Settings, System, Gestures, Press & hold power button and choose a different action. Steps vary by device.

Does turning off Gemini delete my chats?

No. Google says switching away doesn't delete your Gemini Apps Activity, so delete it separately.