You may not be able to remove Gemini from an Android phone entirely, but you can stop it from launching. Change the power-button action, turn off “Hey Google,” or set another default assistant.
Google’s help center documents each path. Deleting the Gemini app is not enough: Google says it does not remove Gemini as the default assistant. This guide also covers Gmail and Chrome. Menu names vary by device.
Quick answer
- Stop power-button launch: Settings, System, Gestures, Press and hold power button.
- Stop “Hey Google”: Gemini app, Settings, Talk to Gemini hands-free.
- Switch back to Google Assistant: Gemini app, Menu, profile picture, Switch to Google Assistant.
- Set no default assistant: Settings, Apps, Default apps, Digital assistant app, None.
Which option should you choose?
Match the fix to the annoyance:
- Gemini opens when you hold the power button: use option 1.
- It wakes when you say “Hey Google”: use option 2.
- It answers on the lock screen: use option 3.
- You want the old assistant back: use option 4.
- You want no assistant at all: use option 5, then optionally option 6.
How to turn off Gemini on Android
Option 1: stop it launching from the power button
Settings, System, Gestures, Press & hold power button, then choose a different action.
Option 2: stop “Hey Google”
Gemini app, Menu, your profile picture, Settings, Talk to Gemini hands-free, turn off “Hey Google.”
Option 3: lock screen
Gemini app, Menu, profile picture, Settings, Gemini on lock screen, turn off “Use Gemini without unlocking.”
Option 4: switch to Google Assistant
Gemini app, Menu, profile picture, Switch to Google Assistant, Google Assistant, Switch. Your Gemini Apps Activity is not automatically deleted.
Option 5: change the default assistant
Settings, Apps, Default apps, Digital assistant app, Default digital assistant app, then choose another app or None.
Option 6: delete the Gemini app
Delete it like any app. Google says this does not remove Gemini as the default assistant, so also do option 5.
How to switch back to Gemini
Open the Google app, then profile picture, Settings, Google Assistant, Digital assistants from Google, Gemini. Google’s page says “Gemini will replace Google Assistant as the primary assistant on your device.” Whether Google Assistant is still offered depends on your device, and Google gives no phase-out date.
How to turn off Gemini in Gmail (Android)
- Open Gmail, Menu, Settings and select your account.
- Under General tap “Google Workspace smart features.”
- Clear “Smart features in Google Workspace” and “Smart features in other Google products.”
Here is what changes, per Google. Gemini features in Workspace, such as summarizing and drafting, become unavailable. Turning off the “other products” setting also stops Maps reservations, Wallet suggestions and Personal Intelligence in the Gemini app and Search.
The separate “Smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet” setting stays unchanged, so Smart Compose and summary cards keep working. Repeat the steps for each account, because each account has its own setting.
How to turn off Gemini in Chrome (desktop)
Open Chrome, then More (three dots), Settings, AI innovations, Gemini in Chrome. Under Preferences, turn off “Show Gemini at the top of the browser.” A quick alternative: right-click the top of the browser and choose Unpin Gemini.
Google’s page gives no Android steps and no single off switch for personal accounts. Administrators control it for organization accounts, and parents can use Family Link.
Mistakes to avoid
- Do not stop at deleting the app. The default assistant setting still points to Gemini.
- Do not turn off only one Gmail switch if you want Maps, Wallet and Personal Intelligence features off too.
- Do not forget your other accounts in Gmail.
Questions and answers
How do I turn off Gemini on my Android phone?
Change the power-button action, turn off Hey Google, or set a different or no default assistant.
Does deleting the Gemini app remove it?
No. Google says it stays the default assistant until you change that setting.
How do I turn off Gemini in Gmail?
Clear the Google Workspace smart features settings under General in Gmail settings.
Will switching to Google Assistant erase my Gemini history?
No. Your Gemini Apps Activity is not automatically deleted.
Can I hide Gemini in Chrome?
Yes, on desktop. Turn off “Show Gemini at the top of the browser” under Gemini in Chrome, or right-click the top of the browser and choose Unpin Gemini.
Sources
- Gemini Apps Help: manage or delete the Gemini app on Android
- Gemini Apps Help: switch between Gemini and Google Assistant
- Gmail Help: Google Workspace smart features
- Chrome Help: Gemini in Chrome
Facts last checked on 20 October 2026; Google’s pages show only a 2026 copyright. Menu names vary by device.
