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Switch From Gemini Back to Google Assistant on Pixel

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Switch From Gemini Back to Google Assistant on Pixel

If you recently upgraded to Gemini on your Pixel and miss the familiar Google Assistant, you can switch back in a few taps. This guide shows you how to revert the default assistant app, restore the old long-press power button behavior, and make sure Assistant responds to “Hey Google” again. No data is lost, and the process takes under two minutes.

What You’ll Need

  • A Pixel phone running Android 14 or Android 15 (the steps are the same on both).
  • The Google app installed and updated (it usually is, but check the Play Store).
  • Your Google account signed in on the phone.

Step-by-Step

  1. Open the Google app. Tap the Google search widget on your home screen or find the Google app in your app drawer.
  2. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner of the Google app.
  3. Select “Settings” from the menu that appears.
  4. Scroll down and tap “Google Assistant.” This opens the Assistant settings page.
  5. Look for “Digital Assistants from Google.” It’s usually near the top of the Assistant settings. Tap it.
  6. You’ll see two options: “Google Assistant” and “Gemini.” Tap “Google Assistant.”
  7. Confirm your choice. A prompt may ask you to confirm that you want to switch. Tap “OK” or “Confirm.”
  8. Test the change. Press and hold the power button (or the side button) on your Pixel. The Google Assistant should appear instead of Gemini. If it doesn’t, try saying “Hey Google” to see if Assistant responds.

Common Mistakes

  • Not updating the Google app first. If the Google app is outdated, the “Digital Assistants from Google” option may be missing. Update the Google app from the Play Store before trying again.
  • Changing the wrong setting. Some users go to System Settings > Apps > Default apps and change the “Digital assistant” app there. That only changes which app handles the assistant action, not which assistant Google uses. Always use the Google app settings as described above.
  • Forgetting to test the power button. The switch in the Google app should update the power button behavior, but if it doesn’t, you may need to restart the phone or check the system default app setting.
  • Assuming “Hey Google” will work immediately. Voice match sometimes needs to be re-enabled after switching back. If it doesn’t respond, go to Google app > Settings > Google Assistant > “Hey Google & Voice Match” and retrain the voice model.

Tips

  • You can switch back to Gemini anytime. The same “Digital Assistants from Google” page lets you toggle between the two. Your Gemini conversations are not deleted when you switch back to Assistant.
  • If you use the Pixel’s gesture navigation, swiping up from the bottom corner still opens the assistant. After switching, that gesture should now launch Assistant instead of Gemini.
  • Check your default apps. After switching, go to System Settings > Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant app and make sure “Google” is selected. This ensures the power button and gesture trigger the assistant correctly.
  • If you have a Pixel Tablet or Pixel Fold, the same steps apply, but the “Digital Assistants from Google” option may be under a slightly different menu name. Look for “Assistant” in the Google app settings.

Troubleshooting

If the “Digital Assistants from Google” option is missing:

  • Update the Google app to the latest version from the Play Store.
  • Restart your phone after updating.
  • If it still doesn’t appear, go to System Settings > Apps > See all apps > Google > Storage > Clear cache (not data). Then try again.

If the power button still opens Gemini:

  • Restart your phone to force the change to take effect.
  • Check System Settings > Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant app. If it says “Gemini,” tap it and select “Google.”

If “Hey Google” doesn’t work:

  • Open Google app > Settings > Google Assistant > “Hey Google & Voice Match” and toggle it on. If it’s already on, turn it off and on again, then retrain your voice model.
  • Make sure the Google app has microphone permission: System Settings > Apps > Google > Permissions > Microphone > Allow.

If Assistant still acts like Gemini (e.g., it opens Gemini in the background):

  • This can happen if you have the Gemini app installed and it’s set as the default assistant app. Go to System Settings > Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant app and select “Google” instead of “Gemini.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my Gemini conversations if I switch back?

No. Your Gemini chats are saved in your Google account and will still be available if you switch back to Gemini later.

Can I use both Gemini and Google Assistant at the same time?

No, only one can be the default assistant. However, you can switch between them anytime using the steps above.

Does switching back to Assistant affect my Pixel’s performance or battery?

No, it’s just a change in which app handles assistant requests. Battery and performance impact are negligible either way.

Will the “Hey Google” hotword work after switching?

Yes, but you may need to re-enable voice match in the Google app settings if it was turned off when you switched to Gemini.

What if I don’t see the “Digital Assistants from Google” option?

Update the Google app, restart your phone, and if it still doesn’t appear, try clearing the Google app’s cache. If the issue persists, check for a system update.

Is this the same on all Pixel models?

Yes, the steps are identical on Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 series, as well as the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, as long as they run Android 14 or newer.

Related

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.