Google Assistant is without a doubt ubiquitous, considering that it's available on practically every Android smartphone out there. It's really helpful in more ways than one too, but some users don't really like how it listens all the time — waiting for a wake word, that is — and others just want more control over their devices.
Good thing it's easy to turn it off. Of course, that means its features won't be accessible anymore. Those who still want to use them from time to time are also in luck, though, since there's a way to simply "limit" the virtual assistant.
How To Disable Google Assistant
Just to be clear, the steps below are for those who are done with Google Assistant or those who have had enough of it, since it won't function anymore afterward.
Step 1: Open the Google app.
Step 2: Tap on the More button in the bottom-right corner.
Step 3: Tap on Settings.
Step 4: Make sure Wi-Fi or cellular data is on and tap on Google Assistant.
Step 5: Tap on the Assistant tab and, under "Assistant devices," tap on Phone.
Step 6: Toggle the slider for Google Assistant.
And voilà — that should completely deactivate Google Assistant on your phone.
How To Limit Google Assistant
The following instructions are for those who still want Google Assistant to stick around but want to limit its functionality.
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Go to Apps or Applications and go to the "Default apps" section, which could be tucked away in the menu button with three vertical dots or under Advanced in certain devices.
Step 3: Tap on "Device assistant app" or "Assistant and Voice Input" and tap on the similarly worded "Device assistance app," not the gear icon beside it.
Step 4: Pick another virtual assistant in the selection to set a different default device assistant app. You can also choose None if you don't want any.
Sure, Google Assistant isn't for everybody, and some people probably doesn't want it in their lives. However, Google is set to roll out the "next-generation" version of the virtual assistant, and the upcoming improvements might be appealing enough to change some users' minds.
