Google will begin removing access to Google Assistant on Android mobile devices starting Sept. 4, marking the final phase of its transition to Gemini, the company's AI-powered assistant platform. The rollout will occur in stages and may take several weeks to reach all users.

Once the transition is complete, users will no longer be able to use Google Assistant or switch back to it on supported Android phones, tablets or paired devices.

Which devices are affected?

The change applies to:

Android smartphones and tablets
Wear OS smartwatches
Headphones and earbuds that rely on Google Assistant
Vehicles using Android Auto through a connected smartphone

However, Google Assistant will continue to operate in vehicles with Google built-in after Sept. 4. Google also said Google TV, Google Home speakers and smart displays will continue using Assistant for now, although Gemini will eventually expand to those devices as well.

A transition years in the making

Google has been gradually phasing out Google Assistant since 2025.

The company first removed several Assistant features from its Nest ecosystem - including Interpreter Mode, voice-based photo sharing and birthday notifications - before reintroducing similar capabilities through Gemini. Google also announced plans in 2025 to replace Assistant across its ecosystem but did not provide a firm timeline at the time.

Gemini later expanded to Google Home devices and smart-home products, while Google recently completed the migration from Assistant to Gemini on Android Auto. Although Google initially expected to finish the transition by the end of 2025, the rollout was delayed until 2026.

What users should expect

Users who have not yet switched can install the Gemini app from Google Play and sign in using their Google account. Gemini guides users through making it their default assistant while transferring most relevant settings and preferences.

The familiar "Hey Google" wake phrase will continue to work, meaning most voice commands can still be activated in the same way.

Unlike Google Assistant, however, Gemini synchronizes conversation history across multiple devices.

Users who want to review previous interactions with Google Assistant can still access them through the Web & App Activity section of their Google account.

Google's broader AI strategy

The retirement of Google Assistant reflects Google's strategy of making Gemini the company's unified AI platform.

Rather than functioning solely as a voice assistant, Gemini combines conversational AI with intelligent search, image generation, productivity tools, Android Auto integration and other AI-powered Google services.

Google said it is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and believes Gemini delivers a "more intelligent and helpful" assistant experience than Google Assistant.

Du Lam