Introduction
Google Assistant is a popular feature that is becoming increasingly common on devices such as smartphones, smart home devices, and even cars. It allows users to use voice commands to perform various tasks, such as making phone calls, setting reminders, and more. While it can be a useful feature, some people might want to turn it off for various reasons. In this article, we will explore how to turn off Google Assistant as well as the pros and cons of doing so.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Turn off Google Assistant
Turning off Google Assistant is a quick and easy process that can be done in a few steps. Here are two different methods depending on the device you are using:
Method 1: For Mobile Users
Disabling Google Assistant on mobile devices is easy. Here is how to do it:
- Open the Google Assistant app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap on your profile picture located on the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Assistant” from the list of options.
- Scroll down and select “Phone” under “Assistant Devices.”
- Toggle off the switch next to “Google Assistant.”
Android users can also follow these steps to turn off Google Assistant:
- Go to your device’s “Settings.”
- Select “Google” and then select “Account Services.”
- Select “Search, Assistant & Voice.”
- Select “Google Assistant.”
- Tap on “Assistant.”
- Select “Assistant” again.
- Toggle off the switch next to “Hey Google.”
iOS users can follow these steps to turn off Google Assistant:
- Go to your device’s “Settings.”
- Select “Google Assistant.”
- Toggle off the switch next to “Siri & Search.”
Method 2: For Desktop Users
Here is how to turn off Google Assistant on your desktop or laptop:
- Open your web browser and go to the Google Home page.
- Click on your profile picture located on the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Assistant settings.”
- Click on “Assistant” from the sidebar.
- Select “Phone” under “Assistant Devices.”
- Toggle off the switch next to “Google Assistant.”
Exploring the Pros and Cons of Turning off Google Assistant
While there are benefits to using Google Assistant, there are also reasons why someone might want to turn it off. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of disabling Google Assistant:
Advantages
- Increased privacy: Google Assistant collects data on your search queries, voice commands, and more. Disabling the feature can help protect your privacy.
- Better battery life: Google Assistant can use up your device’s battery life. Turning it off can help prolong your device’s battery life.
- Improved browsing experience: Sometimes Google Assistant can be intrusive, popping up when it’s not needed or interrupting what you’re doing. Turning it off can improve your browsing experience by not having these interruptions.
Disadvantages
- Reduced convenience and accessibility: While turning off Google Assistant can offer benefits, it also means that you will no longer be able to use the feature for convenience tasks or hands-free operation of your device.
Google Assistant: How to Disable It Via Mobile or Desktop
Depending on the device you’re using, turning off Google Assistant can vary in simple steps. However, here are a few tips both on mobile and desktop:
- Uninstall all updates of the Google app as an alternative workaround. This will revert the app to the original version, and you won’t have Google Assistant until you manually update it again.
- Go into Assistant settings to ensure all personalized data is cleared, and there is no trace of voice activity or history saved in your account.
- On the mobile app, checking the “Turn on Easy Access” option will enable Google Assistant to come up after holding down the home button, so turning off Easy Access can result in the feature no longer being triggered.
The Impact of Google Assistant on Battery Life
If you’re experiencing battery issues with your device, Google Assistant could be a significant contributor. Starting with Android 9 (Pie), Google introduced enhanced battery optimization, which can limit the background activity of apps that drain your battery. But Google Assistant continues to run in the background by default, even if you haven’t activated it through voice control. This means it can still flush through your mobile every time you search for specific things on your device. If you turn it off, it’ll no longer eat up battery life.
Quick Tips on Disabling Google Assistant to Stop Intrusive Ads
You’re likely to receive spammy personalized ads when using your device if you have Google Assistant enabled. It’s best to disable the feature altogether to keep unwanted ads or content from being pushed to your phone. Here are a few tips on how to do that:
- Review the information Google knows about you: Google’s Privacy Checkup tool can help reduce unwanted ads from showing up on your device. The tool can be found in your Google Account settings.
- Update your ad settings: You have a considerable amount of control over which ads you see, so it’s essential to ensure the “Ads Personalization” settings are turned off to keep Google from targeting you.
- Disable Google Assistant completely: Turning off Google Assistant altogether is always a surefire way to stop ads from following you around.
Writing an Opinion Piece about Why One Might Want to Disable Google Assistant
Speaking from experience, the constant surveillance of personal information can lead to information overload. No one needs to know all that information about you. Google’s privacy policy isn’t particularly transparent either, and it can be challenging to know what data the company is collecting on you and what they plan to do with it. Limiting access and taking control over your data is of utmost importance. Disabling Google Assistant completely is a good first step in taking control of what should be your private life online.
Conclusion
Google Assistant can be a useful feature, but for those who prefer privacy or a better-performing device, turning off the feature is easy to do. This guide has covered methods for both mobile and desktop devices and discussed the pros and cons of turning off Google Assistant. Follow the guide to turn it off or limit personal data collection and privacy issues today.