Disabling Gemini on Android is a common request as users seek more privacy and control over their devices. While Google has made Gemini a core part of its ecosystem, there are still several ways to minimize its presence and functionality.

The steps vary depending on your device and Android version, but most methods involve changing settings in the Gemini app, Google app, or device settings.

How to turn off Gemini completely on Android

  • Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
  • Go to Google.
  • Select All services.
  • Select Search, Assistant and Voice.
  • Select either 'Google Assistant' or 'Gemini'.
  • Tap on Digital assistants from Google.
  • At the end, select You can turn off your digital assistant from Google at any time.
  • Tap Turn off.

How to turn off and delete Gemini apps activity through the Gemini app

  • Open the Gemini app on your Android device.​
  • Tap your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner.​
  • Select Gemini Apps Activity.
  • Tap Turn off or Turn off and delete activity to stop Gemini from collecting and using your data.
  • Follow the next two steps to confirm. Simply tap 'Next'.

How to disable Connected Apps in Gemini on Android

If you've been using Gemini, consciously or unconsciously, you may have a few apps connected to Gemini. These include your Google Workspace apps, as well as Messages, Phone, WhatsApp, Utilities, Spotify, etc. Here's how to turn them all off:

  • Open the Gemini app.
  • Tap on your profile icon/photo in the top right corner.
  • Select Connected Apps.
  • Go through all the apps here and systematically disable them all.

How to turn off Gemini capturing information on your screen

By default, Gemini has access to your screen content as text as well as image. Here's how to turn it off:

  • Open the Google app on your Android device.
  • Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner, then go to Settings > Gemini > Screen context.
  • You can also reach this setting from the Gemini app.
  • Then disable all options.

How to change to Google Assistant

The Google Assistant of old is not as invasive as Gemini. Here's how to revert to it:

  • Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  • Go to Google.
  • Select All Services. Then scroll down and select Search, Assistant and Voice.
  • Go to either 'Google Assistant' or 'Gemini'.
  • Select Digital assistants from Google.
  • Choose Google Assistant.
  • Confirm Switch.

How to turn off Gemini in Gmail

Gmail on Android too suffers from a Gemini infestation. Here's how to clear it out:

  • Open the Gmail app and tap on the menu option (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
  • Scroll down and select Settings.
  • Select your email address.
  • Scroll down and turn off Smart features.
  • Then tap on Google Workspace smart features.
  • Disable both options - Smart features in Google Workspace and Smart features in other Google products.

What to expect after disabling Gemini

Once you’ve disabled, most of its features will no longer be accessible. However, some core AI integrations may remain due to Google’s push for Gemini as the default assistant. Regularly check your device settings after updates to ensure Gemini stays disabled. If you need AI assistance, switching to Google Assistant is a viable alternative.