Google will start to retire Google Assistant from the Android ecosystem, including phones, tablets, and Wear OS smartwatches, on 4 September 2026, and Gemini will take its place on supported devices. The change will roll out gradually over the coming months.
Once Google completes this process on a device, users will not be able to use Google Assistant or switch back to it, and Gemini will act as the only assistant option on that device, Google’s only option. You still would be able to use third-party assistants if you choose.
Google describes Gemini as its new AI-powered assistant and says it is now the assistant experience on Android. On phones and tablets that meet the minimum system requirements and are in supported regions, Gemini will take over triggers like “Hey Google” and the power-button long press, which previously launched Google Assistant.
The retirement also impacts connected headphones, some of the Wear OS watches, and cars using Android Auto, since these devices rely on the assistant from the phone.
Google’s email to users says it will begin removing access to Google Assistant on 4 September and expects the change to take a few weeks to reach everyone. The company adds that once availability goes away, users cannot use or switch back to Google Assistant on their phone, tablet or paired devices and must use Gemini instead, as reported by 9to5Google.
However, Cars with Google built-in keep Google Assistant beyond the given date, and other hardware like smart speakers, smart displays, and Google TV are not included in this phase of the retirement.
Google had previously planned to complete this transition earlier but extended the timeline into 2026 for a smoother changeover.
