You can disable Gemini through Settings, the Google app, or by removing Google Assistant entirely

Google Gemini appears on Samsung phones as a button, voice command option, or search widget. If you want to remove it, you have three routes: turn it off in Settings, disable it within the Google app, or uninstall Google updates to revert to an older version. Which one works depends on your phone model, Android version, and whether you want to keep Google Assistant for other tasks.

The fastest method for most people is removing the Gemini button from your home screen or lock screen, which stops you from launching it by accident. If you want to prevent it from running in the background or responding to voice commands, you'll need to go into Settings or the Google app instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Gemini button on your lock screen can be removed by long-pressing it and selecting the delete or remove option.
  • You can disable Gemini voice activation in the Google app by going to Settings, then turning off voice activation for Gemini.
  • Some Samsung phones let you replace Gemini with Google Assistant in Settings under Apps or Digital Assistant.
  • If Gemini is built into your Android version, uninstalling Google app updates through the Play Store reverts you to the previous version without Gemini.
  • Disabling Gemini does not affect other Google services like Search, Gmail, or Google Maps.

Remove the Gemini button from your lock screen

The easiest way to stop seeing Gemini is to remove the button from your lock screen. On most Samsung phones running Android 14 or later, a Gemini icon appears in the bottom corner of the lock screen. Long-press this icon until a menu appears, then tap "Remove" or "Delete." The button disappears immediately, and you won't accidentally launch Gemini when unlocking your phone.

If you see a Gemini widget on your home screen instead, long-press it and select "Remove from Home Screen." This works the same way. The widget is gone, but Gemini itself is still installed and can still respond to voice commands if you say "Hey Google, open Gemini."

Turn off Gemini in the Google app

To prevent Gemini from responding to voice commands, open the Google app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Select "Settings," then "Google Assistant." Scroll down and look for "Gemini" or "Gemini settings." Tap it, then toggle off "Voice activation" or "Voice match." This stops Gemini from listening for your voice.

Some phones show a "Digital Assistant" setting instead. If you see this option, tap it and select "Google Assistant" from the dropdown menu. This switches your default assistant back to the older Google Assistant and disables Gemini as your primary voice tool. The setting varies by Samsung model and Android version, so you may need to look in multiple places within the Google app settings.

Switch back to Google Assistant in phone settings

On Samsung phones, you can often choose which assistant handles voice commands. Go to Settings, then search for "Digital Assistant" or "Default Assistant." Tap it and select "Google Assistant" instead of Gemini. This tells your phone to use the older assistant for voice commands and long-press actions.

Not all Samsung models have this setting. If you don't see "Digital Assistant" in Settings, try going to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Digital Assistant. If this option doesn't appear either, your phone may have Gemini locked as the default, and you'll need to use the Google app method instead.

Uninstall Google app updates to remove Gemini entirely

If Gemini is built into your version of Android and you can't disable it through Settings, you can uninstall Google app updates to revert to an older version without Gemini. Open the Google Play Store, search for "Google," and tap the Google app. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right, then select "Uninstall updates." Your phone reverts to the version of the Google app that came with your Android installation, which may not include Gemini.

After you uninstall updates, you can prevent the app from updating automatically. In the Google Play Store, tap your profile picture, then "Manage apps and device." Find the Google app, tap the three-dot menu next to it, and select "Don't auto-update." This keeps Gemini from returning when Google pushes a new version. You'll still have Google Search, Google Assistant, and other Google services — only Gemini is removed.

What happens if you disable Gemini

Disabling or removing Gemini does not affect Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, or any other Google service. Your phone continues to work normally. If you had Google Assistant before Gemini appeared, switching back to it restores your old voice assistant with the same commands and routines you set up.

The only thing that changes is that Gemini no longer appears as an option when you press and hold the power button, tap the lock screen button, or say "Hey Google." If you later want Gemini back, you can re-enable it in Settings or update the Google app again through the Play Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling Gemini affect Google Assistant?

No. Google Assistant and Gemini are separate tools. If you switch back to Google Assistant in Settings, it works exactly as it did before Gemini appeared. All your routines, voice commands, and preferences stay the same.

Can I remove Gemini without uninstalling the Google app?

Yes. You can remove the button from your lock screen, turn off voice activation in the Google app, or switch your default assistant to Google Assistant in Settings. The Google app stays installed and continues to power Google Search and other services.

What if the Gemini button comes back after I remove it?

Samsung or Google may re-enable it when you update Android or the Google app. If this happens, repeat the removal steps. To prevent it from returning, disable automatic updates for the Google app in the Play Store.

Does uninstalling Google app updates break anything?

No. You keep Google Search, Gmail, Maps, and all other Google services. The only difference is that you lose features added in newer versions, including Gemini. You can still use Google Search and Google Assistant normally.

Can I use Google Assistant and Gemini at the same time?

Not as your default assistant. You can only set one as your primary digital assistant in Settings. However, you can open either one manually — Google Assistant through the Google app, and Gemini through the Gemini app if it's installed separately.