Choosing a Default AI Assistant on Android

A default assistant is the app Android uses for selected assistant entry points. Google’s Gemini help page describes changing or removing the default under Settings, Apps, Default apps, Digital assistant app; menu names and gestures can differ by device. Google notes that selecting its Google app can cover Gemini or Google Assistant as the primary assistant experience, and users may also switch between Gemini and Google Assistant in Gemini settings. A person can choose another supported assistant or None when the device exposes those choices. The default setting is distinct from having an assistant app installed. Google says deleting the Gemini mobile app does not necessarily remove it as the device’s default assistant. It also documents controls for activation, such as voice wake-up or a power-button gesture, separately from the primary assistant selection. Some device actions require the Google app to be set as default or additional permissions; notification access is another separate permission. The choice does not determine every AI feature in the operating system or third-party apps. Feature access depends on the app, device, account, permission, software, and current support. Before switching, identify the entry point you want to change, review the chosen assistant’s activation and data controls, and test that entry point. If a feature stops working, check the manufacturer’s instructions and the assistant app settings rather than assuming the app was deleted or disabled.