Google has begun emailing users to confirm that Google Assistant is being discontinued on mobile devices, with Gemini taking over as the default assistant experience on Android. The company says it will start removing access to Google Assistant from September 4, and the rollout is expected to take a few weeks to reach all users.
What’s changing
According to the email Google sent to users, Google Assistant on mobile devices is being discontinued, with Gemini positioned as the next-generation AI-powered assistant that now serves as the assistant experience on Android. Once the change reaches a device, users will no longer be able to use or switch back to Google Assistant on their phone, tablet or any paired accessories. If a device meets the minimum system requirements and Gemini is available in the user’s region, Gemini will automatically become the assistant triggered by saying “Hey Google” or long-pressing the power button. Search Engine Roundtable
Which devices are affected
The shutdown is not limited to phones. Setting Gemini as the assistant on a mobile device also makes it the assistant on connected accessories, including Wear OS smartwatches, Gemini-compatible headphones and earbuds, and vehicles running Android Auto that is projected from a paired phone. One notable exception is cars with Google built-in, where Google Assistant will keep working beyond September 4, since that experience runs independently of the phone.
Why the deadline moved
Google had earlier indicated that Assistant would remain available on Android until March 2026, and the transition itself was originally expected to wrap up by the end of 2025 before being pushed back. The extended timeline suggests Google needed more time to bring Gemini closer to feature parity with the everyday tasks people relied on Assistant for, before making the switch permanent and irreversible for most users.
What users should know
Since the transition has no opt-out, Assistant routines and habits tied to a phone are expected to shift over to Gemini’s framework, or stop working after the changeover. Users with older devices that do not meet Gemini’s system requirements may see Assistant removed without a direct Gemini replacement being available to them.