Google Assistant is Google’s latest and probably the final answer to Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa and the Microsoft Cortana (Although Windows is not really in the scene now). It is the successor of Google Now and has taken over its place with all Google Now features like “Ok Google” and more. It was launched exclusively on Google Pixel devices last year. So how to Disable Google Assistant and replace it with Google Now.
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Now Google has updated almost every Android Marshmallow and Nougat smartphones with Google Assistant. So if you have received the update and don’t like or want to have Google Assistant, you can disable it and get right back to using your old Google Now. Follow this guide to disable Google Assistant and use Google Now.
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Remove Google Assistant on Android Smartphones
There are actually two ways for root and non-root users. You can follow either, however, the root method is more of a permanent solution (which you can revert of course). But we have the non-root guide too in case you prefer the riskless way where your device is not rooted. Note that you can revert the changes easily in both methods to re-enable Google Assistant right back.
Disable Google Assistant and use Google Now (Root Option)
If you want the solid solution and just disable the Google Assistant, we suggest you this way. This involves in editing a line of code in build.prop file in your system. A build.prop is nothing but a system file on your Android device that has some settings and builds properties of the same. Every manufacturer has a different build.prop files based on their specifications but still some settings here same in all devices.
To edit this file, you need a capable file manager app. You can usually find such app in the Play Store. We recommend ES File Explorer for this task. Just follow the steps below to complete this process.
Disclaimer:
Keep in mind that rooting will void your warranty and can harm your device if done wrong. Keep in mind and do it at your own risk even if you are following this guide. We at Techora, are not responsible for any damage that might happen to your device in this process. This guide is written carefully detailing all necessary steps and by following it you agree that you understand these risks.
Steps to Disable Google Assistant:
- Open ES File Explorer and go to its settings.
- Scroll down until you find Root Explorer and tap it. Allow Superuser access when it is prompted.
- After that, check the “Mount File System” check box. Make sure it has both Read and Write permissions.
- Head to the system and locate build.prop file.
- Open it in a text editor and look for the following lines:
ro.opa.eligible_device=true
- We need to change this piece of code to false in order to disable the Google Assistant. So replace it with this code below.
ro.opa.eligible_device=false
- Save the file and reboot. You will have Google Assistant disabled and Now enabled next time you boot the Android.
Disable Google Assistant and use Google Now (Non-Root Option)
- In this method, we just change the language and region settings to a place where Google has not yet released Google Assistant.
- Go to Settings >Language and Input.
- Press Add Language and select English (If you are intending to use your phone only in the English language).
- Now choose U.S. Virgin Islands from the second list. This won’t have much difference from the English US or UK that you have been using but will come with Google Now instead of Google Assistant.
- Now if you long-press the home key, you will only have your Google Now come up for you instead of Google Assistant.
That’s all. By following either of these methods, you can Disable Google Assistant and use Google Now on your Android device. Hope it helped. Stay tuned for more updated and drop your comments below.
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