Accessing Google Assistant Settings Without Using the Google App

If you find yourself preferring the seamless interaction with Google Assistant over Gemini, it’s crucial to adapt to the recent updates. Google has decided to prioritize Gemini AI, resulting in the removal of Google Assistant settings from the Google app. This shift means that adjustments to your Assistant setup will now require a different approach.

Understanding the Removal of Google Assistant Settings

In March 2025, Google officially announced that it would phase out Google Assistant, with plans to replace it with the more advanced Gemini AI later in 2025. This decision aims to streamline their focus on a single AI assistant, making development more efficient.

Yet, Google Assistant remains essential for various tasks such as smart home management. While the shift is on the horizon, accessing Google Assistant settings may still be necessary for users. Given Google’s tendency to evolve its strategies, Assistant might linger longer than anticipated.

How to Check if Google Assistant Settings Are Still Available

The availability of Google Assistant settings can vary based on your device. Pixel users are among the first experiencing this change. To check, follow these steps:

Open the Google app.
Tap your profile icon located at the top right corner.
Select Settings. Here, if you can still find Google Assistant, your access persists for the moment.

Accessing Settings through the Google Home App

In light of Google’s shift towards Gemini on mobile platforms, settings for Google Assistant are still accessible through the Google Home app, particularly for smart home devices. Here’s how to access them:

Open the Google Home app.
Tap on Settings found at the bottom right corner.
Under Home features, select Google Assistant.

Accessing Google Assistant within Google Home app.

This provides access to critical settings such as voice match, sound preferences, personal results, and parental controls. For more options, click on Manage all Assistant settings at the bottom of the screen.

Using the Google Assistant App for Settings

If the Google Assistant app remains on your device, you can open it up to adjust your settings. You can also reinstall it from the Google Play Store if needed. If prompted, you may need to switch to Google Assistant from the Gemini app.

In the Gemini app, tap your profile icon at the top right.
Choose Switch to Google Assistant.

How To Open Google Assistant Settings Without Google App Gemini App

Activate Google Assistant through a simple command by saying “Hey Google” or using your assistant shortcut button, followed by saying “Open Assistant settings.” If you can’t find the app, navigate to Settings on your device, then Apps -> Assistant, and tap Open.

Dealing with Missing Gemini Settings in the Google App

Some users face the issue of missing Gemini and Google Assistant settings in the Google app. This situation arises from Google’s ongoing testing of separating settings across different apps, with a greater emphasis on search features.

For those experiencing this issue, the Gemini app serves as an effective solution:

If you haven’t done so, download the Gemini app for free from the Google Play Store.
Sign in with your Google account and follow the setup prompts.
Tap your profile icon, followed by Settings to configure your assistant.

Is Using Gemini Mandatory?

If you’ve experimented with Gemini and prefer Google Assistant, rest assured, there’s no obligation to switch. However, if you utilize smart home devices, you may need to adapt.

As Google Assistant begins to disappear from more devices, including major smart TVs like LG smart TVs by May 1, 2025, users may have to rely on built-in voice controls. Fortunately, both LG and Samsung are planning to introduce Microsoft Copilot for AI voice support later in 2025, potentially offering compatibility with Gemini as well.

For those managing smart home and mobile devices, alternatives exist. Many platforms now support Amazon Alexa, compatible with both Android and iOS, or you may explore using ChatGPT as your voice assistant.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I still access Google Assistant settings after the removal from the Google app?

Yes! You can access the necessary Google Assistant settings through the Google Home app and the Google Assistant app if it’s still installed on your device.

2. What should I do if I can’t find Google Assistant settings in the Google app?

If you can’t access the settings via the Google app, try using the Gemini app instead. Download it from the Play Store, sign in, and you’ll be able to manage your settings there.

3. Is switching to Gemini mandatory for Google Assistant users?

No, switching to Gemini is not mandatory unless you are using certain smart home devices that may require it. You can continue using Google Assistant if you prefer it.

Source & Images