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Is Google Forcing You to Switch from Assistant to Gemini?
Google confirmed that Assistant will stop working by March 2026. The company is pushing everyone toward Gemini, its newer AI tool. This means you have a few months left to use the “Hey Google” wake word and commands you’re used to.
Why Is Google Making This Change?
Assistant first appeared in 2016 as a voice helper that could set alarms, play songs, and give directions. But AI technology has grown fast since then. Google needs something smarter to compete with tools from other companies, so Gemini takes over because it can handle tougher questions and remember what you talked about earlier.
The switch has been coming for a while. Google started removing Assistant features back in January 2024, and even took away Driving Mode in April 2025.
What This Means for You
Here’s what changes:
- You can still pick between Assistant and Gemini right now on Android phones
- After March 2026, Assistant disappears completely—no going back
- Gemini will handle the same voice commands Assistant used to do
- Smart home devices like Google Nest might keep some Assistant features a bit longer
Some people aren’t happy with Gemini yet. It asks for more permissions and needs access to more of your personal information to work properly. Plus, it can be slower than Assistant when you just want quick answers.
Will Your Data Be Safe?
Google says it’s not using your Gmail messages to train Gemini. Recent stories claimed Google secretly turned on settings that let Gmail read all your emails and attachments. Google denied this, explaining that those Smart Features have been around for years and work differently than AI training programs.
What Happens Next
Google is giving you about four months to get used to the idea. Gemini already works on most Android devices, smartwatches, TVs, and cars. The company says Gemini understands natural speech better and can do more complex tasks than Assistant ever could.
If you rely on Assistant for daily routines, now’s the time to try Gemini and see how it fits your needs. Some features might work differently or require new voice commands.