Google Assistant Is Shutting Down: What Happens in India
After ten years, Google Assistant is permanently going away on phones, tablets, watches, and Android Auto, and Gemini is taking its place. The removal started rolling out on September 4, 2026, and once it reaches your device, there's no toggle to switch back. We explain what actually changes, which Indian languages Gemini supports so far, and how to switch manually right now instead of waiting.
⚡ Quick facts
- Shutdown started: September 4, 2026, rolling out over several weeks
- Affected: Android phones/tablets, Wear OS watches, compatible headphones, Android Auto (phone-projected)
- Not affected (for now): Smart speakers, smart displays, TVs, cars with Google built-in, and devices below Gemini's minimum requirements
- Indian languages supported: Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and more, though "Hey Google" hotword isn't live for all of them yet
What's actually happening
Google began permanently retiring Google Assistant from mobile devices on September 4, 2026, with Gemini becoming the default response to "Hey Google" and the long-press power button shortcut. Google told affected users by email in August, as The Star and Search Engine Roundtable reported, and was clear that the change is one-way: once Assistant is removed from a device, you can no longer switch back to it on your phone, tablet or paired devices. The plan itself dates back to March 2025, when Google first said Gemini would replace Assistant on most mobile devices.
This isn't a single-day switch: the rollout is staged and can take several weeks to reach every eligible device, so you may keep seeing classic Assistant for a while even after the September 4 start date.
Which devices are affected
- Android smartphones and tablets
- Wear OS smartwatches
- Headphones and earbuds with Google Assistant support
- Android Auto, when projected wirelessly from a paired phone
Devices Google says are not changing for now: smart speakers and smart displays, TVs, and cars with Google built-in (as opposed to phone-projected Android Auto). If your phone or tablet doesn't meet Gemini's minimum system requirements, Google Assistant will also keep working there unchanged, at least for the time being.
How to switch to Gemini manually right now
You don't have to wait for the staged rollout to reach your device. You can switch yourself:
- Open Settings on your Android phone.
- Tap Apps, then Default apps.
- Select Digital assistant app.
- Choose Gemini.
Alternatively, open the Google app, go to Settings → Digital assistants from Google, and pick Gemini there.
What works, and what's still rough, in India
Gemini supports English plus nine Indian languages: Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu, as listed when Google launched the Gemini app in India. According to CareerIndia’s India rollout guide, the "Hey Google" hands-free hotword isn't available yet for all of these languages, so you may need to use press-to-talk instead of voice activation depending on which language you've set. Core functions, such as placing calls, setting timers and reminders, and running Google Home routines linked to Gemini, are reported to work, but some third-party device controls and Android Auto calling have been described as inconsistent immediately after the switch. Google says more features and language coverage will arrive progressively as the rollout continues.
Our take: a five-minute checklist before Gemini lands
Because the switch cannot be undone, it is worth testing the things you rely on before the rollout reaches your phone. Switch manually (steps above), then run through this list while you can still compare:
- Your language. Set Gemini to the language you speak to your phone in and say “Hey Google”. If the hotword does not respond, enable Voice Match, and if it still fails, plan on press-to-talk (long-press the power button).
- Calls and messages. Ask Gemini to call a saved contact and send a message. These worked in early India reports, but contact names in regional scripts are worth testing.
- Alarms and reminders. Set one of each by voice and check they appear in the Clock and Google Tasks apps.
- Smart-home routines. Run each routine you use. Routines need to be linked to Gemini Apps; third-party device controls were the least reliable part of the switch.
- Android Auto. If you drive with a phone-projected Android Auto, test a hands-free call before a long trip, since calling there was reported as inconsistent.
- Permissions. Gemini asks for microphone, notification and on-screen context access. Grant only what you need; you can change them later in Settings.
If Gemini does not appear as an option, update the Google and Gemini apps and restart the phone. Some devices keep showing Assistant until the staged rollout reaches them.
What it means even if you've never opened the Assistant app
Google Assistant has quietly powered "Hey Google" on hundreds of millions of Android phones for a decade, including in India, one of Android's largest markets. Because the switch is automatic and irreversible once it lands on your device, users who rely on voice commands for calls, alarms, or smart-home routines are worth flagging before it happens rather than after, especially if you use a regional language where hands-free support is still catching up.
Sources
- The Star: Google Assistant on mobile devices will be discontinued on Sept 4
- Search Engine Roundtable: Google Assistant shutting down on mobile devices on September 4
- CareerIndia: Why your Android phone is switching to Gemini
- Google India blog: Gemini in India, now on mobile and multilingual
Frequently asked questions
What if Gemini doesn't show up as an option on my phone?
Update the Google app and the Gemini app, then restart your phone. If it still doesn't appear, the staged rollout may not have reached your device yet, and Google Assistant will keep working until it does.
When does Google Assistant shut down?
Removal began September 4, 2026, and is rolling out in stages over several weeks across eligible devices.
Can I switch back to Assistant after Gemini takes over?
No. Google says there's no toggle or rollback path once Assistant is removed from a device.
Does this affect my Google Home speaker or car?
No. Smart speakers, smart displays, TVs, and cars with Google built-in keep running Assistant unchanged for now.
Which Indian languages does Gemini support?
English plus nine Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi, though "Hey Google" hotword support is still incomplete for some of them.