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. Here's 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, Pixel Tablets, cars with Google built-in, and devices below Gemini's minimum requirements
- Indian languages supported: Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and more — but "Hey Google" hotword isn't live for all of them yet
What's actually happening
Google confirmed it began permanently retiring Google Assistant from mobile devices starting September 4, 2026, with Gemini becoming the default response to "Hey Google" and the long-press power button shortcut. Google has been emailing affected users directly, with a message that reads: "Google Assistant is going away on mobile devices." Once Assistant's availability is removed from a device, Google says, "you will no longer be able to use or switch back to Google Assistant on your phone, tablet, or paired 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, Pixel Tablets used as home hubs, 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 officially supports English plus nine Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi. The catch: 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 — 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.
Why this matters 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.
Frequently asked questions
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, Pixel Tablets, 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.