Google to remove Assistant from Android starting September 4

Android phones, tablets and paired devices lose Assistant for good starting next month

Published August 06, 2026

Google Assistant's long goodbye has a deadline. Google has confirmed it will begin removing access to Assistant on Android phones and tablets, along with paired devices such as smartwatches and headphones, starting on 4 September.

The announcement came via an email sent to some users and reported by 9to5Google. "We will begin removing access to Google Assistant starting on 4 September," Google wrote, adding that the rollout may take a few weeks to reach everyone.

Users will no longer be able to access or return to using Assistant once the removal process is complete.

Google also stated that the removal process would take about two weeks.

Anyone in a region where Gemini is available, using a device that meets the minimum requirements, will be moved onto Gemini as their only assistant option.

This encompasses Wear OS watches and Gemini-enabled headphones and earbuds, as well as Android Auto that is cast from a phone.

Cars powered by Google's built-in Assistant will remain unaffected for the time being, and as of yet, the new policy does not affect Google Home and Google TV devices; hence, Assistant will be sticking around in a couple of pockets of Google's ecosystem beyond September.

Initially, Google wanted to retire Assistant from almost all mobile devices by 2025 but has since pushed the deadline. It looks like this deadline is finally here for a change that has been taking place slowly since the debut of Gemini.

Pareesa Afreen is a reporter and sub editor specialising in technology coverage, with 3 years of experience. She reports on digital innovation, gadgets, and emerging tech trends while ensuring clarity and accuracy through her editorial role, delivering accessible and engaging stories for a fast-evolving digital audience.