Google Assistant Shutdown: What to Do Now

Google Assistant is being phased out and replaced by Gemini, so the things to do before it disappears are to export your data, review your connected devices and routines, and decide whether to migrate to Gemini or switch to another assistant. This article explains what is changing, how to prepare, and what your options are so you do not lose important settings or automations.

Background: Why Google Assistant Is Going Away

In early 2025, Google announced that it would retire the classic Google Assistant on most phones and tablets, replacing it with Gemini, its newer AI assistant. The change affects Android devices, Google Home speakers and displays, and the Assistant app on iOS. Google has said the transition will happen gradually through 2025, with older devices losing Assistant functionality by the end of the year. The company has framed this as a move toward a more capable, generative-AI-powered assistant, but it also means many users will need to adjust their habits and settings.

What Exactly Changes and When

Google has not published a single shutdown date, but the rollout is happening in stages. On Android phones, the default assistant is switching from Assistant to Gemini, and the Google Assistant app is being removed from the Play Store. On Google Home speakers and smart displays, Google says Gemini will replace Assistant on most devices, though some older hardware may not support it. The Google Assistant on Wear OS watches and in Android Auto is also being migrated. If you rely on Assistant for hands-free commands, timers, or smart home control, you will need to set up Gemini or find an alternative.

How to Export Your Data Before It’s Gone

Before the switch, you should download your Assistant activity history and settings. Google Takeout lets you export data tied to Assistant, including your voice recordings, commands, and routines. Here is how to do it:

• Go to takeout.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
• Deselect all services, then scroll down and check Google Assistant (it may be listed under “Assistant and voice servicesâ€�).
• Choose the file format (ZIP is fine) and the export frequency (one-time is enough).
• Click Create export. Google will email you a link when it’s ready, usually within a few hours or days.

This gives you a record of your past interactions, but it does not preserve your routines or device settings. For those, you will need to manually note them or recreate them in Gemini.

How to Migrate Your Routines and Smart Home

Your Google Home routines—like “Good morning� turning on lights and reading the news—will not automatically transfer to Gemini. You have two options: recreate them in the Google Home app or in Gemini’s settings. The Google Home app now has a “Gemini� section where you can set up similar routines. For smart home devices, check that each device is compatible with Gemini; most major brands like Philips Hue, Nest, and TP-Link work, but some older or niche devices may not. If a device is not compatible, you can still control it through the Google Home app manually, but voice commands will not work.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Many users report that after the switch, Gemini does not respond to the same “Hey Google� wake words or performs actions differently. Here are common issues and fixes:

• “Hey Googleâ€� not working: Make sure Gemini is set as the default assistant in your phone’s settings (Settings → Apps → Default apps → Digital assistant). You may need to retrain the voice model.
• Routines missing: Open the Google Home app, go to Routines, and manually recreate them. Gemini does not import them automatically.
• Smart home devices offline: Re-link the device in the Google Home app under “Works with Google.â€� Sometimes a device needs a firmware update.
• Assistant still popping up: If Gemini is not available on your device, Google may still use Assistant. Check if your device is on the supported list.

Alternatives to Google Assistant and Gemini

If you do not want to use Gemini, you have other options. Amazon Alexa works on Echo devices and many smart home hubs, though it is not built into Android phones. Apple’s Siri is available on iPhones and HomePod, but not on Android. For a more privacy-focused choice, you can use open-source assistants like Mycroft or Home Assistant’s built-in voice control, but these require more technical setup. On Android, you can also disable the assistant entirely and rely on the Google app for search, but you will lose voice commands.

Costs and What You Need to Know

Gemini is free for basic use, but advanced features like longer conversations and faster responses require a Google AI Pro subscription, which costs money. The free tier includes standard voice commands, timers, and smart home control. If you are a heavy user of Assistant’s routines or use it for work, you may need to pay for the Pro plan to get the same functionality. Check Google’s official pricing page before you decide, as prices can change.

Safety and Privacy Considerations

Before migrating, review your privacy settings. Gemini, like Assistant, records your voice and activity to improve responses, but it also uses your data to train AI models. You can turn off voice and activity tracking in your Google Account settings. Also, be aware that Gemini may share data across Google services more aggressively than Assistant did. If you are concerned, use the “Incognito� mode in the Gemini app or delete your history regularly. Always read the permission prompts when linking new devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Google Home speakers stop working?

Most Google Home speakers and displays will receive a software update that replaces Assistant with Gemini. However, very old models (like the original Google Home from 2016) may not support Gemini and could lose voice control entirely. Check Google’s official list of compatible devices to see if yours is supported.

Can I still use Google Assistant on my iPhone?

The Google Assistant app is being removed from the App Store, and existing users will be prompted to switch to Gemini. If you do not update, the app may stop working after a certain date. You can download the Gemini app, which works on iOS and supports most of the same commands.

What happens to my saved voice recordings?

Your voice recordings are stored in your Google Account and can be downloaded via Google Takeout. However, Google may delete them after the transition if you do not export them. To be safe, export them before the end of 2025.

Can I switch back to Assistant after trying Gemini?

On some devices, you can switch back temporarily by going to Settings → Apps → Default apps → Digital assistant and selecting “Google Assistant� if it is still installed. But once Google fully removes Assistant, this option will disappear. It is best to migrate fully before then.

Will my smart home routines work with Gemini?

Not automatically. You must recreate them in the Google Home app or in Gemini’s settings. Some routines, like those involving third-party skills, may not be supported. Test each routine after setting it up.

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