Tired of Gemini? A workaround brings back Google Assistant as default
After complaints that Gemini struggles with basic tasks, one Reddit user found a way to set Google Assistant as the default assistant again: uninstall Google app updates from the app info page, then open the Google Assistant app from the Play Store. An Android Authority author says the method worked as expected on their Pixel, and a few commenters appeared to confirm it. The report notes this is only a temporary remedy, not a permanent solution for users who prefer Assistant over Gemini; Google has announced Gemini as Assistant's replacement and recently began removing Assistant on phones.
Google has said Gemini replaces Assistant and recently began removing Assistant from phones, so this workaround matters to users who still rely on the older assistant for basic tasks.
TL;DR
- After a wave of complaints about Gemini’s inability to handle basic tasks, one user found a way to set Google Assistant as the default.
- The process requires users to uninstall Google app updates and open the Google Assistant app from the Play Store.
- Although this remedy works right now, it’s certainly not a permanent solution for those who prefer Assistant over Gemini.
We knew the writing was on the wall for Google Assistant when Google announced Gemini as its replacement. Things became more official recently when Google began killing off Assistant on phones in favor of the newer experience. But it appears that all hope isn’t lost, with one user finding a novel way to force a switch back to Assistant.
In a Reddit post explaining the process, the user claims they uninstalled Google app updates from its App info page, then opened the Assistant app on the Play Store (via Android Police). And sure enough, it works as expected, at least on my Pixel, and seems confirmed by a few others in the comments.