Still using Google Assistant? It’s time to look for a replacement
So long, Google Assistant.
Image by nikkimeel | Shutterstock
- Google Assistant will be retired from mobile-related devices starting September 4th, 2026.
- Affected devices include Android phones and tablets, Wear OS watches, paired headphones, and phone-projected Android Auto vehicles.
- Cars with Google built in will keep Google Assistant after the mobile-related phase-out begins.
- Google is urging remaining Assistant users to switch to Gemini.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
Google is finally putting its AI assistant to rest after prolonging its existence last year.
Starting September 4th, 2026, Google Assistant will no longer be in use.
The company has informed its users about the changes via email, announcing that the AI assistant will be discontinued and replaced with Gemini.
Despite the company listing September 4th as its expiration date, the discontinuation process might take a few weeks, according to 9to5 Google.
Once Google Assistant is removed, users will no longer be able to use it on their smartphone, tablet, or any other paired device.
The change will also affect Wear OS-powered devices, such as headphones, and “vehicles running Android Auto projected from a user’s mobile device.”
Nevertheless, the company noted that cars with Google built in will be able to use Google Assistant even after September 4th.
This change shouldn’t come as a surprise, since Google planned to remove its assistant in 2025 and later extended the deadline to this year.
Users who still use Google Assistant are now encouraged to shift to Gemini.
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The change shouldn’t be too complicated, as Google Assistant doesn’t store chats, so there’s no syncing involved. Nevertheless, users who want to review their previous Google Assistant chats can do so on the Web & App Activity page in their Google account.
Those who haven’t used Gemini prior can download the app via the Google Play Store and set it as their new default AI assistant.
FAQ about Google Assistant discontinuation
Is Google Assistant being discontinued?
Yes. Google Assistant is being retired, with the phase-out on mobile-related devices starting September 4th, 2026, as it fully transitions users to Gemini.
Which devices are affected by this change?
Android phones and tablets, Wear OS smartwatches, headphones and earbuds paired with Android, and cars using phone-projected Android Auto.
How to replace Google Assistant?
Google is automatically upgrading affected users to Gemini, its AI assistant app, which takes over the "Hey Google" voice commands, smart home controls, and assistant features on these devices. You can install/set up the Gemini app if it hasn't switched over yet.
FAQ by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.