this post was submitted on 16 Jul 2025
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Privacy

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How to turn off Gemini on Android — and why you should (proton.me)
submitted 4 days ago by cm0002@lemmy.world to c/privacy@lemmy.dbzer0.com
4 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Google is quietly rolling out its Gemini AI tool as the default assistant on Android, even on devices where users never explicitly enabled it. In many cases, Gemini replaces Google Assistant by default, making it increasingly challenging to disable fully.

This deep integration means Gemini can still be active in the background, accessing your apps, system features, and personal info.

Here's what Gemini can access:

Gmail 
Google Calendar 
Google Drive & Docs 
Maps, Keep, Tasks
Messages, Phone, and even WhatsApp

Even more concerning:

Your data is used to train Google’s AI.
Human reviewers may see your chats.
Data can be shared with 3rd parties.
As of July 2025, Gemini stays connected to apps even when activity tracking is turned off.

🛑 You can’t fully disable Gemini, but you can limit it:

How to limit Gemini on Android:

Turn off activity tracking
Revoke permissions
Uninstall it (if possible)

Further options, if you’re privacy-conscious:

Reduce your reliance on Google services or fully de-Google
Consider a privacy-first OS like GrapheneOS or CalyxOS

⚠️ Google is making Gemini the default assistant for all Android devices by the end of 2025.

Choose privacy over AI surveillance.

If you want tools that respect your data, ensure you use encrypted email, a private calendar, and a secure cloud, with no AI training or human review.

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[–] Trihilis@ani.social 1 points 4 hours ago

I wish pixels weren't the only option for grapheneOS.

But yeah I'm buying one regardless in a month.

[–] XLE@piefed.social 8 points 4 days ago

The messaging in the article is a bit mixed, which makes sense because it's trying to explain Google's intentionally confusing messaging, but I would like to highlight one thing:

Can you fully disable Gemini on Android? No, and that’s by design. While you can turn off activity tracking, revoke permissions, and even uninstall the Gemini app on some devices, Google is actively replacing its Assistant app with Gemini. By the end of 2025, Gemini will be the default...

If you use Android, you should not use its Assistant if you want to keep Google away from your data.

This applies whether Google calls it Gemini or not.

[–] Morningstar_bitch@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I don’t wanna get rid of it, just run it in a sandbox

[–] Showroom7561@lemmy.ca 1 points 4 days ago

just run it in a sandbox

You really can't since they require you to use a Google account. All your actions will be parsed and used against you at some point. That's Google's business model.