Google has officially set a date for retiring Google Assistant. Starting September 4, 2026, the company will begin phasing out its voice assistant, which will be fully replaced by Gemini.
Users have already been notified about the change via email. Although September 4 has been set as the official start date for the shutdown, the rollout will take place over several weeks, meaning Google Assistant will be phased out gradually.
Once the transition is complete, users will no longer be able to use Google Assistant on smartphones, tablets, or other supported devices. Gemini will replace it as the default assistant.
The change also affects Wear OS smartwatches, headphones paired with Android devices, and vehicles that use Android Auto through a connected smartphone.
Google noted, however, that vehicles with Google Built-in will continue to support Google Assistant even after September 4.
The move comes as no surprise. Google first announced plans to retire Google Assistant in 2025 but later postponed the transition until 2026.
Users who still rely on Google Assistant are encouraged to switch to Gemini. The migration should be straightforward, as Google Assistant does not store chat history, meaning there are no conversations to transfer.
Anyone who wants to review their previous Google Assistant activity can do so through the Web & App Activity section of their Google Account.
Users who have not yet tried Gemini can download the app from the Google Play Store and set it as their default assistant. Once enabled, Gemini will respond to the “Hey Google” wake phrase, handle voice commands, control smart home devices, and perform the same core assistant functions previously provided by Google Assistant.
