How to stop Google From Listening to your Android Device

You’re not imagining it — your phone really does listen. Google uses your Android device’s microphone to power voice commands, like “Hey Google.” But that convenience comes with a privacy cost. If you’re not comfortable with your phone listening all the time, here’s how to shut it down.

1. Turn Off Google Assistant

Google Assistant is always listening for the wake phrase. Disabling it stops that.

Steps:

1. Open the Google app.
2. Tap your profile icon (top right) > Settings.
3. Go to Google Assistant > General.
4. Toggle off Google Assistant.

That stops the voice assistant from activating or responding.

2. Disable “Hey Google” Detection

If you want to keep Assistant but stop the microphone trigger:

Steps:

1. Open the Google app.
2. Go to Settings > Google Assistant > Hey Google & Voice Match.
3. Toggle off Hey Google.

This keeps Assistant on, but it won’t activate just by listening for your voice.

3. Revoke Microphone Access

You can block the microphone entirely from Google apps.

Steps:

1. Open Settings on your Android.
2. Tap Apps > See all apps.
3. Find and tap Google.
4. Go to Permissions > Microphone.
5. Select Don’t allow.

Note: This might break some features like voice search.

4. Stop Audio Activity Recording

Google stores audio recordings in your account history. You can turn that off.

Steps:

1. Go to myactivity.google.com.
2. Click Activity controls (left menu).
3. Find Voice & Audio Activity.
4. Toggle it off.

Optional: Scroll down and delete past recordings.

5. Use Physical Controls (if available)

Some phones, like the newer Pixels or some privacy-focused models, have hardware kill switches for the mic. If your phone has one, use it when you’re not using voice commands.

Final Thoughts

Google’s voice tools are useful, but not everyone is comfortable with a microphone always on. With a few quick changes, you can take back some control over your Android device’s privacy.