If you’ve said “Hey Google” recently and something looked or sounded different, you’re not imagining it. Google has been replacing its old helper, Google Assistant, with a newer one called Gemini on Android phones, tablets and watches. The switch began on September 4, 2026, and is rolling out gradually.

Here’s what changed, what still works and how to get comfortable with it.

Plain talk: Gemini

Gemini is Google’s AI assistant. Like Google Assistant, it answers when you say “Hey Google”. Unlike the old assistant, you can talk to it in a normal, chatty way and ask follow-up questions.

What’s changed

  • “Hey Google” now opens Gemini. So does pressing and holding the power button (on most phones) or swiping up from a bottom corner of the screen.
  • It looks different. Instead of the old colored dots, you’ll see a Gemini panel at the bottom of the screen.
  • It understands more. You can ask longer questions, like “What’s a gentle stretching routine I can do in a chair?”, and then ask “Can you make it shorter?”

What still works the same

Most everyday requests work just as before:

  • “Hey Google, set a timer for 20 minutes.”
  • “Hey Google, wake me up at 7 a.m. tomorrow.”
  • “Hey Google, call Sarah on speaker.”
  • “Hey Google, text Mike: I’m running 10 minutes late.”
  • “Hey Google, what’s the weather tomorrow?”
  • “Hey Google, turn on the flashlight.”

Try this

Say “Hey Google, remind me to take the chicken out of the freezer at 4 p.m.” Then open your Reminders or Calendar to see where it went.

If “Hey Google” stopped working

  1. Open the Gemini app (or the Google app) on your phone.
  2. If you see a message asking to switch to Gemini or to turn on “Hey Google”, tap it and follow the steps.
  3. You may be asked to say “Hey Google” a few times so the phone learns your voice.
  4. Still stuck? Open Settings and search for Hey Google or Voice Match, and make sure it’s turned on.

The exact words can differ between Samsung, Pixel and other phones, and between software versions.

Keeping your privacy

Gemini can save your conversations to your Google Account to improve its answers. You can switch that off:

  1. Open the Gemini app.
  2. Tap your profile picture or initials.
  3. Look for Activity (or Gemini Apps Activity) and turn saving off, or set it to delete automatically.

And the same rule as any AI: never tell Gemini passwords, PINs, bank details or ID numbers.

Safety tip

Google won’t phone, text or email you asking you to “upgrade” or “activate” Gemini for a fee. The switch happens through normal updates. Anyone asking for payment or your Google password is a scammer.

Double-check important answers

Gemini is helpful, but like all AI assistants it can get things wrong. For anything about your health, money or legal matters, use it to prepare questions, then check with a professional. Our guide Is ChatGPT safe and free? covers the safety rules that apply to every AI assistant.

Your Android Phone, Plainly Explained covers Gemini alongside Maps, Calendar, the Clock and other everyday helpers, with steps for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones.