Google Assistant is disappearing from your smartwatch

Are you ready to say goodbye to Google Assistant on your Android smartwatch? Google has been quietly preparing to replace Assistant with Gemini for months, and now it's officially rolling out. The transition started with the Pixel Watch, and is now rolling out to more Wear OS devices.

Last week, Google began replacing Assistant with Gemini on the Pixel Watch. It was a move that was expected, as the Mountain View company had laid out a clear roadmap for phasing out Assistant on phones, tablets, watches, cars, and other smart devices. After a brief rollout on the Pixel Watch, Gemini is now appearing on a range of Wear OS devices from other manufacturers.

So, if you own a smartwatch running Wear OS 5 or older from Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus,. your virtual assistant is about to get a big change.

Multiple users on Reddit have confirmed the rollout: owners either automatically receive Gemini, or see the update in the Play Store for Wear OS. Once the update hits your watch, you'll get notifications about Google's new AI assistant on your wrist.

Users can now interact with Gemini by:

1. Press the button on the side of the watch
2. Use the "Hey Google" trigger phrase (if voice commands are enabled)

Alternatively, Gemini can also be opened by:

1. Tap the app icon on the small screen
2. Access via Tile
3. Set as a complication on a custom watch face
   Note: When adding Gemini as an action, it may show the label "Google" or "Google Digital Assistant" instead of "Gemini," but you'll know it by the sparkling star icon.

Notably, many Reddit users reported that they were still able to use the old Assistant after updating to Gemini. However, this is likely only temporary as Google is rolling out Gemini in stages. Once the process is complete or Google decides to do so, Assistant will be completely disabled.

The overall experience doesn't change much, but expect improvements. Gemini promises to improve the overall experience, especially with tasks like:

1. Reminders & Tasks
2. Play music
3. Handle all complex commands
4. Remember parking location instantly
5. Create and launch playlists
6. Song recognition
7. Perform complex tasks without reaching for your phone
   Google is expected to continue refining Gemini over time.

Note: This is a slow and partial rollout. If you don't see the update yet, please be patient.

Marvin Fry

Update 21 July 2025