Not sure which voice-related Google feature is running, or how you can turn it off? You’re not the only one. Between Google Voice (calling), Google Assistant (AI helper), and Voice Typing (speech-to-text), it’s easy to mix them up. This guide breaks down exactly what each one does and shows you how to disable them step by step.
Google Voice is a cloud-based phone service that gives you a free number to make calls, send texts, and manage voicemails over the internet. It’s often used for business or personal communication, and it works through the Google Voice app or a browser.
Google Assistant is Google’s virtual AI helper, designed to respond to voice commands like setting reminders, checking the weather, or controlling smart devices. It runs on Android phones, smart speakers, and other Google-powered devices.
Google Voice Typing refers to Google’s speech-to-text tool built into Gboard (Google Keyboard). When you tap the microphone icon on the keyboard and start speaking, it transcribes your voice into text in real time. This is common in messaging apps, notes, or search.
Google offers several voice-enabled features designed to simplify communication and device control. Google Voice acts as a virtual phone number for calling and texting, Google Assistant responds to voice commands for tasks and searches, and Voice Typing converts your spoken words into text. While helpful, these tools may not be for everyone—especially if privacy or accidental activations are a concern.
Here are a few common reasons people choose to turn them off:
Voice-related features often stay active in the background, listening for prompts or logging interactions. If you’re uncomfortable with your device always being “on,” turning these off gives you more control over what gets recorded or stored.
Google Assistant and Voice Typing can sometimes activate when you don’t intend them to—especially with pocket taps or background noise. Disabling them prevents random pop-ups, voice interruptions, or unintended texts being sent.
If you don’t rely on voice commands, dictation, or internet-based calling, these features just take up space and may run in the background unnecessarily. Turning them off can simplify your experience and even save a bit of battery or data.
To disable Voice Typing on Gboard, go to Settings → System (or General Management) → On‑screen keyboard → Gboard → Voice typing, then toggle it off. You can also remove the mic icon by long-pressing it in the keyboard toolbar.
Open the Google app, tap your profile → Settings → Google Assistant, then go to the General tab and toggle Google Assistant off. You can also disable voice activation under “Voice Match” or assign the assistant button to “None” for a full disable.
In the Google app, go to Settings → Google Assistant → Assistant voice & speech output → Phone and set it to None. This prevents spoken replies, while still keeping text input active if needed.
To remove your Google Voice number, go to the Google Voice app → ☰ Menu → Settings → under Account, you’ll see your Google Voice number. Tap Delete next to the number to remove it. On desktop, visit voice.google.com, click the Settings gear → Account and select Delete beside your number.
