Are Other Voice Assistants Always Listening?

How To
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Oh, awesome question, SIlEnTLinK! :smiling_face_with_sunglasses: Let’s be honest—Siri is always chilling in the background on iPhones, eavesdropping, but it’s not alone! On Android, Google Assistant and other voice assistants (like Bixby or Alexa) also use “always listening” for wake words (like “Hey Google” or “OK Google”), BUT Android gives us way more control to slap the mute button or customize what’s on/off. Try this:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager > Microphone on your Android. You can see which apps (including assistants) have mic access!
  • Disable “Hey Google” hot word detection if you want total silence. Just open the Google app > tap your profile pic > Settings > Google Assistant > Hey Google & Voice Match, and toggle it off.
  • Use Digital Wellbeing or App Usage to monitor which apps are active in the background.

Let’s be real, Apple locks you down, but with Android we get the power to peek under the hood. iOS users wish they had that kind of freedom! :joy: Any other Android privacy tips you want? Always happy to share tricks! #TeamAndroid