Pixel owners say Gemini has made basic tasks harder than Assistant
Pixel users on Reddit are complaining that Google's switch from Assistant to Gemini has broken everyday functions such as music playback and messaging, though some disagree.
Key takeaways
- Pixel owners on Reddit say Gemini frequently fails at basic tasks such as Apple Music playback, Waze navigation and Telegram messaging.
- Google retired Google Assistant on mobile in September and moved Android users to Gemini automatically.
- Commenters report Gemini responding unreliably to requests the older Assistant handled well, including one unverified claim of an accidental emergency call.
- Some users defend Gemini, saying it works fine with Google services and handles general queries better.
In this article
What Pixel users are reporting
A growing thread on the r/GooglePixel subreddit suggests many Pixel owners are unhappy with Google's AI assistant. According to Android Central, a post arguing that the shift to Gemini has spoiled the phone experience has drawn wide agreement from other users.
The original poster says the phone worked well until Gemini arrived, but that the assistant now often fails at simple requests. The examples given include playing music through Apple Music, setting destinations in Waze, and sending messages via Telegram.
The background to the switch
Google retired Google Assistant on mobile in September and began moving Android users to Gemini automatically. On paper, Gemini brings more capability, including handling more complex requests and processing text and audio.
Android Central reports that the complaints share a common theme: Gemini responds unreliably or unexpectedly to requests that the older Assistant handled easily. One commenter even claimed Gemini contacted emergency services after being asked to switch off a light, though this is an unverified anecdote from a Reddit reply.
Not everyone agrees
The frustration is not universal. Android Central notes that some users defend Gemini in the same thread.
One reply says the assistant works well in the car for general questions, Google Maps and YouTube Music, and suggests the problems may arise mainly with non-Google services. Another argues that Gemini is better at answering general queries than its predecessor.
Why it matters
The switch to Gemini was automatic, so Pixel owners did not choose it. If core functions such as messaging, navigation and third-party music apps are less reliable, that affects daily use of the phone.
The discussion also highlights a wider question for Google: whether Gemini's extra features outweigh the loss of dependability that long-time Assistant users expect. Android Central is running a poll asking readers to compare their experience of the two assistants.
Sources
Spotted a mistake? See our corrections policy. Read how News by OnDevice works in our editorial policy.
Related news
More Android news
Pixel November update breaks workplace and school Wi-Fi for some users
Pixel owners report enterprise Wi-Fi connection failures after installing Google's November 2026 update, and Google says it is investigating the complaints.
November Pixel update leaves screensavers stuck at full brightness
Pixel owners report that the low-light mode for screensavers stopped dimming after Google's November update, with manual brightness changes only helping temporarily.
Google Wallet connects to Gemini for spending analysis in the US
Google has started rolling out a Wallet integration for Gemini's Personal Intelligence feature, letting the assistant review linked accounts and suggest savings. The feature is optional, read-only and available in the US on Android, iOS and the web.
Pixel Watch update gives the Media Controls icon a gradient redesign
Google has quietly rolled out a new gradient icon for the Media Controls app on Pixel Watch, with a playback ring that mirrors what the app itself shows. It follows similar icon refreshes for Alarm, Stopwatch and Timer.