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Gemini for Android Auto reverting to Google Assistant in bizarre bug
Vehicles with Gemini for Android Auto are reverting back to an outdated Google Assistant due to a strange bug after updating to the latest version. Gemini for Android Auto has been received with mixed feelings during the beta period. The AI assistant replaces Google Assistant as the middleman for commands, queries, and more. Since its release, it seems like users are taking issue with the performance, which is plagued by bugs and delayed responses. Even if some wish Google Assistant would become the default again, it appears that the old assistant is making a return on some devices without prompt (via PiunikaWeb). Recent reports in Google’s official community forum indicate that after updating to Android Auto version 16.7, a bug is causing Google Assistant to return as the digital helper to replace Gemini. A number of replies in that thread confirm that a healthy portion of users are facing the same issue. Even after joining the Gemini for Android Auto beta, a bug is causing the assistant to revert to what it was before. Prior to that update, it looks like this wasn’t an issue. One commenter notes that switching the digital assistant to Google Assistant in the Android Auto settings, then opting into using Gemini again, fixes the bug. This might not be the case for everyone, but it’s more targeted than the general cache reset route. Beyond the general acknowledgment of the issue, Google support hasn’t made any mention of an incoming fix. More on Android Auto: I was excited for Gemini on Android Auto, until I tried it — it could be much better Google Meet now on Apple CarPlay, Android Auto coming ‘soon’ Android Auto brings Google Maps EV trip planning to 350+ models from 16 brands FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Android Auto bug randomly replaces Google Gemini with Assistant
Published Apr 24, 2026, 10:05 AM EDT Chethan is a reporter at Android Police, focusing on the news coverage for the site. He has covered tech for over a decade for multiple publications, including Times Internet, Guiding Tech, Android Headlines, and several others. His love for Android dates back to the Samsung/Google Nexus S, and his first Android phone was the HTC Desire HD in 2010. Away from work, he's on the lookout for live cricket streams or NBA highlights. He also enjoys the occasional hour or two of console/mobile gaming whenever time permits. Sign in to your Android Police account Following months of waiting, Google Gemini's rollout on Android Auto is nearly complete. While the chatbot began appearing in November, it was made broadly available only a few weeks ago. It hasn't been smooth sailing, though. We've seen users complain that Gemini has been too chatty, leaving them with no option but to revert to Google Assistant. Now, another Gemini-related bug has been brought to light by multiple Android Auto users, in which the chatbot is randomly replaced by Google Assistant. The earliest mention of this bug dates to last week and was posted on the Android Auto support forum. The fact that several users report experiencing the same erratic behavior, not to mention similar complaints on Reddit, suggests the issue may be widespread (via PiunikaWeb). According to another affected user, the glitch doesn't last for long and can randomly switch back to Gemini after a few hours, which can evidently be quite irritating. There may be a fix available As for potential remedies, one user believes switching to Assistant and then back to Gemini from Android Auto settings may help fix this glitch. You can try this yourself by navigating to Manage your digital assistant in Android Auto settings and tapping Digital assistants from Google. While we can't conclusively say this works, there's no harm in trying it out. The good news is that the Android Auto team acknowledged the bug earlier this week, which means an official fix may not be far away. While that happens, Google still has a lot of work to do if it wants users to fully embrace Gemini on Android Auto. Complaints about Gemini in Android Auto are not new, though some of them have been rectified. A quick look at Reddit suggests people are not fully on board with the idea of Gemini in Android Auto even today, and with good reason. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that users want to switch to Google Assis...
Users Turn Back To Google Assistant As Gemini Talks Too Much In Android ...
A growing number of Android Auto users are finding that Gemini does not always feel like an upgrade inside the car. Instead of delivering quick, practical voice control, the assistant is drawing complaints for talking too much and still struggling with basic commands. That frustration is pushing some users back to Google Assistant. For many drivers, the issue is not that Gemini lacks ambition ...
Gemini replaced by Google Assistant on Android Auto after v16.7 ...
Phone: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL · Android Auto version: 16.7 with latest updates · OS: Android 16 with latest updates · Default Assistant on phone: Gemini ( ...
