We live in a world where your phone is more like a surveillance device than a simple communication tool.
Ever had a conversation about something completely random — say, a vacuum cleaner or a new type of sneakers — and then a few hours later, ads for that exact thing start appearing?

This is not imagination. Your phone’s microphones are tied into system apps that can listen in the background.
Some of these apps are installed by default. They don’t ask for your permission in the traditional sense, and they can quietly flip your microphone on and off depending on what features you use.

This article digs deeper into two different apps than the last time, why they’re linked to microphone access, and how to disable them on Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google Pixel devices.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EuMxxJwY_U

Multiple Microphones, One Problem

Modern smartphones rarely rely on a single microphone.
Depending on the brand and model, you may have 2–4 microphones located around the device.

Samsung typically uses multiple mics for noise cancellation and voice commands.
Xiaomi emphasizes AI-powered voice input and sound enhancement.
Google Pixel is tightly integrated with Google Assistant and “Now Playing” (the feature that auto-detects music playing nearby).

But all of this requires constant listening. And that’s where system apps come into play.

App #1: Speech Services by Google

This app handles voice-to-text, real-time translations, and accessibility features. On paper, it sounds helpful.
But here’s the catch: even if you don’t use voice typing, the app can update in the background, run idle services, and keep audio channels ready.

It’s tied into your Google account, which means anything you say could potentially be analyzed to “improve” speech recognition.

How to Disable Speech Services by Google

On Samsung (Android 14 / One UI 7):

Go to Settings
Tap Apps
Tap the menu (three lines → Show system apps)
Scroll to Speech Services by Google
Tap Disable and confirm

On Xiaomi (MIUI / HyperOS):

Open Settings
Go to Apps → Manage apps
Find Speech Services by Google
Tap Disable or Uninstall updates, depending on the model

On Google Pixel:

Open Settings
Tap Apps → See all apps
Locate Speech Services by Google
Tap Disable at the bottom

App #2: Google Assistant

Unlike the Google App itself, Google Assistant is the dedicated voice AI.
It’s designed to be always ready for the “Hey Google” trigger. That means the microphone is in constant standby mode.

The tradeoff? Convenience for privacy. If you disable Assistant, you won’t be able to use voice commands like “Set an alarm” or “Send a text by voice.” But you also stop one of the most aggressive background listeners.

How to Disable Google Assistant

On Samsung:

Long-press the Home button (or swipe up from corners, depending on your navigation setup)
Tap Settings (gear icon)
Under General, switch Google Assistant off

On Xiaomi:

Go to Settings
Scroll to Apps → Assistant
Disable Google Assistant toggle

On Google Pixel:

Open Settings
Tap Apps → Assistant
Toggle off Google Assistant

Once disabled, your phone won’t wait for the wake word “Hey Google.”

Why Target These Two Apps?

Both Speech Services by Google and Google Assistant are designed to create a seamless, voice-driven experience. But seamless often means silent — working in the background, collecting data, and linking it to your identity.

By disabling them, you:

Stop “always listening” triggers
Cut back on background microphone activity
Gain more control over how your audio data is used

Your phone will continue to work. You’ll just lose features that most users rarely touch anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ 1. Will my phone lose important features if I disable these apps?
Not really. You’ll lose voice typing, instant translations, or “Hey Google” commands. But your phone will still handle calls, browsing, and apps as usual. Many people never notice the difference once these are disabled.

⭐ 2. Do Xiaomi phones spy more than Samsung or Pixel?
Not necessarily, but Xiaomi’s MIUI/HyperOS has its own layer of system apps that also request microphone access. Combined with Google’s services, this can feel heavier. Disabling unnecessary services on Xiaomi is just as important.

⭐ 3. Can I use alternatives after disabling them?
Yes. If you need speech-to-text, you can use third-party apps that only activate when you open them (like Otter.ai or Dictanote). This way, your microphone isn’t constantly on standby.

⭐ 4. What about Apple iPhones — do they listen too?
iPhones have Siri, which also uses an always-listening model. The main difference is Apple’s claim of on-device processing. Still, the same principle applies: if you don’t use it, turn it off.

⭐ 5. How do I check all apps with microphone access?
On Android, go to Settings → Privacy → Permission Manager → Microphone. You’ll see a list of every app with access, and you can revoke or restrict individually.

⭐ 6. Will disabling these apps improve battery life?
Yes. Services like Google Assistant and Speech Services keep background processes alive, which drain power. Users who disable them often see better standby time.

⭐ 7. Can I re-enable them later?
Absolutely. Disabling is reversible. Just go back to your Apps menu, find the disabled app, and tap Enable.

Final Thoughts

Every phone today is built with “always listening” features. Manufacturers frame it as helpful, but the tradeoff is privacy.

By targeting apps like Speech Services by Google and Google Assistant, you cut off two major sources of background microphone activity.
Whether you’re on Samsung, Xiaomi, or Google Pixel, the steps are slightly different — but the outcome is the same: more privacy, less passive listening.

Technology should work for you, not quietly monitor you.
Taking five minutes to disable these apps is a small step that makes a big difference.

Stop Your Android Phone From Listening: Hidden Apps You Must Disable

Table of contents