How to Change Android Power Button Settings (Disable Google Gemini On Long Press)

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25 March 2026

The other day, my phone’s 5G was acting up, and I was trying to restart my device to reset the cellular connection. Instead of the power menu, Google Gemini kept popping up every time I long pressed the side power button.

Honestly, I had this issue for days but never took it seriously, and I was wondering why my basic navigation had suddenly changed. It’s incredibly frustrating when a simple hardware command is hijacked by an AI assistant without warning, isn't it?

After digging through the latest Android 16 settings, I finally found the culprit. How did I fix it? It’s a simple toggle hidden deep within the Advanced features of your Android phone settings.

I am about to teach you exactly how to restore your phone's normal power off function using the side power button and disable Gemini on long press of the side button for good.

Table of Contents

1. How to Change Android Power Button Settings (Disable Google Gemini On Long Press)
2. How to Power Off Android Phone Without Side Power Button
3. How to Customize The Power Button On Android (Even More Different Functions)
4. FAQ - Android Power Button Settings
5. Conclusion: Take Control of Your Android Power Button

How to Change Android Power Button Settings (Disable Google Gemini On Long Press)

Here's a step-by-step guide to restore the normal functioning of your phone's power button. The guide I am presenting will ensure that you will only get power off options when long pressing the side button instead of Google Gemini popup.

1. Go to Settings > Advanced features > Side button.

   

2. Here, you'll see the 'Long press' option for your power button. Tap it to open.

   

3. In this section you will see Google Gemini Digital Assistant, Bixby (on Samsung phones) or any other 'Digital Assistant.'
4. If any digital assistant is selected here then simply look for the 'Power off menu' and select it.

   

   Selecting the Power off menu to restore standard button behavior.

5. That's it, you have just restored the normal function of your phone's power button.
6. To test the button now, long press it and you'll see options for 'Power off' and 'Restart.'

   

   The restored Android power menu with Power off and Restart options.

Restoring these basic controls makes your device much easier to navigate. While you are tweaking your advanced settings, you can also learn how to set up network storage Samsung My Files Android to better manage your local and remote files from one place.

How to Power Off Android Phone Without Side Power Button

If you do not wish to use the power button to turn off your Android phone then there are two alternate ways to power off your phone.

Method #1

1. Access the quick settings panel on your Android phone.
2. Here, you'll see a 'Power button' in the top right corner.

   

   Android power button quick settings panel

3. Tap that button and you'll get the same power options that a long press of the side button provides.
4. Tap 'Power off' or 'Restart' as required.

Method #2

If you are using a Samsung Android phone then you can simply use Bixby digital assistant to turn off your phone. Open Bixby and say 'turn off my phone.' Once Bixby accepts this command your phone will be turned off.

While managing system functions, you might also want to learn how to configure Android dual SIM manager for better connectivity control.

How to Customize The Power Button On Android (Even More Different Functions)

Many Android users don't know that the power button on their phone can do more than just turning the phone on or off. You can change the double press behaviour of the power button and set different functions to it. Here's how to customize the power button on your Android phone.

1. Simply head to Settings > Advanced features > Side button.
2. Here tap the 'Double press' option and make sure that the toggle switch is enable (set to blue color).
3. You will see a list of apps here that you can open with a double press of your button.

   

   Setting an Android app to open on double press of the power button

4. Select the app you wish to set to open when power button gets double pressed.
5. Some apps will provide you more functions, just tap the 'Settings' icon and you will see more functions.

6. For example, when I selected the 'Voice Recorder' app and tapped its settings, I got further two actions that I could set on the double press of the power button. These two functions are: 'Open Voice Recorder' and 'Start recording.'

   

   Android side key double press app function options

   The 'Start recording' function is way too convenient as I can start voice recording with just a quick double press of the power button. The good thing about this is that this works even when the phone is locked.

FAQ - Android Power Button Settings

Q1. How to Power Off Phone With Just Buttons?

If you don't wish to remove Google Gemini from the long press function of your phone's power button, simply press and hold 'Power' and 'Volume down' buttons simultaneously. This will give you power options such as 'Restart' and 'Power off.' If you are troubleshooting data issues while doing this, it's a good idea to set mobile data limit warning Android to avoid overages.

Q2.How to Change Power Button Function in Samsung?

You can simply head to Settings > Advanced features > Side button on your Samsung phone. Here you can customize the power button behaviour and double press function. The above tutorial has been tested on a Samsung Galaxy phone running Android 16 and One UI 8.0.

Q3. How to Turn Off Bixby On Side Key Settings on a Samsung Phone?

Simply head to Settings > Advanced features > Side button. Here tap the 'Long press' option and select 'Power off menu' to unselect 'Bixby' digital assistant from the side key settings.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Android Power Button

The shift from a classic power button to an AI shortcut can feel like a step backward in usability, but as we've explored, the control is still in your hands. Whether you want to disable Gemini, restore your Power menu, or turn your side key into a one-tap voice recorder, these simple tweaks make your Android 16 experience feel personal again.

Did this fix work for you, or is your phone still acting up? Let me know in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article.

PN

About the Tech Team at PCNexus

I specialize in simplifying technology for those who find the digital world overwhelming. By solving real-world challenges on PCNexus, I deliver reliable, self-tested fixes that streamline your digital experience to ensure your phone and PC work for you—not against you.

Problem Solver Tech Specialist

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