OpenAI’s ChatGPT can now officially replace Google’s Gemini as the default digital assistant on Android devices, thanks to a new beta update (v1.2025.070). This long-awaited feature allows users to launch ChatGPT using system-wide shortcuts, making it as accessible as Google’s native AI assistant.
Until now, Android’s open ecosystem allowed multiple digital assistants, but only Google’s Gemini could be triggered using default navigation gestures and buttons. With this update, ChatGPT fans on Android can now invoke OpenAI’s assistant just as easily as its Google counterpart.
With the new beta, users can configure ChatGPT as their default digital assistant, allowing them to:
• Launch ChatGPT via long-pressing the home button (for three-button navigation). • Swipe up from the bottom corner (for gesture navigation users). • Trigger ChatGPT by long-pressing the power button, if enabled in settings.
When activated, ChatGPT launches in voice mode, though some users may find its current voice functionalities more limited compared to competitors like Perplexity AI.
Despite the update, ChatGPT cannot yet be launched via a custom hotword, unlike Google Assistant’s “Hey Google” command. The reason? Google restricts access to privileged APIs required for hotword detection, limiting this feature to preinstalled, trusted apps like Gemini.
While hotword activation remains unavailable, this update is a major step forward for ChatGPT users, who can now use OpenAI’s AI assistant with much more ease without needing to open the app manually.