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The landscape of AI assistants is evolving by the day, giving users more choice than ever before. While Google’s Gemini holds a prominent position on Android, it’s no longer the only option for those seeking quick access to AI. The ability to change your default assistant (triggered by a long-press of the power button or a swipe from the corner) is in the works and the latest ChatGPT beta is the newest contender in this arena.
Joining Perplexity, the latest beta version of ChatGPT now offers the option to become your Android device’s default digital assistant, as spotted by Android Authority. This means that users can trigger ChatGPT using all the same buttons and gestures they previously used to initiate Gemini.
How to set ChatGPT as your default assistant on Android
To set ChatGPT as your default assistant, ensure you have the latest beta version of the app (v1.2025.070 beta), then go to your phone’s settings, then Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant app. Then tap “Default digital assistant app”, and you’ll find ChatGPT as an option.
Once you have this setting changed, you can then launch ChatGPT by long-pressing the home button (if using three-button navigation) or swiping up from the bottom corner (if using gesture navigation). Or you can simply long-press the power button to launch it if you have that setting enabled. If you were hoping to launch ChatGPT with a custom hotword, that’s not possible with this current implementation.
Even without hotword activation, this button and gesture method of customizing your default assistant is still very helpful and will allow you to tailor your Android experience to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re a fan of Google’s robust Gemini integration or you’re invested in ChatGPT, the choice is now yours. As ChatGPT continues to develop, we can expect further refinements and enhancements to its integration within the Android ecosystem.
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