How to use ChatGPT as your default assistant on Android
What's the story
OpenAI has released an update for its ChatGPT app, giving Android users the option to set it as their default digital assistant. With this new capability, users can call the AI chatbot by long-pressing the power button or swiping up from a corner of their phone's screen. However, ChatGPT still can't control system settings on Android devices, a limitation compared to some other digital assistants like Google Gemini.
Competition
ChatGPT's arrival follows Perplexity's Android app launch
Notably, the introduction of ChatGPT as a default assistant on Android devices comes after Perplexity's Android app was launched earlier. With this, users can now replace Gemini with either Perplexity or ChatGPT on their devices. Gemini has been consistently upgraded by the Google, which recently introduced several features from its Advanced paid tier into the free version.
Instructions
Steps to set ChatGPT as default assistant
To set ChatGPT as the default assistant on your Android phone, you'll need to install the beta release of ChatGPT (v1.2025.070 beta). Once installed, head over to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant app and select ChatGPT instead of Google. This will replace Gemini with OpenAI's chatbot on your phone, offering a different user experience.
Constraints
Limitations of ChatGPT as default assistant
Despite being set as the default assistant, ChatGPT comes with some limitations on Android. It can't control Google Home devices, adjust system settings or perform tasks like controlling Spotify music playback or adding calendar entries to Google Calendar. Even after replacing Gemini or Google Assistant with ChatGPT, users can't activate it using a hotword on their phone. Saying "Hey, Google" will still activate Gemini.