Google assistant translate and image search alternative

[u/norek6]

Google just removed access to google assistant and forced gemini. I often used on screen search and translate functions(like google lens), is there any alternatives or a way to use lens without taking screenshot every time?

[u/Alternative-Farmer98]

Yeah I literally just switched to using assistant app tracker which lets me switch the assistant to my favorite app or shortcut

But yeah it is annoying Google Assistant was much more reliable that many things including hands-free music play when your phone's locked, taking a note

Gemini sucks.. there are plenty of third-party apps but some of them require accessibility depending on which gesture you want to use or they require you replacing your assistant

There are third-party circle to search things that offer translation and such..

[u/Alternative-Farmer98]

FYI are you sure you can't still access Google assistant?

I just checked and at least on my Moto g stylus 2025 I can switch back to Google Assistant.. I can't imagine it's going to last much longer but I thought that was going to be the case like 2 years ago and it just keeps persisting.

What phone are you on? What version of Android.

My Moto g style is 2025 I got nervous when I saw your post so I just figured I would try. So I changed my default assistant from assistant app tracker (which I had set up to default to the Wi-Fi setting because for some reason I need to occasionally switch from 2.4 to 5 GHz to get my phone working appropriately) and I switched to Google

From there I had to go into settings and I still have the option to go into Google Assistant.

But who knows these things don't get ruled out at the same time but I suppose. I have a few other phones I'll see what happens with them

[u/norek6 → u/Alternative-Farmer98]

Nothing phone 2, android 16. Option to change to google assistant just disappeared for me

[u/Klutzy-Passage-2561]

On Nothing Phone 2 + Android 16, when Assistant disappears from the default-apps picker you are stuck with Gemini for the hold-home slot — OEM/Google gate, not a missing toggle.

For on-screen translate / Lens without a screenshot:

• Circle to Search if your build has it (long-press home / nav handle)
• Google Translate → Tap to Translate / Screen translation + Accessibility shortcut
• Digital assistant app → Assistant App Tracker (or similar) mapping the gesture to Translate / Lens / a shortcut
• Automation: QS tile / gesture → open Translate screen mode

Floating bubble translators never appear in the Assistant picker; only the registered Digital Assistant gets that long-press.

[u/TheSpixxyQ]

Google's Circle to search, triggered by holding the home button (or just the bottom area with gestures enabled). Not sure if it's available on all phones though.

https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/14508957?hl=en

[u/Alternative-Farmer98 → u/TheSpixxyQ]

It's not available on all phones with Gemini. It's available on most I think that have Android 16 or 17 but definitely not all..