Set Copilot as Default Assistant on Android

This guide shows you how to make Microsoft Copilot your default digital assistant on an Android phone, so pressing the power button or saying the hotword opens Copilot instead of Google Assistant. You’ll need an Android device running Android 9 or newer and the Copilot app installed from the Google Play Store.

What You’ll Need

• An Android phone or tablet (Android 9 or later recommended)
• The Microsoft Copilot app installed and signed in with a Microsoft account (optional but recommended)
• Access to the Settings app and the ability to change default apps

Step-by-Step

1. Install and open Copilot. If you haven’t already, download Microsoft Copilot from the Google Play Store. Open the app once and complete any initial setup or sign-in prompts. This ensures the app is properly registered as an assistant option.
2. Open your phone’s Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon, or find the Settings app in your app drawer.
3. Navigate to Apps or Default apps. The exact path varies by manufacturer, but look for one of these:
   • Settings > Apps > Default apps (common on stock Android and Samsung)
   • Settings > Apps > Advanced > Default apps (on some Android versions)
   • Settings > Apps > Choose default apps (on some Chinese OEM skins)
4. Find the “Digital assistant” or “Assistant” option. Scroll through the default apps list until you see an entry labeled Digital assistant, Assistant, or Assist & voice input. Tap it.
5. Select Copilot. A list of installed apps that can act as an assistant will appear. Tap Microsoft Copilot. If you don’t see it, make sure the app is fully installed and you’ve opened it at least once.
6. Confirm the change. A prompt may ask you to confirm that you want to use Copilot as your default assistant. Tap OK or Allow.
7. Test it. Press and hold the power button (or the home button if you use gesture navigation) to see if Copilot launches. You can also try saying “Hey Google” if you’ve set up voice match — though the hotword may still trigger Google Assistant unless you disable it separately.

Common Mistakes

• Not opening Copilot first. Android only lists apps that have been launched at least once as potential assistants. If Copilot isn’t in the list, open it and try again.
• Choosing the wrong setting. Some phones have multiple “default apps” sections. Make sure you’re in the one that specifically mentions “digital assistant” or “assist app,” not just “default apps” for browser or phone.
• Confusing the in-app assistant with the system assistant. Copilot has its own voice mode, but that doesn’t change the system-wide assistant. You must change it in Settings.
• Expecting the hotword to change. Changing the default assistant does not automatically change the wake word. You may still need to say “Hey Google” to trigger the assistant, and some devices won’t allow the hotword to launch Copilot at all.

Tips

• Use the power button shortcut. On most Android phones, pressing and holding the power button now triggers the assistant. After changing the default, this should open Copilot.
• Check manufacturer-specific settings. Samsung, Xiaomi, and other OEMs sometimes hide the assistant setting under “Advanced features” or “Additional settings.” Search for “default apps” in the Settings search bar if you can’t find it.
• Keep Google Assistant installed. Some features like voice match or smart home controls may still rely on Google’s services. You can switch back anytime by repeating the steps and selecting Google.
• Update both apps. Ensure Copilot and Android System WebView are up to date, as outdated versions can cause the assistant to not respond properly.

Troubleshooting

Copilot doesn’t appear in the assistant list. This usually means the app isn’t recognized as an assistant. Try these fixes:

• Force-stop Copilot and reopen it.
• Clear the app’s cache: go to Settings > Apps > Copilot > Storage > Clear cache, then reopen.
• Restart your phone after installing or updating the app.

Pressing the power button still opens Google Assistant. Some phones (especially older ones) have a dedicated Google Assistant button or gesture that ignores the default assistant setting. Check if your device has a separate “Assistant” toggle in Settings > System > Gestures.

Copilot opens but doesn’t respond to voice. Make sure you’ve granted microphone permission to Copilot. Go to Settings > Apps > Copilot > Permissions and enable Microphone.

After changing the default, the hotword “Hey Google” still opens Google Assistant. This is expected because the hotword is tied to Google’s services. You can disable the hotword in Google Assistant settings if it bothers you, but then you’ll need to manually launch Copilot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this make Copilot respond to “Hey Google”?

Not usually. The “Hey Google” hotword is processed by Google’s app, and even if Copilot is the default assistant, the hotword may still trigger Google Assistant. You can try, but it’s not guaranteed to work.

Can I set Copilot as the default on a Samsung phone?

Yes. On Samsung devices, go to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > Digital assistant and select Copilot. The process is similar but may be under “Advanced features” on older One UI versions.

Will this affect Google Assistant’s functionality?

No, Google Assistant remains installed. It just won’t be the default assistant when you use the power button or gesture. You can still open it manually or switch back anytime.

Does changing the default assistant require root or special permissions?

No, it’s a standard Android setting available on all devices. No root or special permissions are needed.

Why doesn’t Copilot appear in the assistant list?

The app must be installed and launched at least once. If it’s still missing, try clearing the app’s data or reinstalling it. Also, make sure your Android version is compatible (Android 9 or later).

Can I use Copilot as the assistant on Android Auto?

Android Auto uses Google Assistant for voice commands, and it doesn’t allow changing the default assistant. Copilot will not be available in Android Auto.

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