Voice assistant Alice from Yandex integrated into many smartphones Honor based Android —both in firmware EMUI (on older models) and in Magic UI (on new devices after the separation of brands). Although the feature seems convenient, not all users want the assistant to activate by mistake, drain battery power, or send data to the cloud. Fortunately, completely disabling Alice on Honor is possible without root access - but the methods differ depending on the software version and phone model.

In this article you will find current methods for all scenarios: from simply disabling voice launch to deleting Alice system components (where technically possible). We will also look at how to check whether the assistant is really deactivated, and what to do if it continues to work after the standard settings. Important: some actions require changing system parameters - they should be performed only if you are confident in your skills.

Why Alice can work on Honor, even if you did not install it

Many users are surprised to find Alice on their Honor, although they have never downloaded it from Google Play. The reason lies in partnership agreements between Huawei/Honor and Yandex:

  • 📱 Pre-installed software: On some models (for example, Honor 10 Lite, Honor 8X) Alice is built into the firmware. EMUI 9.x/10.x as a system application.
  • 🔄 Auto update: Even if you deleted Alice manually, it can return after updating Magic UI or Huawei Mobile Services.
  • 🎤 Voice launch: Function "Okay, Yandex" or "Hello, Alice" can be activated by default in the settings Voice assistant.
  • 📦 Hidden services: Some components of Alice (for example, Yandex Search or Yandex Launcher) are disguised as others applications.

Moreover, on devices with Magic UI 4.0+ (for example, Honor 50, Honor 70) Alice can be integrated into the standard search by system, which complicates its complete removal. Before you start disabling, check which version of the assistant is installed:

⚠️ Attention: If your Honor was purchased in Russia or the CIS countries, the likelihood of pre-installing Alice is higher. On global versions (with the suffix -GL in the model) it may not be there at all.

Method 1: Disabling Alice's voice launch (without deleting)

The safest method is to deactivate only voice call assistant, leaving the application itself. This is suitable if you rarely use Alice, but do not want to risk system stability. Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → System and updates → Language and input.
  2. Select Voice input or Voice assistant (the name depends on the version Magic UI).
  3. Find the item Yandex.Alice or Voice launch of Alice and move the slider to position Off
  4. In some firmware you will need to additionally disable Recognition "Okay, Yandex" in the section Special capabilities.

If after this Alice is still activated by voice, check the settings in the application itself:

  • 🔍 Open Alice from the application menu.
  • 👤 Click on the profile icon → Settings → Voice assistant.
  • 🔕 Disable options Listen to "Hello, Alice" and Work in the background.

Disabled the slider in the system settings

Removed microphone rights for Alice

Disabled background processes in the application settings

Rebooted the phone to apply changes-->

This method does not completely remove Alice, but prevents it from being launched accidentally. If you need complete removalread the following sections.

Method 2: Removing Alice as a user application

On some models Honor (for example, Honor 20 Lite, Honor 9A) Alice is installed as regular application, not the system one. In this case, you can delete it in the standard way:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
  2. In in the search line enter Alice or Yandex.
  3. Select Yandex.Alice (or Yandex Browserif the assistant is built into it).
  4. Click Delete → Confirm.

If the button Delete is inactive or missing, then Alice is system application —go to Method 3. Also check the associated applications:

Application Contact with Alice Can it be removed
Yandex Browser In some versions, Alice is built into the browser Yes
Yandex Search Provides search tips for the assistant Yes
Huawei Mobile Services May contain modules for Alice to work No (critical for the system)
Voice Assistant Voice control system component No
⚠️ Attention: Removal Yandex Browser or Yandex Search may affect operation standard search in the system. If after deletion the search bar on the main screen disappears, install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher).

Magic UI 4.0 or later

Magic UI 3.1

EMUI 10/11 (older models)

Not I know-->

Method 3: Disabling system Alice via ADB (without root)

If Alice is built into the firmware, but you do not want to receive root access, you can disable it using ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method blocks the application from running without deleting its files. You will need: root access →

  • 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
  • 📱 Included USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → For developers → USB debugging).
  • 🔌 Cable USB-Type C (original, for a stable connection).

Instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access to debugging.
  2. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    Your serial number should appear Honor.

  4. Run the command to disable Alice: 
    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 ru.yandex.alice

    If the package is not found, try:

    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.yandex.browser
  5. Restart the phone.

After this, Alice will disappear from the application menu and will no longer launch. To get it back, use the command:

adb shell pm enable ru.yandex.alice
What to do if ADB does not see the device?

1. Make sure that the drivers for Honor are installed (download from the official Huawei/Honor website).

2 Try another one. USB cable (cheap cables often do not support data transfer).

3. Switch the connection mode on your phone from “Charging” to “File Transfer” (MTP).

4. Disable the firewall/antivirus on your PC - they may block ADB.

5. ADB Tools, using the latest version from the Google website.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Honor s Magic UI 5.0+ Protection against changes via ADB may be triggered. If after executing the commands Alice continues to work, try Method 4.

Method 4: Complete removal of Alice using root access

If you are ready to get root accessyou can remove Alice forever, including all its system components. This method is suitable for experienced users, as it requires:

  • 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader).
  • 📱 Installing custom recovery (TWRP).
  • 🛠️ Settings Magisk to control root.

The process of unlocking the bootloader on Honor is different from Huawei —you will need:

  1. Get unlock code on the official website Honor (section Unlock Bootloader).
  2. Connect the phone to the PC in mode fastboot (hold Volume down + Power with the phone turned off).
  3. Run the command: 
    fastboot oem unlock [your_code]
  4. Install TWRP for your model (download the image from twrp.me).
  5. Flash Magisk via recovery.

After getting root, use Root Explorer or Titanium Backupto delete:

  • /system/priv-app/YandexAlice
  • /system/app/YandexBrowser (if any)
  • /data/app/ru.yandex.alice-*
💡

Before deleting system files, make a backup copy section /system via TWRP. This will help restore the phone if errors occur after removing Alice.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Magic UI 6.0+ (for example, Honor 90, Honor Magic V2), deleting system applications can lead to loss of warranty problems with OTA updates In this case, it is better to use disabling via ADB.

Method 5: Alternative method for Magic UI 4.0–5.0 (without root)

On some firmware Magic UI Alice is hidden in the settings search engine. To disable it:

  1. Open Settings → Search by phone (or Honor Search).
  2. Click on three dots (⋮) in the upper corner → Search settings.
  3. Find item Voice assistant or Yandex.Alice.
  4. Disable the slider Use Alice for voice search.
  5. Go back to the main settings and disable Show Alice's hints in the section Lock screen (if any).

This method does not remove Alice completely, but prevents her from appearing in:

  • 🔍 Search bar on the main screen.
  • 📱 Quick access menu (when you swipe down).
  • 🎧 Hints when connecting headphones.
💡

On Magic UI 4.0–5.0 Alice is often disguised as “Search by phone”. Disabling it in this section does not affect the operation of the standard search for files and applications.

How to check if Alice is really disabled

Even after completing all the steps, Alice may continue to run in the background. To make sure that it is completely deactivated:

  1. Check processes:
    • Open Settings → Applications → Running.
    • Make sure it is not in the list ru.yandex.alice or com.yandex.browser.
  2. Check battery consumption:
    • Go to Settings → Battery → Battery usage.
    • If Alice consumes more than 0.1% of the charge, she is still active.
  3. Check voice launch:
    • Say “Hello, Alice” or “Okay, Yandex” - the assistant should not respond.
  • Check the system logs (for advanced):
    • Connect the phone to the PC and run the command: 
      adb logcat | grep -i yandex

      If there are no mentions in the logs yandex.alice, the assistant is disabled.

    If Alice is still active:

    • 🔄 Repeat the steps from the selected method (some component may be missing).
    • 🔍 Check for updates for Alice in Google Play —sometimes new versions overwrite the settings.
    • 📵 Install a firewall (for example, NetGuard) and block Internet access for all applications Yandex.

    Frequent problems and their solutions

    When Alice is disabled on Honor users encounter typical errors. Here's how to solve them:

    Problem Cause Solution
    Alice returns after update System update restores deleted files Disable auto-update for applications Yandex v Google Play
    Voice search does not work after disabling Alice Alice has been integrated into the standard search Install an alternative launcher (for example, Microsoft Launcher)
    ADB does not find the package ru.yandex.alice Some models use a different identifier Try the commands for com.yandex.browser or com.hihonor.search
    After removing Alice, the search bar on the main screen disappeared The search bar was part of the application Yandex Get it back through the launcher settings or install the widget Google Search
    ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Magic UI 6.0+ (years of manufacture 2023–2026) Alice may be part of Huawei Mobile Services (HMS). Its complete removal will lead to the inoperability of other services (for example, AppGallery or Huawei ID). In this case, limit yourself to disabling voice launch.
    Is it possible to disable Alice without a computer?

    Yes, if it is installed as a user application (see Method 2). If Alice is a system one, you cannot do without a PC - you will need at least ADB via Termux (Android application). However, this method is more complicated and requires knowledge of commands.

    Will Yandex.Navigator or Yandex.Music work after disabling Alice?

    Yes, these applications do not depend on the assistant. Alice is a separate service, and its disabling does not affect other products Yandex. However, if you deleted Yandex Browser, some functions (for example, bookmark synchronization) may not work correctly.

    Why did the voice command “Okay, Google” stop working after disabling Alice?

    On some firmware Magic UI voice assistants conflict with each other. After disabling Alice, you may need to reinstall Google Assistant:

    1. Open Settings → Applications → Google.
    2. Click Storage → Space management → Clear all data.
    3. Reboot your phone and set up Google Assistant again.
    Can I disable Alice on Honor via Safe Mode?

    No, Safe Mode only temporarily disables third-party applications, but not system ones. Alice, being part of the firmware, will also work in safe mode. However, you can use Safe Modeto check whether Alice conflicts with other apps (for example, if the phone is slow).

    How to return Alice if I change my mind?

    Recovery methods depend on the shutdown method:

    • If used Method 1 (disabling voice launch) - just turn the slider back on.
    • If used ADB - run the command adb shell pm enable ru.yandex.alice.
    • If deleted via root - restore files from a backup or reflash the system.
    • If you deleted it as a custom application, download Alice again from Google Play or AppGallery.