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With the Nexus 5 and KitKat, Google introduced the Google Now Launcher (GEL) that provides nearly instant access to Google Now by simply swiping to the right. The launcher also has another useful feature up its sleeve — the ability to initiate a voice command by using “Ok Google” as the phrase.
Recently, Google ended the exclusivity and released the launcher on the Play Store for all the recent Nexus devices with all its bells and whistles including the Ok Google functionality. However, not everyone is a fan of the Ok Google feature and some people might be paranoid that Google or NSA might be listening to their conversations.
Thankfully, Google has made it pretty easy to disable its hotword detection feature, even though the option is hidden deep into the Settings menu.
Step 1: Open Google Now and tap three-dot menu overflow button at the bottom of the page.
Step 2: Head over to Voice -> “Ok Google” hotword detection sub-menu. Inside, you will find a toggle switch via which you can disable the hotword detection on your Nexus 5.
Keep in mind that the option to toggle the hotword detection will only be available in languages that the feature is actually available for.
