What it means
An assistant listens for a wake phrase and can sometimes activate after a similar sound. A physical microphone mute switch, when the product provides one, is a more direct control for moments when you do not want the device listening. It does not delete earlier recordings retained in an account.
A real-world example
During a confidential meeting, a homeowner mutes the speaker physically. After the meeting, they separately review the vendor's voice-history page and delete older recordings.
What to do
Check the mute indicator and the device's actual documentation; manage stored recordings and connected services through the official account privacy controls.
The distinction that matters
A privacy-setting toggle may change storage or human review without disabling the microphone. A hardware mute prevents new captures only while engaged. Neither action changes what another household member already heard or what was previously exported. Keep both controls in mind.
FTC assistant listening and retention
