A method for voice recognition (VR)-based task allocation and hotword detection function control for within a wireless network having a hands-free (HF) node, e.g., a motor vehicle or telematics unit thereof, and an audio gateway (AG) node such as a wireless device, includes detecting, via a first wireless chipset of the HF node, a second wireless chipset of the AG node. The wireless chipsets include respective VR engines responsive to a corresponding hotword. The method includes establishing a Bluetooth or other wireless connection between the wireless chipsets in response to detecting the second wireless chipset. The method may include automatically transmitting a disable command signal to the second wireless chipset, via the first wireless chipset, to thereby disable a hotword detection function of the second wireless chipset. The method may be recorded on a computer readable medium as instructions executable by a processor.