To activate Hey Google on your phone, you need to enable Google Assistant and set up Voice Match on Android, or download the Google Assistant app on iPhone. This hands-free command lets you make calls, send messages, set reminders, and search the internet without touching your screen.
How to activate Hey Google on your Android phone
Before you begin, your Android device must meet these requirements: Android 5.0 or higher with at least 1GB of RAM, or Android 6.0 or higher with at least 1.5GB of RAM. You also need the Google app version 6.13 or higher, Google Play Services installed, a screen resolution of 720p or higher, and your device language set to a supported language.
- Open the Google app on your phone.
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings, then tap Google Assistant.
- Navigate to Hey Google & Voice Match (or simply Voice Match on some devices).
- Toggle on the Hey Google switch. If Google Assistant is not already enabled, you will be prompted to turn it on.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to train your voice model by saying "Hey Google" a few times.
Once set up, you can say "Hey Google" at any time to activate the Assistant. You can also initiate Google Assistant by touching and holding the Home button. On Pixel 6 and later phones, you can press and hold the Power button instead.
How to activate Hey Google on your iPhone
On iOS, you must download the Google Assistant app from the App Store. Note that Voice Match for hands-free help on iPhone primarily applies to Assistant-enabled devices like speakers or Smart Displays, managed through the Google Home app, not directly on the iPhone itself.
- Download and install the Google Assistant app from the App Store.
- Open the app and tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings, then choose Voice Match.
- Toggle on Hey Google and follow the on-screen instructions to train your voice.
Keep in mind that the Google Assistant app must be open or running in the background for "Hey Google" to work on iPhone. The feature is more limited than on Android, where it can listen from any screen.
How to use Hey Google when your phone is locked
On Android devices running Android 8.0 and up, "Hey Google" can activate the Assistant even when your phone is locked, provided the "Assistant on lock screen" setting is enabled.
- Open the Google app and tap your profile picture.
- Go to Settings > Google Assistant.
- Tap Lock screen (or Assistant on lock screen).
- Toggle on the setting to allow Assistant responses on the lock screen.
With this enabled, you can say "Hey Google" to get directions, check the weather, or control smart home devices without unlocking your phone first.
Troubleshooting Hey Google activation issues
If "Hey Google" isn't responding, try these fixes in order:
- Retrain your voice model. Go to Google app > Profile picture > Settings > Google Assistant > Hey Google & Voice Match (or Voice Match). Tap Voice model, then Retrain voice model, and repeat the voice training prompts.
- Check your microphone. Ensure nothing is blocking it and test it with another app like a voice recorder or phone call.
- Verify language settings. Go to your phone's settings, select Language & input, and confirm the language matches the one you speak. The device language must be set to a supported language for Google Assistant.
- Confirm internet connection. "Hey Google" requires a stable internet connection. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to test, or restart your router.
- Review app permissions. Go to your phone's settings, select Apps, find the Google app, and ensure microphone permissions are granted.
- Close background apps. Background apps can sometimes interfere with the 'Hey Google' feature, so close any unnecessary apps and try again.
- Update software. Check for updates to both your phone's operating system and the Google app in the app store.
- Restart your device. A simple restart can resolve minor software glitches that prevent "Hey Google" from working.
- Contact support. If all else fails, contact Google support as a final troubleshooting step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I activate 'Hey Google' on my phone?
Open the Google app, tap the More button, then go to Settings > Voice > Voice Match and enable Hey Google. Alternatively, you can follow the steps outlined in the Android or iPhone sections above.
Does using Hey Google drain my battery?
"Hey Google" uses low-power listening technology that constantly listens for the wake word without significantly draining your battery. However, keeping the voice assistant always active may have a slight impact on battery life compared to having it turned off.
Can I activate Hey Google on any Android phone?
Most Android phones with the Google app installed can activate "Hey Google," provided they meet the minimum requirements of Android 5.0+ with 1GB RAM (or Android 6.0+ with 1.5GB RAM), 720p screen resolution, and a supported language. Older or budget smartphones may not support this feature due to hardware limitations.
What tasks can I perform using the Hey Google command?
You can send text messages, make phone calls, set reminders and alarms, check the weather, get news updates, play music and podcasts, get directions and traffic updates, search the web, and control smart home devices. You can also explore options like Google Voice and internet calling for hands-free communication.
Can I activate Hey Google on an iPhone or iPad?
Yes, you can activate "Hey Google" on an iPhone or iPad by downloading the Google Assistant app from the App Store. However, the hands-free activation is more limited than on Android, as the app must be open or running in the background for the wake word to work.
How do I retrain my voice model for better recognition?
Follow the prompts to say "Hey Google" several times in a quiet environment for best results.
