Google Assistant commands everyone should know

Google Assistant™ is more than just a virtual helper—it’s a powerful tool that can simplify your day in ways you might not even realize. From setting reminders and playing your favorite playlists to managing smart home devices and answering random trivia questions, it’s packed with features designed to make life easier. Yet, many people aren’t tapping into its full potential, missing out on the convenience it offers. That’s where Asurion Experts come in. Every day, we help our millions of customers get the most out of their tech. Here are the must-know tips and commands to help you unlock all the capabilities of Google Assistant.

Essential commands for daily use  

Google Assistant is designed to help with your day-to-day tasks, making your life a little easier and more organized. Here are some commands you can use on Android™, iPhone®, and other smart devices daily to get the most out of your Google’s AI assistant—start each command with "Hey Google." 

Controlling smart home devices  

If you have smart devices such as smart lights, thermostats, and cameras, you can control your home with Google Assistant. First, make sure that the smart devices are compatible with Google Assistant, then connect them with the Google Home app. Example voice commands include:

• "Turn off the living room lights."
• "Set the thermostat to 72 degrees."
• "Lock the front door."
• "What's on the outside camera?"
• "Turn on the coffee maker."

Music and media playback  

One of the top ways to use Google Assistant is to play music, videos, or TV and enjoy hands-free entertainment:

• "Play rock music on Spotify."
• "Pause the music."
• "Play the next song."
• "Set volume to 40%."
• "Play me a video of cats on YouTube."
• "Show me the trailer for The Mandalorian on Disney+."

Making phone calls and sending messages  

Google Assistant can help you connect with others safely and quickly.

• "Call Mom."
• "Send a text."
• "Read my new emails."
• "Read my unread texts."
• "Send a message on WhatsApp to Sarah saying, 'I'll be there in 10 minutes."

If you're having problems, check out our guide to what to do if Google Assistant is not working.

Productivity commands  

Google Assistant isn’t just for quick questions—it’s a powerful tool for boosting your productivity. With a few simple commands, you can manage your day like a pro.

Scheduling appointments  

You can stay on top of a calendar synced with Google using commands like:

• "When is my first event tomorrow?"
• "Add a meeting with John to my calendar for tomorrow at 3 PM."
• "What's on my schedule today?"
• "Cancel my 5 PM call on Friday."
• "Where's my next event?"

Setting reminders and alarms  

Google Assistant can keep you on top of your important tasks with commands like:

• "Set an alarm for 6 AM."
• "Remind me that my car keys are in the kitchen on the counter."
• "Change my morning reminder."
• "Hey Google, snooze for 5 minutes."

Travel planning commands  

Google Assistant can be your ultimate travel buddy, helping you organize trips and stay stress-free on the go. With the right commands, you can plan your journey from start to finish.

Finding directions and traffic information  

Google Assistant works seamlessly with Google Maps. Try asking:

• "What's the route to Central Park?"
• "How many minutes to JFK International Airport by car?"
• "Where's the nearest gas station?"
• "What restaurants are nearby?"
• "How's the traffic to work?"

Checking flight status and booking  

You can ask Google for your flight information, reservations, and more, such as:

• "What's the status of my flight to Los Angeles?"
• "Is my flight on time?"
• "Check flights from New York to Miami for next Saturday."
• "How much are flights to Hawaii?"
• "Show me hotels near Disneyland."

Information search commands  

Google Assistant excels at providing quick answers to your questions, saving you from the hassle of sifting through search results. With the right commands, you can access a wealth of information in seconds.

Answering questions and facts  

• "How many ounces are in a pound?"
• "What's 20% of 47?"
• "How do you say hello in Chinese?"
• "What time is it in London?"
• "What is the meaning of abnegation?"

Updating news and weather  

Stay current with the latest news and forecasts:

• "What's the weather like tomorrow?"
• "Tell me the latest news."
• "Is it going to rain today?"
• "Listen to ESPN SportsCenter."

Privacy and security commands  

Google Assistant isn’t just convenient—it can also help keep your private info out of the wrong hands. With the right commands, you can easily manage your data and ensure your personal information stays protected.

Managing your data privacy   

• "Delete my activity from today."
• "What data do you have about me?"
• "Hey Google, delete what I said this week."

Enabling and disabling location services  

• "Enable location services."
• "Turn off location tracking."

You can also ask it to control your device and change the language of your Google Assistant.

• "Turn on Wi-Fi."
• "Increase the volume."
• "Turn on the flashlight."

Commands for third-party apps

Google Assistant works seamlessly with many third-party apps, helping you get even more out of the tools you already use. With simple voice commands, you can integrate apps for streaming, shopping, and social media, like these examples:

• "Log a milkshake on MyFitnessPal."
• "Search for tablets on Amazon."
• "Search for Kanye West on Twitter"
• "Send a message to Mike on Discord."
• "Order a boba drink on Postmates."
• "Find candles on Etsy."

Enhancing functionality with routines

Google Assistant’s routines take convenience to the next level by automating multiple tasks with a single command. Routines let you customize how your assistant responds to specific triggers—for example:

• "Hey Google, good morning": Google Assistant will turn on the lights, tell you the weather, your calendar events, and reminders for the day, then play the news.
• "Hey Google, I am going to work": Google Assistant will tell you the traffic going to work, turn off the lights and the thermostat, and turn on your security camera system.