How to turn on Google Assistant

Want to make your life a little easier? Turning on Google Assistant™, Google's AI virtual assistant tool, can help you manage tasks, set reminders, control smart devices, and even answer your questions—all with just your voice. And setting it up quick and simple.

At Asurion, our experts help millions of people troubleshoot and get the most out of their tech. Here’s everything you need to know to get started with Google Assistant and how to make it your go-to helper.

Setting up Google Assistant  

The first step is to find out whether your device is compatible with Google Assistant.

Check compatibility  

The minimum requirements to use the app are:

• Android 5.0+ with at least 1.0GB of available memory or Android 6.0+ with at least 1.5GB of available memory
• Google app 6.13 or higher
• Google Play services
• 720p or higher screen resolution
• Device language set to a supported language

Google Assistant is also compatible with smartwatches, TVs, speakers, and other devices. Check to see if your device is compatible with the app.

Update the Google Assistant app  

To avoid compatibility issues, check whether you have the latest version of the Google Assistant app from the Google Play Store®. Here’s how:

1. Open the Play Store app. 
2. On the top right, tap the profile icon.
3. Tap Manage apps & device and then Manage.
4. Tap Google Assistant Go. 
5. Tap Update if available.

To update Google Assistant automatically: 

1. Open the Play Store app. 
2. Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Tap Settings > Network Preferences > Auto-update apps. You can then customize whether it updates only when Wi-Fi is available or using mobile data.

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Activate Google Assistant settings  

Once you've updated the app, it's time to activate and personalize Google Assistant.  

Access settings  

• Long-press the Assistant app icon on your device—when the pop-up menu appears, choose Settings.
• You can also get to app settings by saying, "Hey, Google, open Assistant settings."  

Enable Assistant features  

Google Assistant offers many ways to customize your settings to create a unique experience for your needs, such as Voice Match, Language settings, and Accessibility. 

Turn on "Hey Google" voice activation  

Follow these steps for Google Assistant to recognize you when you say, "Hey Google":

1. Go to Assistant Settings > Popular Settings > Hey Google & Voice Match.
2. Toggle on Hey Google.
3. Follow the prompts to set up Voice Match.  

Using Google Assistant  

Google Assistant can streamline your day-to-day activities. Here are some helpful commands to fully leverage its capabilities.

Common phrases to activate and engage Assistant  

Start your requests with "Hey, Google" or "OK, Google." Some of the most common phrases fall into these categories:

Play music

• "Play rock music on Spotify."
• "Pause music."
• "Play next song."

Make phone calls and send messages  

• "Call Mom."
• "Send a text to Dad."
• "Read my new emails."

Schedule appointments or set reminders and alarms  

• "What's my schedule today?"
• "Add a meeting with Jack to my calendar for tomorrow at 3 PM."
• "Set an alarm for 6 AM."
• "Remind me to pick up my dry cleaning today at 5 PM."

Find directions and traffic information  

• "Where is the nearest restaurant?"
• "How's the traffic to work?"
• "What is the route to the airport?"

Update news and weather  

• "What's the weather tomorrow?"
• "Tell me the latest news."
• "Listen to ESPN."

Control smart home devices  

• "Turn off the bedroom lights."
• "Set the thermostat to 71 degrees."
• "Lock the front door."

There are countless ways to use the Google Assistant. The more you use it, the easier it becomes! Check out more fun things to say to your virtual assistant.

Google Assistant pro tips

Take your Google Assistant experience to the next level with these useful features.

Use routines

Google Assistant lets you combine multiple commands into a routine. For example, you can start your day by saying, "Hey, Google, good morning," and Google Assistant will turn on the lights and give you weather updates, the latest news, and calendar reminders.  

Integrate third-party apps

Connecting Google Assistant to supported apps helps you enjoy a more personalized experience and expands its functionality. For example, you can link Spotify, Amazon, YouTube, or Apple Music to play music from your preferred streaming service.

You can also link your smart home-connected devices like lights, security cameras, thermostats, and doorbells. You can also integrate your email, X, or Amazon account to open and search.

Shortcuts

Google Assistant shortcuts are voice commands that allow you to interact with third-party apps. For example, you can say, "Start my run," and Google Assistant will open the MapMyRun app and start the run exercise. You can say "Walmart cart," and it will open and show your shopping cart in the Walmart app.

You can even customize commands to create your own shortcut. To see the available shortcuts, say "Hey, Google, shortcuts."