How to Use Google Assistant

This wikiHow teaches you how to set up Google Assistant and use it. Google Assistant is Google's voice activated smart assistant. It can be used on most Android smartphones and tablets as well as Google Home smart speakers.

Method 1
Method 1 of 9:
Using “OK Google” Voice Commands

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    Open the Google app. It's the rainbow “G” icon on your home screen (or in the app drawer). Before you can start using voice commands with on your Android and other devices, you need to enable it in the settings
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    Tap More …. It's in the tab in the lower-right corner. It has an icon that resembles 3 dots.
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    Tap Settings. It's near the bottom of the More menu. It's next to an icon that resembles a gear.
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    Tap Voice. This opens your voice settings.
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    Tap Voice Match. It's the first option below the "Okay Google" header.
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    Turn on
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    next to "Access with Voice Match".     This allows you to access Google Assistant with your voice on your Android device.
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    Tap Retrain voice model. It's below "Okay Google" voice model. This trains the Google Assistant to recognize your voice.
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    Tap I Agree. It's the blue button in the lower-right corner.
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    Follow the instructions. The instructions ask you to say "Ok Google" twice and then "Hey Google" twice. This creates a voice model of your voice.
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    Say “OK Google” into the microphone. The word “Listening…” will appear on the screen.
    • You can also press and hold home button at the bottom center of the screen on your homescreen.
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    Say a command. Here are some examples of voice commands you can use with OK Google:[1]
    • Calendars and reminders:
      • “Set an alarm for 7 AM tomorrow morning.”
      • “Remind me to call Susie at 4:30 PM next Tuesday.”
      • “Create a calendar event for Work Party on December 24th at 8 PM.”
      • “What's on my schedule tomorrow?”
      • Google Assistant uses Google Calendars associated with your account. Read "How to Use Google Calendar" to learn more about how to set up Google Calendar.
    • Communication:
      • “Send a text to Mom.”
      • “Start a Hangout with Esme and Charles.”
      • “Listen to voicemail.”
    • Travel:
      • “Fastest route to work.”
      • “What time is my flight?”
      • “Where's the nearest bar?”
    • Google Home:
      • "Play music on living room speaker."
      • "Play a YouTube video on the TV."
      • "Turn bedroom lights on."
      • Read "How to Set Up Google Home" to learn how to add smart devices to your Google Home network.
    • Other searches:
      • “What does Sarcasm mean?”
      • “Track my package.”
      • “What's the tip for a $68 bill?”
      • “Who invented the lead pencil?”

Method 2
Method 2 of 9:
Teaching Google Assistant Your Name

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    1
    Open the Google app. It's the rainbow “G” icon on your home screen (or in the app drawer).
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    Tap More …. It's in the tab in the lower-right corner. It has an icon that resembles 3 dots.
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    Tap Settings. It's near the bottom of the More menu. It's next to an icon that resembles a gear.
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    Tap Google Assistant. It's about halfway down the settings menu. It's next to an icon with different sized dots.
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    Tap the Personal info tab. It's the first tab at the top of the screen.
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    Tap Nickname. It's the first option under the "Personal info" tab. This is where you tell the Google Assistant your name.
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    Tap the first line. The first line is below the header that says "What should Assistant call you?". It has an icon that resembles a pencil on the right.
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    Type your name and tap Ok. This teaches Google Assistant your name
    • Tap Play below "Pronunciation" to hear Google Assistant say your name.
    • If the Google Assistant doesn't say your name right, you can tap Record your own and then tap Record and then say your name to teach Google Assistant how to say your name.

Method 3
Method 3 of 9:
Adding Your Home and Work Address

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    1
    Open the Google app. It's the rainbow “G” icon on your home screen (or in the app drawer).
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    2
    Tap More …. It's in the tab in the lower-right corner. It has an icon that resembles 3 dots.
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    Tap Settings. It's near the bottom of the More menu. It's next to an icon that resembles a gear.
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    Tap Google Assistant. It's about halfway down the settings menu. It's next to an icon with different sized dots.
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    Tap the Personal info tab. It's the first tab at the top of the screen.
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    Tap Your places. It's the second option under the Personal info tab. It's next to an icon that resembles a house. This opens the "Home & Work Locations" menu.
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    Tap Add home address. It's the first line in the Home & Locations menu.
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    Type your home address. This searches for your address on Google Maps and displays a list of locations.
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    9
    Tap your home address. This adds your home address.
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    10
    Tap Add work address. It's the second bar in the Home & work locations menu.
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    Type your work address. This search for the address on Google Maps and displays a list of locations.
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    Tap your work address. This adds your work address to your locations. With your home and work address added, Google Assistant can give you updates on your commute.
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    Tap
    Image titled Android7arrowback.png
    .     It's in the upper-left corner. This returns to the Google Assistant Settings menu.
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    Tap Getting Around. It's the third option under the Personal Info tab. It's next to an icon that resembles a car.
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    Tap the radial button next your preferred mode of transportation. You can select your preferred mode of transportation for how you get to work as well as other places. Your options are "Drive a car", "Take public transit", "Walk", and "Bike".

Method 4
Method 4 of 9:
Adding a Payment Method and Delivery Address

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    1
    Open the Google app. It's the rainbow “G” icon on your home screen (or in the app drawer).
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    2
    Tap More …. It's in the tab in the lower-right corner. It has an icon that resembles 3 dots.
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    3
    Tap Settings. It's near the bottom of the More menu. It's next to an icon that resembles a gear.
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    Tap Google Assistant. It's about halfway down the settings menu. It's next to an icon with different sized dots.
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    Tap the Personal info tab. It's the first tab at the top of the screen.
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    Tap Payments. It's the fifth option under the Personal Info tab. It's next to an icon that resembles a credit card.
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    Tap Payment method. It's next to an icon that resembles a credit card. It's the first option in the Payments menu.
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    Tap Add credit or debit card. It's at the bottom of the list of credit or debit cards on file. This is where you add credit cards if you plan on doing any online shopping with Google Assistant.
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    Enter your credit or debit card information. Use the spaces provided to enter your credit card number, expiration month and year, and CVC code.
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    Tap Delivery address. t's below the payment method box.
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    Tap Add new address. It's at the bottom of the list of delivery addresses on file.
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    Fill out the form and tap Save. Use the spaces provided to enter your name, country, street address, apartment number, state, zip code, and phone number. Tap Save when you are finished.

Method 5
Method 5 of 9:
Linking Streaming Services

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    1
    Open the Google app. It's the rainbow “G” icon on your home screen (or in the app drawer).
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    2
    Tap More …. It's in the tab in the lower-right corner. It has an icon that resembles 3 dots.
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    3
    Tap Settings. It's near the bottom of the More menu. It's next to an icon that resembles a gear.
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    4
    Tap Google Assistant. It's about halfway down the settings menu. It's next to an icon with different sized dots.
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    Tap the Services tab. It's the third tab at the top of the screen. This is where you add different services to Google Home.
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    Tap Music. It's the third option under the Services tab. This is where you add music streaming services.
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    Tap a music streaming service. Many music streaming services work with Google Assistant. These include Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, Google Play Music, and Deezer. Tap the service you want to link in the list of available services.
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    Tap Link Account. This displays a sign in screen you can use to sign in to the service.
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    Sign in to the music streaming service. Use the username or email and password associated with your music streaming account to sign in to the music streaming service.
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    Select a default music streaming service. A list of music streaming services you have linked to your account is listed under "Your music services". Tap the radial button next to the service you want to select as your default service. This is the service Google Assistant will use when you command it to play music.
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    Tap
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    .     It's in the upper-left corner. This returns to the Google Assistant Services menu.
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    Tap Videos & Photos. It's the fifth option under the Services tab. It's next to an icon that resembles a TV screen.
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    Tap Link below a streaming service. You can link a variety of streaming service with your Google Assistant. These include Netflix, HBO Now, CBS, Starz, and YouTube Kids.
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    Tap Link Account. This displays a sign in screen you us to log in to your account.
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    Log in to your account. Use the username or email and password associated with your account to log in to the screaming service.

Method 6
Method 6 of 9:
Adding News Sources

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    1
    Open the Google app. It's the rainbow “G” icon on your home screen (or in the app drawer).
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    2
    Tap More …. It's in the tab in the lower-right corner. It has an icon that resembles 3 dots.
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    3
    Tap Settings. It's near the bottom of the More menu. It's next to an icon that resembles a gear.
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    4
    Tap Google Assistant. It's about halfway down the settings menu. It's next to an icon with different sized dots.
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    Tap the Services tab. It's the third tab at the top of the screen. This is where you add different services to Google Home.
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    Tap News. It's the fourth option under the "Services" tab. This is where you add news sources Google Assistant can use when you ask it for the latest news.
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    Scroll down and tap Add news sources. It's at the bottom of the list of news sources.
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    Tap the checkbox
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    next to your preferred news sources.     News sources are listed under different categories, such as General, Technology, Business, Sports, World, and more.
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    Tap
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    .     It's in the upper-left corner. This returns to the News menu.
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    Tap Change Order. It's the blue text on the right above your list of news sources.
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    Tap the icon with two lines and drag the news source.. There is an icon with two lines to the right of each news source in the list. Tap this icon and drag it to change the order. Put your favorite news sources at the top.

Method 7
Method 7 of 9:
Changing Google Assistant's Language and Voice

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    1
    Open the Google app. It's the rainbow “G” icon on your home screen (or in the app drawer).
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    2
    Tap More …. It's in the tab in the lower-right corner. It has an icon that resembles 3 dots.
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    3
    Tap Settings. It's near the bottom of the More menu. It's next to an icon that resembles a gear.
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    4
    Tap Google Assistant. It's about halfway down the settings menu. It's next to an icon with different sized dots.
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    5
    Tap the Assistant tab. It's the second tab at the top of the page. This displays the Google Assistant Settings.
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    Tap Languages. It's the first option in the "Assistant" menu. This displays a list of languages you can choose.
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    Tap Add a language. This displays a list of languages you can choose from.
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    Tap the language you want to add. This adds the language to Google Assistant.
    • Alternatively, you can talk to Google Assistant in your choice language.[2]
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    Tap
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    .     It's in the upper-left corner. This returns to the Assistant menu.
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    Tap Assistant Voice. It's the second option below the Assistant tab.
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    Tap one of the colored circles. Each colored circle represents a different voice you can select for your Google Assistant. When you tap a colored circle, you will hear a sample of how the voice sounds. Tap the circle of the voice you want your Google Assistant to have.

Method 8
Method 8 of 9:
Using Routines

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    1
    Open the Google app. It's the rainbow “G” icon on your home screen (or in the app drawer).
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    2
    Tap More …. It's in the tab in the lower-right corner. It has an icon that resembles 3 dots.
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    3
    Tap Settings. It's near the bottom of the More menu. It's next to an icon that resembles a gear.
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    Tap Google Assistant. It's about halfway down the settings menu. It's next to an icon with different sized dots.
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    Tap the Assistant tab. It's the second tab at the top of the page. This displays the Google Assistant Settings.
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    Tap Routines. It's next to an icon that resembles a sun and a moon. Routines are commands you can give your Google Assistant that have multiple actions.
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    Tap a ready-made routine. The Google Assistant has a number of ready-made routines, such as "Good Morning", "Bedtime", "Leaving Home", "I'm Home", ect.
    • Alternately, you can add a custom routine by tapping the blue icon with a plus (+) sign. The tap Add commands and type the command you want to say to activate the routine. You can add multiple commands for each routine.
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    Tap the checkbox
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    next to the actions for the routine.     Each routine has multiple actions it can take. Tap the check boxes next to the actions you want Google Assistant to take.
    • To add a custom action to a routine, tap Add action at the bottom of the list. Then type the command for the action you want Google Assistant to take. For example "Play music", or "What's the the news".
    • To change the order of the actions, tap Change order at the top of the list of actions. Then tap the icon with two lines to the right of a routine and drag it to change the order the action happens.
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    Say "Ok Google" followed by the name of a routine. This activates the all the actions in the command. Some example routines include the following:
    • Say "Ok Google, Bedtime" or "Goodnight".
      • Set an alarm for 6:30.
      • Put my phone on silent.
      • Turn off the lights.
      • Set thermostat to 68 degrees.
    • Say "Ok Google, Good Morning" or "Tell me about my day".
      • Take phone off silent.
      • Turn on the lights.
      • Set the thermostat to 72.
      • Tell me about the weather.
      • Tell me about my commute.
      • Tell me about today's calendar.
      • What's the news.
    • Say "Ok Google, I'm leaving" or "I'm heading out"
      • Turn off the thermostat.
      • Arm security system.

Method 9
Method 9 of 9:
Using Google Assistant Apps

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    Say "Ok Google talk to" followed by the name of an app. Google Assistant has a variety of official and third-party apps that work with the Google Assistant. Some Google Assistant apps include the following. [3]
    • "Mad Libs". Use this app to play a game of Mad Libs with your Google Assistant.
    • "Get Motivated". This app gives you a brief motivational speech.
    • "What's New on Netflix". This app gives you all the latest news about Netflix.
    • "Bitcoin Prices". This app gives you the latest prices on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
    • "Wine Guide". This app gives you wine pairing suggestions to go with different food dishes.
    • "Virtual Nurse". This app allows you to ask questions about first aide, medication side effects, and symptoms of diseases.
    • "Tender". This app gives you cocktail recipes.
    • "Today I Learned". This app asks trivia questions.
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    Say "Ok Google Stop". If you want to quit in the middle of an app, say "Ok Google Stop".

Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I access my Android settings (not Google Now settings?)
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Tap the App Drawer icon, which is the circle icon with several squares inside. Then tap Settings.

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References

  1. ↑ https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/2940021?hl=en&ref_topic=4440402
  2. ↑ https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/7394513?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkn8QJPiRLI&t=377s

About This Article

Travis Boylls
Written by:
Travis Boylls
Tech Specialist
This article was written by Travis Boylls. Travis Boylls is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Travis has experience writing technology-related articles, providing software customer service, and in graphic design. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux platforms. He studied graphic design at Pikes Peak Community College. This article has been viewed 40,090 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 13
Updated: June 6, 2021
Views: 40,090
Categories: Android Applications
Article SummaryX

1. Open the Google App.
2. Tap the More tab.
3. Tap Settings, then tap Google Assistant.
4. Use the options under the Personal Info tab to teach Google Assistant your name, home and work address, payment methods, and family members.
5. Use the options under the Assistant tab to teach Google assistant your voice, as well as change the language, and voice, add smart devices to your Google Home network, and set up routines.
6. Use the options under the Services' tab to link your music and video streaming services, and add news sources.
7. Say "Ok Google" or "Hey Google" followed by a command or question.

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