With the help of Google Assistant, you can get a lot of things done faster by simply giving it a command to do so. ‘Hey Google’ and ‘Ok Google’ are two simple words that connect you to Google Assistant without even touching or holding your device. Things like controlling your smart devices, finding online information, setting reminders, sending messages, etc can be done with the help of Google Assistant. However, at certain times, issues occur while using Google Assistant and the users find it difficult to give any command to this application. In fact, the Google Assistant not working is a very common problem faced by the users. Some easy ways to fix the not working of Google Assistant have been provided in this article so that the users can fix this issue without any trouble.
Any problem with your device or your Google Assistant application can create issues while using this application. Few things that the users can try on their own to solve the Google Assistant’s Ok Google not working issue whenever encountered are discussed below.
This is a pretty common issue where the user tries to reach Google Assistant by saying Hey Google but Google Assistant doesn’t budge. The issue maybe with the device you are using to open Google Assistant or there might be some sensitivity issue not allowing you to open Google Assistant. Whatever the case is, you can find the solution to fix the Google Assistant not responding issue here.
Step by step instructions to fix the unresponsive Google Assistant on Android device are provided below. Before you proceed with the troubleshooting make sure your mobile device is connected to the internet with a strong signal. If you have connection problems, restart your device to fix it. Follow the steps given below to resolve your issue:
1. Check that your Google Assistant app is updated
Ø Unlock your Android device and go to the Google Play Store.
Ø Open the Google app page and click on Update.
Ø If the page says ‘Installed’, you are using the latest version. If not, click on ‘Install’ to install the updates.
2. Make sure that Hey Google is turned on
Ø Open the Assistant settings of your device or simply say ‘Hey Google, open Assistant settings’.
Ø Go to ‘Popular settings’ and click on the Voice Match option.
Ø Turn on Hey Google and set up Voice Match.
3. Try changing the language of your Google Assistant
Ø Open your device, go to Assistant settings and under All settings, select Languages.
Ø To change the language, tap on your current language and then select a new language.
4. Make sure Battery Saver and Adaptive Battery are not affecting Google Assistant
Ø Open the settings of your device and click on the Battery option.
Ø Tap Battery Saver and click on Turn off now.
Ø Similarly, click on Adaptive Battery and then select Turn off Adaptive Battery.
Step 5: Try saying ‘Hey Google’ again
Ø Get near your phone and say ‘Hey Google’. In case you are in a loud area, turn off background noise or go somewhere quieter.
Ø Hopefully, your Google Assistant not responding problem is resolved by now.
Ø If it still doesn’t work, you are required to teach Google to recognize your voice again.
In case the problem with your Google Assistant occurs on your iPhone and iPad device, you can fix this issue by following the steps given below:
1. Turn on ‘Ok Google’
Ø Open the Google app in your device and click on the More icon present at the bottom.
Ø Click on the Settings button and select Voice.
Ø Turn on ‘Ok Google’ hotword.
2. Try changing the language of your Google Assistant
Ø In your device open the Google Assistant application.
Ø Click on your profile picture or your name’s initial at the top right corner and go to Assistant.
Ø Select the Languages option and go to current language.
Ø Choose a new language to use with your Assistant.
3. Check that your Google Assistant app is updated
Ø Open your device and go to the Google app page.
Ø In case you see ‘Open’ below the Google app, it means your application is updated.
Ø If not, click on the Update button instead. Updates will be downloaded automatically.
4. Try saying ‘Ok Google’ again
Ø Get near your phone and say ‘Hey Google’. In case you are in a loud area, turn off background noise or go somewhere quieter.
Ø Hopefully, your Google Assistant not working problem is resolved by now.
Sometimes, issues with your speakers, smart displays or smart clocks can create problems with the working of Google Assistant. Before proceeding with further troubleshooting, it is advised to make sure that your device is plugged in and powered on and is connected to the internet.
1. Make sure the microphone is turned on
To turn on the microphone on your device follow the steps given below:
Ø For your speakers (except Google Home), smart displays or smart clocks: A power switch is present on the back of your device. Make sure that this switch is on. If the switch is orange or red it means the microphone is turned off.
Ø For Google Home speaker: A microphone mute button is present on the back of your device. Make sure that this switch is on. Your Google Assistant will let you know if the microphone is on or mute.
2. Try restarting your device
Ø Disconnect and reconnect the power cable from your device to see if this fixes the Google Assistant stopped working issue.
3. Try changing the language of your Google Assistant
Whether using an Android device or iPhone or iPad, try changing the language of your Google Assistant. The steps for the same have already been discussed above.
4. Link your voice to your device
It is advised to link your voice to your device using Google Home app or Google Assistant app. You can find the instructions to link your voice to your device given below:
Ø Open the Google Home app and click on your profile picture or your name’s initial.
Ø Click on Assistant settings > Assistant > Voice Match.
Ø Go to Linked devices and check if your device is listed.
Ø If your device is listed it means your voice is already linked.
Ø If your device is not listed, Tap on Add devices button and follow the instructions on the screen to link your voice.
Ø Open the Assistant settings of your device or simply say ‘Hey Google, open Assistant settings’.
Ø Go to ‘Popular settings’, click on the Voice Match option and then Teach your Assistant your voice again and then Retrain.
Ø Follow the instructions on the screen to link your voice.
Sensitivity of Google Assistant to respond to the ‘Ok Google’ command plays a major role in the working of the Google Assistant app. Sensitivity when set to low might not recognize your voice when said from a particular distance or when in a noisy environment. If set to very high, the Google Assistant might open if it hears any phrase similar to ‘Hey Google’ or ‘Ok Google’. Therefore, it is important that the sensitivity of Google Assistant is set carefully. You can find the option to set the sensitivity of Google Assistant to ‘Ok Google’ in almost every speaker and smart displays. However, it is required that you are the primary account owner on that device for which you want to adjust the Google Assistant sensitivity. The sensitivity when adjusted by the account owner will be applicable to other person who uses the device to open Google Assistant as well.
Ø Open the Google Home app and click on Home icon present at the bottom of the page.
Ø Now, select your speaker or smart display and tap on Device settings available at the top right corner.
Ø Click on ‘Hey Google’ sensitivity and set the sensitivity of your Google Assistant as per your convenience.
Ø If you want to change the sensitivity for other devices, simply click on the Adjust more devices button and set the sensitivity accordingly.
Ø Now, trying saying Hey Google to check if the Google Assistant not working issue is fixed.
In case you are unable to take screenshots using your Google Assistant application, try these steps to fix the issue:
Make sure your Android settings allow you to take screenshots using Google Assistant.
Ø Open the settings of your Android device.
Ø Go to Apps & notifications and select the Advanced button.
Ø Select Default apps and select Assist & voice input.
Ø Make sure the Use screenshot button is turned on. If not, turn it on.
Ø Open the Assistant settings of your device or simply say ‘Hey Google, open Assistant settings’.
Ø Go to ‘All settings’ and tap on the General button.
Ø Make sure the Use screen context button is turned on. If not, turn it on.
Note: In case you are unable to still use your Google Assistant, you can send feedback to Google telling all about the problem you are facing. Your feedback will be reviewed and you will be provided the precise solution for your issue.