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How to use Google Assistant on your phone
Edited 4 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
Google AssistantSmartphoneVoice AssistantAndroidiPhoneMobile AppsGoogleConnectivityCustomizationUser InterfaceProductivity
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Google Assistant is a powerful virtual assistant developed by Google. It can perform various tasks such as setting reminders, sending messages, making phone calls, providing directions, answering questions, and much more. It is designed to make your life easier by understanding your voice commands and executing them instantly. This guide will walk you through the process of using Google Assistant on your phone, step by step.
1. Set up Google Assistant
1.1 Checking device compatibility
Before you can start using Google Assistant, you need to check if your device supports it. Most Android phones running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and above support Google Assistant. For iPhone users, your device must be running iOS 10 or above.
1.2 Enabling Google Assistant
If Google Assistant isn't enabled on your phone, you can enable it manually. Follow these steps to enable it:
- Open the Google app on your phone.
- Tap the More option (three lines or three dots) in the bottom-right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Google Assistant.
- Under the Assistant tab, select Phone.
- Toggle the Google Assistant switch on.
2. Activate Google Assistant
There are different ways to activate the Google Assistant on your phone:
- Say "Hey Google" or "OK Google."
- Press and hold the Home button (for devices with a Home button).
- Swipe up from any corner of the screen (on devices with gesture navigation).
- Open the Google app and tap on the microphone icon.
3. Original order
Once Google Assistant is activated, you can start by giving simple voice commands. Here are some basic commands you can use:
- "What's the weather like today?" - Get the current weather report.
- "Call [contact name]." – Make a phone call.
- "Send a message to [contact name]." – Send a text message.
- "Set a reminder for [task] at [time]." – Set a reminder.
- "Play some music." - Play music from your favorite app.
- "Navigate to [location]." – Get directions using Google Maps.
4. Using Google Assistant for everyday tasks
Google Assistant can be incredibly useful for managing your daily tasks. Here's how you can take advantage of its capabilities:
4.1 Managing your schedule
You can use Google Assistant to manage your calendar and events. Ask it to create events, check your schedule, or set reminders for important tasks.
- Create an event: "Add a meeting with [name] at [time] on [date]."
- Check your schedule: "What's on my calendar today?"
- Set a reminder: "Remind me to do [task] at [time]."
4.2 Making calls and sending messages
Google Assistant can help you stay connected with people. You can make calls, send messages, or even start video calls using voice commands.
- Call: "Call [contact name]."
- Send a message: "Send a message to [contact name] by typing [message]."
- Start a video call: "Video call [contact name]."
4.3 Getting directions and travel information
Whether you're commuting to work or planning a trip, Google Assistant can help you with directions and travel information.
- Get directions: "How do I get to [destination]?"
- Find nearby places: "Find nearby restaurants." Or "Show me gas stations near me."
- Check traffic: "How's the traffic on the way to [destination]?"
4.4 Setting alarms and timers
You can quickly set alarms and timers using the Google Assistant. This is especially helpful for cooking, working out, or managing your daily routine.
- Set alarm: "Set an alarm for [time]."
- Set timer: "Set a timer for [duration]."
- Check alarms: "What are my alarms?"
5. Entertainment and information
Google Assistant is a great companion for entertainment and information. You can get answers to your questions, play games, listen to the news, or control your smart home devices.
5.1 Getting answers and directions
Ask Google Assistant anything, and it will provide you with the information you need.
- Ask the question: "How high is the Eiffel Tower?"
- Get a dictionary definition: "Define [word]."
- Find recipes: "How do I make [dish]?"
5.2 Playing music and videos
You can use the Google Assistant to play music or stream video on your phone or connected devices.
- Play music: "Play [song/artist/genre]."
- Play video: "Play [video] on YouTube."
- Control playback: "Pause music" or "Next song."
5.3 Receiving news updates
Stay updated with the latest news by asking Google Assistant to read the news.
- Daily News: "What's the breaking news?"
- Specific news: "Tell me the news about [topic]."
5.4 Controlling smart home devices
If you have smart home devices, you can control them using Google Assistant. Make sure your smart devices are connected to your Google Home app.
- Control the lights: "Turn on the lights" or "Dim the lights."
- Adjust thermostat: "Set the thermostat to [temperature]."
- Control a smart plug: "Turn off [device]."
6. Customizing Google Assistant
Google Assistant allows you to personalize your experience. You can customize its settings according to your preferences.
6.1 Updating your personal information
Update personal information, such as your home and work address or nickname, to make your conversations more seamless.
- Open Google Assistant settings.
- Go to Personal Information.
- Update information such as your home and work address, birthday, and last name.
6.2 Managing your preferences
You can manage various preferences such as news sources, linked accounts, and payment methods.
- Open Google Assistant settings.
- Go to Preferences.
- Select the category you want to update (News, Services, etc.).
- Follow the prompts to update your preferences.
6.3 Customizing the routine
You can set up routines that perform multiple actions with a single command.
- Open Google Assistant settings.
- Go to Routines.
- Tap Add routine.
- Set trigger phrases and add actions (for example, “Good morning” can turn on the lights, play the news, and turn on your coffee maker).
7. Advanced features
Google Assistant offers many advanced features that can improve your experience.
7.1 Voice match
Voice Match helps the Google Assistant recognise your voice and give you personalised answers.
- Open Google Assistant settings.
- Go to Voice Match.
- Follow the prompts to set up your voice profile.
7.2 Continuous conversation
Enable continuous conversation to allow asking follow-up questions without repeating the wake word.
- Open Google Assistant settings.
- Go to the ongoing conversation.
- Turn the feature on.
7.3 Interpreter mode
Google Assistant can assist with real-time translation in interpreter mode.
- Activate Google Assistant.
- Say, "You be my translator."
- Speak in the language you want and Google Assistant will translate it for you.
8. Privacy and security
Google takes your privacy and security seriously. You can manage your privacy settings and review your activities.
8.1 Review your Google Assistant activity
You can review and delete your Google Assistant activity to ensure your privacy.
- Open Google Assistant settings.
- Go to the activity.
- Review your activities and delete any entries you want to remove.
8.2 Manage voice and audio activity
Google Assistant stores your voice and audio activity to improve it. Here's how you can manage these settings:
- Open Google Assistant settings.
- Go to Data and personalization.
- Toggle voice and audio activity on or off as you like.
By following these steps and exploring the capabilities of Google Assistant, you can make the most of this incredible tool. Whether it's managing your tasks, staying informed, or just having a bit of fun, Google Assistant is there to help make your life easier and more enjoyable.
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