How to talk to Google Assistant without saying ok, Google” or “Hey, Google”

Tired of having to repeat the wake-up phrase. This article explains how to talk to Google Assistant without saying “OK, Google”.

About Google Assistant

Google Assistant is Google’s version of Amazon’s Alexa, Microsoft’s Cortana, or Apple’s Siri. A virtual assistant developed and launched by Google in 2016, Google Assistant uses artificial intelligence to access information and control functionalities on both mobile devices and smart homes. It is offered in many languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese.

On every recent Android device, there is a working Google assistant, and it does not stop just there. It is widespread and not only exclusive to Google hardware. Partnership with other companies has made it popular and used across different systems aside from Android phones. Smart home systems like Ikea’s Home Smart range for performing different home tasks. Also, devices that support multiple AI systems and even on iOS devices. You can find Google Assistant on LG, Sony, Panasonic, and smart speakers from other third-party manufacturers.

What it works

Google Assistant has access to information on your device. So based on your input and how you set up Google assistant, it knows your home address, sports team, date of birth, and other private and public information. This is used to provide information that is relevant to you. For example, when you say, “Ok Google, navigate home”. It is going to open the Google maps app and show directions from wherever you are to your home location.

It offers a wide range of voice control across platforms and devices. Be in control of your smart home. Be in control of your devices. Make calls and get information like weather, events on your calendar, and answer queries on Google. Make appointments and set reminders and alarms. Run timers for when you are busy with your hands. Control music on your device. Open applications and play games. Translate in real time from one language to another preferred language.

How to bring up Google Assistant without saying “OK, Google”

Waking up Google Assistant AI on your phone is probably one of the coolest features. It feels like having a virtual friend to talk to and also shout instructions at. But it can be difficult to get it to respond to the wake phrase, especially in a noisy environment. And sometimes it can respond to just anything that sounds similar to the wake-up phrase. Sure you might have experienced the Google Assistant coming up while in the middle of a movie on your phone maybe. Crazy right?

There are other ways you can bring up Google Assistant asides “OK Google” or the alternative “Hey Google”. Below are ways you can do that.

Using continued conversation

Before now, particular to the previous AI, Google Now, every instruction had to proceed after saying “Hey, Google”. With Google Assistant’s Continued Conversation, you do not have to say  “Hey Google” or “OK Google” before every request.

With the continued conversation, the Google Assistant can now engage in two-way conversations. After the first wake-up, a phrase has been said and Google Assistant is responding to the command, the mic stays active for some seconds (about 8 secs, give or take) after the instructed task has been performed. This allows for further instructions that might be related to the results, to be given without having to say the wake-up phrase again.

By default, Continued Conversations is turned off. So you have to enable it first.

Go to Google Assistant settings and search Continued Conversation. Toggle the switch beside it to the ON position.

Tap the microphone icon in the Google search bar.

Tap on the Google search bar or open the Google app. Now click on the microphone icon at the right end of the search bar. This will wake Google Assistant and bring up the listening interface.

Long pressing the power button

The power button can be used for other features aside from switching On and Off your device. By holding the power button for a few seconds, you can wake the Google Assistant without saying “OK Google”.

How to bring up Google Assistant by Squeezing your phone

The force-sensitive interaction surface of the Active Edge feature on the Google Pixel device can be used to wake the Google Assistant in a similar way to the power button. This is available on Pixel 2, 3, and 4. To wake Google Assistant, squeeze the bottom half of your phone gentlof

Swiping from the bottom corners

Swipe up from the bottom corners of your phone, either left or right, to wake up Google Assistant. Now you can say your command to the Assistant.

Using quick phrases

While Google does not allow the addition or edit of the wake-up phrase, Google recently announced two new features. Among this duo are quick phrases that can be used to perform very common voice commands. For now, this feature is only available to Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, and probably subsequent releases.

So without saying “OK Google”, you can perform a specific task with Google Assistant. You can turn on the quick-phrase for Alarm. When the Alarm is ringing, Google Assistant will be in a receptive mode, listening for the quick-phrase for the Alarm. At that time, saying Snooze, for instance, will snooze the alarm.

To turn on quick phrases:

• Open Google Assistant settings. Say, “OK Google, open Assistant settings” to quickly launch this. Or search for Assistant from your settings app.
• Click on Quick phrases
• Click on the toggle slider switch beside each of the quick phrases you want to turn on.

This works only with the newer version of Google Assistant. So it might not be available on your device.

Final thoughts

Google is adding new features that will make it easier to communicate with Google Assistant. It should also be noted that you can drop a chain of multiple commands at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Google Assistant unlock my phone?

Unlocking phones using Google Assistant is no longer a supported feature on newer Android versions. Google has removed the feature.

How do I know if my phone has Google Assistant?

Every Android device currently has Google Assistant. But if you want to be sure yours have it, just say  “OK Google” or tap the microphone in the Google search bar.