One of the best things about using Google on your smartphone isthe voice commands. Using just your voice you may get your device to do all sorts of things on your behalf. It’s fast, convenient, and still feels a bit like the future. The complete list of “OK, Google” commands and compatible apps and devices hasgrown considerablyover time, meaning there are likely things you can do with Google that you’re not even aware of. To find out more, check outeverything you need to know about Google Assistant.
If you own an Android device, you might want to turn on “OK, Google”so that you canstart using Google Assistantwithout having to tap the microphone icon. The first thing we need to do is make sure this feature is turned on, so let’s see if it is.
Turning on ‘OK, Google’
Now that it’s turned on, we can start using voice commands. Let’s take a look at all thedifferent commands you can usewith your device. All you have to do is say “OK, Google,” or “Hey, Google,” and Google will start listening to your commands. You can always tap the microphone icon and issue a voice command if you prefer not to use the “OK, Google” feature, or you can tap the keyboard icon at the bottom left and type your queries and commands.
Searching and asking questions
Asking Google about anything
Google can obviously turn to the internet for answers, but it can also search your Gmail inbox and some other places. For example, when we asked “Where’s my hotel?” it looked in Gmail and found an upcoming reservation.
Google account and privacy settings
Finding and unlocking your phone
Both of these commands will work, even if your phone is on a Do Not Disturb setting. However, your Android phone location needs to be turned on, and the phone needs to be connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi. If you have multiple people using the same device (such as a Nest Home) to find their phones, then all their individual Google Accounts must be separately linked.
Messaging, notes, and music
Other messaging, music, and social apps that work with ‘OK, Google’
If you want to send a message with Viber, and not your default text messaging app, then you would say, “OK, Google, send a message with Viber.”You can also try commands such as “take a note with Evernote,” or “search for cat videos on YouTube.”
These are all apps that are compatible with “OK, Google,” but this is not a complete list:
If you want to install any of these apps, you can find them in the Play Store by saying, “OK, Google, search for [name of app] in the Play Store.”
Streaming shows with Google Assistant
Google Assistant supports a variety of streaming apps including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, YouTube TV, and many more. Some of these may need to be individually linked via the partner app for full compatibility. When this is done, it can open up a trove of commands for controlling your favorite streamer, like:
Other to-do and notes apps that work with ‘OK, Google’
These note apps all work by saying “Make a note with [name of app]”
Send money with Google Assistant
As long as you haveGoogle Pay set upon your phone, you can send money to people or request money from them using Google Assistant with commands like:
Alarms, math, travel, and more
Conversions
Maps and travel
Translations
Google Assistant now has a built-in interpreter mode, as well as compatibility with a variety of translation apps. Without downloading anything extra, you can switch Assistant to translate with commands like these:
A tone will then play, and anything said after the tune will be translated by Google Assistant. If you’ve specified two languages, you don’t have to alternate between them; Assistant will just interpret based on the last thing you said. You can exit this mode at any time by saying “Stop” or “Quit.”
Controlling your device
Other apps compatible with ‘OK, Google’
More and more apps are building compatibility with Google Assistant. You can find an array of choices from shopping to entertainment to games to smart home controls. You can also complete basic tasks like checking a rewards balance, calling an Uber, or putting in a Starbucks order. Visit theGoogle Assistant websiteto check out the categories and see what options are available.
Be aware that some tasks are available only with specific devices. For example, some options are only available viaGoogle Home speakerorAndroid TV, while others are exclusive to yourphone.
Take a look at our guides to learn more:how to get started with Google Assistant,what Google Home can do, andfunny questions to ask Google Assistant. If you have some privacy concerns, or you want to just get a break from Google Assistant, check out our guide on how toturn Google Assistant off.
