How to activate OK Google on Android and iOS

Activating Ok Google is easy and intuitive. Nowadays, all the latest generation smartphones are supported for the voice assistant, and Google, in this sense, is the best known. Especially when it comes to Android systems.

In fact, for iOS devices there is already Siri, the faithful companion of Apple products. But it is not forbidden to set OK Google as the default preference even on these devices, especially if you are more familiar with the typical features of Big G.

Here, then, is how to activate Google Assistant (OK Google), the Google voice assistant that talks to you and helps you operationally with all your voice commands.

OK Google: why activate Google Assistant

OK Google sets the alarm, OK Google publishes on Instagram, OK Google opens the email: these are just some of the commands that can be activated thanks to the voice assistant created by the big G. The Google Assistant is, in fact, one of the best assistants voices on the market, especially regarding the smartphone world. All this is thanks to the extraordinary efficiency and complexity achieved by the Google Assistant, whose popularity also derives from the Google Home smart speaker line.

But why activate OK Google? Having a voice assistant on your phone offers a wide range of useful and practical features, making the experience of using the device smoother and more convenient. Here are some of the main benefits:

• calls and messages: With a simple voice command, you can make calls or send messages to your contacts without having to touch the phone screen. Just say "Ok Google, call [contact name]" or "Ok Google, send a message to [contact name]" and the assistant will take care of the rest.
• reminders and calendar: You can set reminders and add events to your calendar with ease. Just say "Ok Google, remind me to go shopping at 5 pm" or "OK Google, add an event to my calendar for tomorrow at 10 am" and the assistant will take care of everything.
• navigation: do you need directions? "OK Google" helps you in real time. You can ask for directions to a specific destination or simply ask about real-time traffic. Just say "OK Google, directions to [destination]" or "OK Google, how’s the traffic on my street?".
• useful information and answers to disparate questions: OK Google can answer a wide range of questions and provide information on almost everything. You can ask to translate sentences, get definitions of words, discover interesting facts, and much more. Just say "Ok Google, what is the definition of [word]" or "Ok Google, tell me an interesting fact about [topic]".
• smart home controls: If you have compatible smart home devices, you can easily control them using the famous "OK Google" voice command. Turn on the lights, adjust the thermostat temperature, start your favorite playlist, and more, all by simply speaking to Google.

How to activate OK Google on Android

Activating OK Google on Android literally means setting voice commands on your smartphone, although native voice assistants are often already present (such as Samsung’s Bixby).

Obviously, there are some details to check beforehand, as Android devices are various and have different versions of the operating system: the general premise is that if you own the latest generation smartphone, you have nothing to fear when using OK Google. On the other hand, Google’s voice assistant can be activated for all devices that support Android 5.0 (launched way back in 2014) or later versions.

If you have an Android smartphone or tablet, enabling "OK Google" is a simple process.

• Download and open the Google Assistant app (or Google Assistant): to activate OK Google just refer to the Google Assistant app, which is often already directly integrated as a search bar in the application launcher (otherwise you can easily download it from the Google Play Store and set it up) or by pressing and holding the home button or by using a more specific gesture.
• Google Assistant Settings: Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner of the Google app and select "Settings." Next, scroll down until you find “Assistant” and tap on it.
• "Voice" setting: within the Assistant settings, select "Voice". Here you will find the “Voice Detection” option. Tap this option and follow the instructions.
• Turn on "Ok Google": Enable the toggle for "Voice command access" or "Ok Google" (depending on your device and Android OS version).
• Voice setup and recognition: Now follow the on-screen instructions to setup your voice. You will have to repeat some voice commands to help the assistant recognize you better. So, at this point, the app will request an initial setting directly from the pronunciation of the voice.
• Final check: Once setup is complete, "OK Google" will be active on your Android device. You can, therefore, use it to perform voice commands such as making calls, sending messages, setting reminders, and much more. However, test by saying "OK Google" and making some requests, even outside the app and even with the screen locked. This way you will know if the settings were successful and you can proceed with all the searches and requests you prefer.

How to activate Ok Google on iOS

If you own an iPhone but want to continue using Google Assistant, you can download the appropriate application that is available for iOS. Once installed, you will need to enable the app to access your location and microphone, which are the fundamental requirements for using Ok Google to its full potential.

If you are using an iOS device and prefer Google’s voice assistant to Siri, you can still access Google Assistant and use "OK Google" by following a few simple steps.

• Download the Google app: Go to the App Store and download the Google Assistant app on your iOS device, if you haven’t already done so.
• Permissions: After installing the Google Assistant app, open it and grant all necessary permissions, including location and microphone permission, as mentioned.
• App Settings: Tap your profile icon in the top left corner and select "Settings".
• Voice Recognition: Scroll down until you find "Voice Recognition" and tap on it.
• Ok Google: Enable the "Ok Google" toggle.
• Microphone permission: If not done previously, you may also be asked for permission to access your device’s microphone. Make sure you allow access.
• Setup and Usage: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your voice. As always, do some testing as soon as the process is finished.

Once all the steps have been completed, OK Google will be active on your iOS device as if it were an Android, allowing you to use all the components of Google’s voice assistant.

Original article published on Money.it Italy 2024-03-18 17:17:42. Original title: Come attivare Ok Google su Android e iOs