Google Assistant Won't Open Anything!

When Google Assistant won't open anything, it can lead to big headaches.

When Google Assistant refuses to open anything, it's usually related to issues with the Google app or smart lock feature, but there could also be a problem with compatibility, your internet connection, or even your microphone. When this problem happens, you will typically see this message:

"Sorry, I can't open apps on this device."

In other cases, Google Assistant won't respond at all, or you will see the Google Assistant dot icons move for a while, but the requested app won't open.

How to Check Google Assistant Compatibility

Before you do anything else, make sure that your device is capable of running Google Assistant. If it isn't, Google Assistant won't be able to perform any tasks on your phone.

For Google Assistant to work, your phone needs to meet these minimum requirements:

• Android 5.0 or higher
• Google app version 6.13 or higher
• Google Play Services installed
• At least 1.0 GB of memory
• Set to a compatible language

Do Any Google Assistant Commands Work?

Google Assistant is a useful tool, but a lot of things can go wrong with it. If your phone meets the requirements and Google Assistant launches when you say "OK Google" or "Hey Google," check to see if it responds to any commands at all.

If you aren't sure what command to try, here's a list of Google Assistant commands. Try using a command that can be executed entirely within the Google app, like a search request. If the command works, and you see a list of search results, that means Google Assistant is working in some capacity.

If you don't see any search results, that means you have a problem with Google Assistant not working at all, not just a problem with it refusing to open anything.

How to Fix Google Assistant Not Opening Anything

When Google Assistant refuses to open anything, it's usually because of problems with the Google app. Rebooting your phone sometimes does the trick, but there are several other things that you'll want to check as well.

If your Google Assistant won't open anything, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Reboot your phone. Before you try anything more complicated, reboot your phone. It's a simple fix that often works. After your phone has finished rebooting, try using Google Assistant again.

2. Check your internet connectivity. Google Assistant relies on an internet connection to process your commands. Make sure that you have a reliable data connection, or connect your phone to Wi-Fi, and try using Google Assistant again.

   If Google Assistant works for commands like web searches but won't open anything, the problem is probably not your internet connection.

3. Make sure Google Assistant can hear you. If Google Assistant doesn't respond at all, it may not be able to hear you. Try moving to a quiet area if you're in a loud place. If you're already in a quiet area, check your phone's microphone to make sure it isn't obstructed by dust or other debris.

4. Try a different command.

   Google Assistant accepts several different commands that all cause it to open an app. If saying "open Gmail" doesn't work, try saying "launch Gmail" or "play Gmail."

   If Google Assistant works with one command, and not with others, retraining the voice model may help.

   Open the Google app, then navigate to More > Settings > Voice > Voice Match > Retrain voice model. Then tap More, and say the indicated phrases clearly into your phone's microphone.

5. Corrupt local data is one of the most common causes of Google Assistant refusing to open anything. To take care of this problem, you'll have to clear the cache of your Google app.

   Open Settings > Apps & notifications.

6. Tap Google > Storage > Clear Cache.

   If Google Assistant still won't open anything, move on to the next step.

7. In some cases, clearing the Google app cache isn't enough. The next step is to clear all of the locally stored data, which includes things like your search history and feed settings.

   Open Settings > Apps & notifications > Google.

8. Tap Storage > Clear Storage.

9. Tap CLEAR ALL DATA > OK.

10. The last thing you can try with the Google app is to uninstall updates to the app, and then reinstall the app.

    Open Settings > Apps & notifications > Google > the ⋮ (three vertical dots) menu icon > Uninstall updates.

    If Google Assistant works, don't update the Google app until Google issues a fix. If it doesn't work, then try updating the app. You can download the Google app directly from Google Play.

    This option isn't available in all versions of Android. If you don't see the option to uninstall updates for the Google app, you won't be able to try this method.

11. If Google Assistant still won't open anything but works with limited commands like web searches, the problem might be your phone's smart lock.

What to Do When Google Assistant Performs Web Searches, But It Won’t Open Anything

When Google Assistant only works with particular commands, like performing web searches, it's usually related to problems with the Google app. If you've ruled that out, then the final thing you should try is disabling the Smart Lock feature.

Smart Lock is a feature that is designed to prevent your phone from locking or unlock it automatically, under specific conditions. For instance, you can use Smart Lock to automatically unlock your phone if it recognizes your face or voice, or prevent it from locking as long as it's close to a device like a smartwatch.

In some rare cases, Smart Lock can allow Google Assistant to perform some tasks, like searching the web, but prevent it from opening apps, making appointments, setting alarms, and other more advanced functions.

Here's how to disable the smart lock feature:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down to Security & location and tap Smart Lock.

3. Enter your PIN, pattern, or password.

4. Turn off on-body detection.

5. Remove all trusted devices, places, faces, and voice match voices.

6. Reboot your phone, and check to see if Google Assistant will open apps.

7. If Google Assistant works, leave Smart Lock off or add each method back one at a time, starting with Voice Match. You might be able to use Smart Lock in a limited fashion, or you might have to leave it off altogether to use Google Assistant.

8. If Google Assistant doesn't work even with all Smart Lock features disabled, you'll have to wait for Google to release a fix for the bug that's causing issues on your phone. Contact Google Assistant support for additional assistance, to report your problem, and to check if any more specific fixes are already available.