How to Make Calls With Google Home

Okay, Google. Call the dentist!

by
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
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Scott Orgera is a former writer who covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications.
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Scott Orgera
Updated on November 13, 2020

Each smart speaker found in the Google Home line of products lets you control connected appliances, play music, participate in interactive games, shop for groceries, and more. You can also make hands-free phone calls to the United States and Canada over a Wi-Fi network. We show you how.

You can't call 911 or emergency services with Google Home. You can call your contacts, call any business listing maintained by Google, or place a call by reading the digits aloud to your device.

How to Set Up the Google App, Account, and Firmware

Several prerequisites must be met before you can use Google Home to make phone calls. First, make sure the latest version of the Google Home app is installed on your iOS or Android device.

Next, confirm that the Google account containing the contacts you want to access is linked to the Google Home device. To do this in the Google Home app, tap Devices (the button in the upper-right corner) > Settings (the three vertically-aligned dots) > Linked account(s).

Finally, check that the device's firmware version is 1.28.99351 or higher. Tap Devices > Settings > Cast firmware version.

Firmware is updated automatically on Google Home devices. If the version that appears is older than the minimum requirement needed to make phone calls, contact a Google Home support specialist before continuing.

How to Enable Personal Results

If you want to call your Google contacts by saying their name (OK, Google. Call Joe, for example), enable personal results. Here's how:

  1. Open the Google Home app on your iOS or Android device.

  2. Tap on the Home icon, then select your Google Home device.

  3. Tap Device Settings (the gear icon) > More (the three vertical dots) > Recognition & personalization.

  4. Turn on Allow personal results.

How to Synchronize Your Device Contacts

If you want Google Home to call contacts saved on your Android phone or tablet, sync your contacts. Here's how:

  1. Open the Google app on your Android smartphone or tablet.

    Don't confuse the Google app with the Google Home app, referenced in the previous steps.

  2. Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.

  3. Select Manage your Google account.

    Make sure the Google account you choose is the one linked to your Google Home. Tap your account name and choose another account to switch to it if necessary. 

  4. Scroll to the People & sharing tab.

    The profile image, "Manage your Google account," and "People & Sharing"

  5. Select Contact info from your devices.

  6. Turn on Save contacts from your signed-in devices.

    The "Contact info" option and switch

On an iOS device, sync contacts by going to the Contact info from your devices page and turning on Save contacts from your signed-in devices. Then go to the Google Home app, tap Account > Assistant settings > Services > Voice and Video calls > Mobile calling, and turn on Contacts Uploading.

Configure Your Outbound Display Number

By default, all calls placed with Google Home are made with an unlisted number—typically displayed as Private, Unknown, or Anonymous. Follow these steps to change this to a phone number of your choosing:

  1. Open the Google Home app on your iOS or Android device.

  2. Tap Settings.

  3. Scroll down and select Voice and video calls.

    Settings and Voice and Video Calls

  4. Tap Mobile calling.

  5. Select Your own number.

  6. Choose Add or change phone number.

    The Mobile Calling, Your Own Number, and Add or change phone number options

  7. Enter your number and tap Verify.

  8. Google sends a code to your phone. Enter it on the line, and then select Next.

  9. You can now choose your phone number on the main screen.

    The Verify and Next links

The change is reflected instantly in the Google Home app. Still, it may take ten minutes to take effect in the system.

How to Make a Call With Google Home

You're now ready to place a call through Google Home. You can do this by using one of the following verbal commands following the Hey Google activation prompt:

  • Call contact name: Initiate a call to the personal contact you specify.
  • Call business name: Call a particular business based on its name in Google's listings.
  • What is the nearest business type?: Locate a nearby business (for example, a gas station) and follow up with a call if you wish.
  • Call phone number: Make a call through Google Home by speaking its digits aloud.
  • Redial: Redial the last number called through your Google Home speaker.

How to End a Call With Google Home

To end a call, either tap the top of your Google Home speaker or speak one of the following commands:

  • Hey Google, stop.
  • Hey Google, hang up.
  • Hey Google, disconnect.
  • Hey Google, end call.
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