How to Set Up 'OK Google' on Any Device

Google Assistant includes an "OK Google" or "Hey Google" feature where you can say that phrase to make your device start listening to your voice. From there, you can do all sorts of things by talking directly with Google's AI-based virtual assistant.

Many of Google's devices come with Google Assistant built-in and ready to go right out of the box. This is true for Google Home, for example. However, if you want the option to use OK Google on your smartphone or tablet, there are some extra steps involved.

Set Up OK Google on Android

To see if your Android device is already prepared to use Google Assistant, say Hey Google or OK Google, or press and hold the Home button. Select TURN ON when you see the prompt.

If that doesn't work, keep in mind what you need to use Google Assistant on your Android:

• Android 5.0 or higher
• Google app 6.13 or higher
• Google Play services
• 1.0 GB of memory
• Device set to one of the languages listed here (English, German, Spanish, and many others)

Here's how to check those requirements, in order:

1. Check your Android device for an update, and then update to the newest Android version if it's outdated.

2. Update the Google app to the latest version. Check its current version by opening the Google app and going to More > Settings > About.

   

3. Open Google Play services on Google Play, and select Install if you see it.

4. Enable developer mode and then go to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer options > Memory to check that you have more than 1 GB of memory.

   

5. Confirm that your phone or tablet is set to a language on the list mentioned above. The language settings are here: Settings > System > Languages & input > Languages.

   

Set Up OK Google on iPhone or iPad

iOS devices must be running iOS 10 or higher and have to be set to a supported language. Unlike Android devices, Google Assistant isn't included on iPhone or iPad, so you have to download the mobile app.

1. Download Google Assistant.

2. Sign in with your Google account when asked.

3. On the Google Partners page, select CONTINUE.

   

4. Press Allow on the prompt about sending notifications. Decline if you don't want to get alerts from Google Assistant.

5. Optionally, enroll to get updates from Google about new features, offers, and other things for Google Assistant, and then press NEXT.

6. When asked about microphone access, select OK. This is required if you want to be able to speak to Google Assistant.

   

Google Assistant on the iPhone

Using OK Google or Hey Google to talk with Google Assistant isn't as streamlined on iOS as it is on Android. The Google Assistant app for iOS has to be open and active (i.e., that's the app on the screen that you see) for it to respond to your voice.

However, you can use Siri to open Google Assistant if you want a somewhat hands-free experience by setting up the voice command "Hey Siri, Hey Google."

Set Up OK Google on Apple Watch

Your Apple Watch can respond to OK Google as well, and setup is extremely easy.

1. Tap the screen to wake up the watch if the display is dim.

2. Swipe down from the top and select Settings (gear icon).

3. Tap Personalization.

4. Turn on "OK Google" detection.