You Can Now Drop the 'Hey Google' for Some Assistant Voice Commands

The new quick phrases feature is rolling out to Android devices

By
Stefanie Fogel
Stefanie Fogel
Stefanie Fogel
Writer, Editor, Commerce Producer
  • University of Central Florida
Stefanie Fogel has written about consumer technology since 2009. Her work has appeared on Variety, Engadget, Polygon, and many other online publications.
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Published on October 7, 2021 02:43PM EDT
Fact checked by
Rich Scherr
Rich Scherr
Fact checked by Rich Scherr
  • University of Maryland Baltimore County
Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire.
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Google Assistant's new quick phrases feature is starting to appear on some phones running the Android 12 beta, according to XDA Developers. That means people can soon use certain voice commands without having to say "Hey, Google" first.

Once the feature rolls out, it can be enabled in Google Assistant's settings. Right now, it lets users answer calls and snooze alarms just by saying one-word commands like "Answer," "Stop," "Decline," and "Snooze." More commands are reportedly on the way for things like timers, reminders, media controls, and to-do lists.

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 09: A sign for the Google Assistant is displayed during CES 2018 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center on January 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 12 and features about 3,900 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 170,000 attendees.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

There were hints Google was working to remove "Hey, Google" for some voice commands back in April. At the time, many users reported finding a mysterious "voice shortcuts" page in their Google Assistant settings, which led to documents for a feature codenamed "Guacamole." The feature has since been rebranded as quick phrases.

While eliminating the "Hey, Google" from voice commands is more efficient, there is a downside. When the feature is enabled, Google warns that calls may connect accidentally due to false positives, according to XDA Developers. If you or someone close to you says "answer" while the phone is ringing, there's a chance Google Assistant will execute the command whether you're ready for the call or not. You've been warned.

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