Along with Alexa, the Google smart speaker dominates the market. The 'smart' bit of the Google smart speaker is Google Assistant, which (unlike Alexa) can be accessed via any mobile device, including budget Android phones. That makes Google's assistant a competitor of Alexa and Siri. Since 2016, Google Assistant has evolved from an alarm clock to a personal assistant. If you haven't checked it out for a while, this article brings you up to speed with the top tips for getting the most out of Google Assistant.

Google Assistant is built-in on all Android phones and tablets. iPhone and iPad users can download it from the App Store. It also comes pre-installed on Wear OS smartwatches, Android TVs, and the top smart speakers. If you're new to Google's smart virtual assistant, read our dedicated Google Assistant explainer.

Add multiple languages

You don't need to switch back and forth between languages with Google Assistant. It understands two languages simultaneously. Here's how to set it up.

1. Launch Google Assistant by long-pressing the power button or saying the "OK Google" or "Hey Google" voice command.
2. Tap your account picture to open the Google Assistant settings.
3. Select Languages.

   

   

   Close
4. Tap Add a language and pick one of your preferred languages.

   

   

   Close

Use your favorite apps with Google Assistant

Popular third-party apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Outlook, and others have added Google Assistant support to complete tasks with voice commands. Let's check some examples.

• Hey Google, open my Twitter notifications.
• Hey Google, show my friend's birthday on Facebook.
• Hey Google, show my status on WhatsApp.
• OK Google, add a WhatsApp photo.
• OK Google, open my Instagram profile.
• Hey Google, view screenshots.

You can check a list of all app shortcuts from Google Assistant settings.

1. Head to Google Assistant settings (refer to the steps above).
2. Expand View all settings and open the Shortcuts menu.

   

   Close
3. Check all shortcuts for your apps.

   

   

   Close

Read an article loud

When you're driving or stuck in a crowded place, summon Google Assistant to read articles. Or, after a tiring day, sit back, relax, and ask Google Assistant to read to you.

1. Open an article in your preferred browser.
2. Activate Google Assistant using the power button or voice command and say "Read."
3. Google Assistant opens the article in reading mode with playback controls.

   

   Close
4. You can jump to a specific section, skip paragraphs, and tweak the playback speed.

Book a reservation at a restaurant

Google Assistant comes in handy when you want to book a table at a nearby restaurant. Say, "OK Google, book a table at [restaurant name]," and share details like the number of people, date, time, and more when prompted. Complete the on-screen instructions and tap Confirm to complete the reservation.

Set Routines

Google Assistant supports Routines to execute multiple actions with one command. For example, say "Google Morning" and set Google Assistant to inform you about the weather, calendar, today's reminders, birthdays, and office routes.

Similarly, you can say the "Bedtime" command to activate Do Not Disturb, set alarms, play sleep sounds, and more. The possibilities are endless. Check our best Google Assistant Routines to stay productive.

Close

Activate continued conversations

You don't need to use the "Hey Google" command for every query when you activate continued conversations on Google Assistant. The system reopens the microphone briefly after every response and listens for the follow-up question. It leads to a natural conversation with Google Assistant.

1. Launch Google Assistant settings (check the steps above).
2. Scroll to Continued Conversation.
3. Turn on the function.

   

   

   Close

Use Google Assistant on the lock screen

Google Assistant is ready to complete your requests from the lock screen. To get personal results, such as your contacts and messages, say "OK Google" so that the Assistant recognizes your voice.

1. Go to Google Assistant settings (refer to the steps above).
2. Scroll to Lock screen.
3. Turn on the Assistant responses on lock screen toggle.

   

   

   Close

Play music on your favorite streaming service

Google Assistant uses YouTube Music to play your favorite tunes and playlists. You can change the default music streaming service from YouTube Music to Spotify or Apple Music using the steps below.

1. Open Google Assistant settings (check the steps above).
2. Select Music.
3. Connect your preferred streaming service and set it as default.

   

   

   Close

Broadcast a message on compatible smart speakers

You can use Google Assistant to broadcast messages if you have a compatible smart speaker.

• Hey Google, announce I'm home.
• OK Google, tell everyone to get ready in 20 minutes.
• Hey Google, tell everyone to come down for lunch.

Find your phone

Did you misplace your phone? You can use another phone or a Google Assistant-compatible smart speaker (which is connected to your account) and the "Hey Google, find my phone" command to ring the phone. Google Assistant finds your connected devices and waits for your confirmation to ring the lost phone.

Close

Use Google Assistant like a pro

In October 2023, Google announced it's giving their assistant tool the AI treatment by adding Google Bard capabilities. There's never been a better time to explore the potential of this technology.

Google Assistant is also available on the Google Nest line of products. If you recently purchased a new Nest device, read our post to learn the best helpful Google Assistant commands for your new device.