What "Hey Google" is and why you might want it
Hey Google is a voice command feature that wakes up your Google device or app when you say those words aloud. Once activated, you can ask questions, control smart home devices, play music, set reminders, or search the web without touching a screen. It works on phones, tablets, smart speakers, smart displays, and some other devices that have Google Assistant built in.
The feature is off by default on most devices. Turning it on means your device listens for those two words constantly — even when the screen is locked or the app is in the background. This is why Google gives you control over when and where this listening happens.
Key Takeaways
- Hey Google activation differs by device type — phones, tablets, and smart speakers each have their own settings location.
- On Android phones, you enable it in Google Assistant settings under "Voice Match" or "Voice activation".
- On iPhones and iPads, you cannot use Hey Google to wake the device, but you can use it within the Google app itself.
- Smart speakers and displays have a physical button or toggle to enable voice activation, usually on the device itself or in the Google Home app.
- Once enabled, your device stores a voice sample to recognize your voice and distinguish it from others.
Enabling Hey Google on Android phones and tablets
On Android, the setting lives in the Google Assistant app. Open Google Assistant by saying "Hey Google" (if already enabled), tapping the Google app, or holding down the home button — the exact method depends on your phone model. Once the Assistant opens, tap your profile picture in the top right corner, then select Settings.
Look for Voice Match or Voice activation (the name varies by Android version and manufacturer). Tap it, then toggle on Hey Google. The system will ask you to say "Hey Google" three to five times so it can learn your voice. Speak naturally — the same way you would normally say it. After that, your device will respond to those words from your voice specifically.
If you do not see this option, your device may not support voice activation, or you may need to update Google Assistant. Check the Google Play Store for updates to the Google app.
Enabling Hey Google on iPhones and iPads
iPhones and iPads cannot use Hey Google as a device wake word the way Android phones can. Apple's voice assistant, Siri, handles that role on iOS devices. However, you can still use voice commands within the Google app itself.
Open the Google app on your iPhone or iPad, tap your profile picture in the top right, select Settings, then Voice. Toggle on Voice Search. This lets you tap the microphone icon in the Google app and speak your search or command. It is not a hands-free wake word, but it does let you use your voice without typing.
Enabling Hey Google on smart speakers and smart displays
Google Home speakers and Nest displays come with voice activation enabled by default. If you have turned it off and want to turn it back on, look for a physical button or switch on the device itself — usually on the top or back. Pressing or toggling it once will re-enable the microphone and voice listening.
You can also control this in the Google Home app. Open the app, select the device, tap the settings icon (gear symbol), scroll down to Microphone, and toggle it on. Some devices also let you set a schedule for when the microphone is active, which is useful if you want voice commands disabled during certain hours.
What happens after you enable it
Once Hey Google is on, your device listens for those words continuously. When it hears them, the device wakes up and waits for your command. On phones and tablets, a colored line or animation usually appears to show the device is listening. On smart speakers, a light ring typically illuminates.
Your device does not send audio to Google's servers until it detects the wake words. The voice sample you provided during setup stays on your device and is used only to recognize your voice. If you share a device with others, each person can set up their own voice match so the device recognizes who is speaking.
Troubleshooting when Hey Google is not responding
If your device is not responding to "Hey Google," first check that the microphone is actually enabled. On smart speakers, look for the physical mute button — it usually has a light indicator. On phones, go back to the voice activation settings and confirm the toggle is on.
Try saying the words more clearly and at a normal volume. If the device learned your voice when you were in a quiet room, it may struggle to hear you in a noisy space. You can retrain it by going back to Voice Match settings and recording the wake words again in the environment where you normally use the device.
If the device still does not respond, restart it. Unplug smart speakers for 10 seconds, or restart your phone through its power menu. Then test again. If the problem continues, check that you have the latest version of Google Assistant or the Google Home app installed.
Privacy and security with always-on listening
Having a device that listens for wake words means the microphone is always active. Google says the device only records and sends audio to its servers after it detects "Hey Google," but the initial listening happens locally on the device. If you are uncomfortable with this, you can disable voice activation and use the device through touch or the app instead.
You can also review and delete your voice recordings. In Google Assistant settings, go to Voice & Audio Activity and you will see a history of commands and audio clips. You can delete individual recordings or turn off activity logging entirely, though this may limit some features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can multiple people use Hey Google on the same device?
Yes. Each person can set up their own voice match in the device settings. The device will then recognize different voices and respond to each person's Hey Google command. This works on phones, tablets, and smart speakers.
What if I say Hey Google but the device does not recognize me?
The device may not have learned your voice well enough, or you may be speaking differently than you did during setup. Go back to Voice Match settings and retrain by recording the wake words again. Speak naturally and at the volume you normally use.
Does Hey Google work if my phone is locked?
On most Android phones, yes — Hey Google responds even when the screen is locked. On iPhones, you cannot use Hey Google as a wake word at all. You can use Siri instead, or open the Google app and tap the microphone icon.
Can I turn off Hey Google without uninstalling Google Assistant?
Yes. Go to Voice Match or Voice activation settings and toggle it off. The Google Assistant app will still work — you just will not be able to wake it by saying the words. You can still open it manually or use other commands.
Is my voice data stored somewhere I can access it?
Your voice sample for recognition stays on your device. Your command history and audio clips are stored in your Google account under Voice & Audio Activity. You can view, listen to, and delete any of these recordings at any time through your Google Account settings.