How do I add Google Voice commands?

ByJael Lawler

Google Voice commands allow users to control certain features and functions on Android devices using voice commands. With Google Voice commands, users can launch apps, search the web, set reminders and alarms, and more just by speaking to their device. One of the most useful features of Google Voice commands is the ability to create custom voice commands that trigger specific actions. Users can create custom voice commands tailored to their own preferences and usage needs.

With custom Google Voice commands, users can create personalized shortcuts to quickly complete tasks or launch apps hands-free. For example, users could create a command like “Ok Google, call mom” to instantly dial their mom’s number. The capabilities of custom voice commands allow users to streamline their Android experience and control devices faster using just their voice.

Prerequisites

To use Google Voice commands, you’ll need a few things:

You’ll need an Android device running Android 5.0 or higher with the Google app installed. Voice Match won’t work on iOS devices (source).

You’ll need to be logged into your Google Account on your Android device. Voice commands are tied to your Google Account (source).

You’ll need to have an internet connection on your device. Voice commands require an internet connection to work.

You’ll need to have location services enabled for voice commands like getting directions or finding nearby places.

You’ll need to set up Voice Match to train Google Assistant to recognize your voice. This allows it to give personalized results for you.

Enable Voice Match

In order for Google Assistant to respond to your voice commands, you need to enable a feature called Voice Match. Voice Match allows Google Assistant to recognize and differentiate your voice from others. This is important so that your device only responds to your commands and not commands from other people.

To enable Voice Match:

This trains Google Assistant to recognize your voice and associate it with your profile. You may need to repeat the “Hey Google” phrases a few times for it to properly learn your voice. Once completed, Voice Match will be enabled and your device will only respond to your voice commands moving forward.

Launching Google Assistant

There are a few different ways to launch the Google Assistant on Android devices:

Using your voice – Just say “Ok Google” or “Hey Google” and the Assistant will launch and listen for your command or question. Make sure you have Voice Match enabled so the Assistant recognizes your voice specifically. For phones with a home button, you may need to hold the home button while saying the wake phrase. For hands-free activation, go to Assistant Settings > Voice > Voice Match.

Press and hold the home button – If your Android device has a physical home button, you can launch the Assistant by pressing and holding it. After about a second, you should see the colorful Assistant logo pop up on screen.

Tap the Assistant icon – Open the Google Assistant app on your home screen or app drawer and tap the colorful icon. This will launch the Assistant and activate listening mode.

From the Google Search widget – If you have the Google Search widget on your home screen, you can tap on the microphone icon to launch the Assistant.

So in summary, the main hands-free way is using your voice and the wake phrases. But you can also quickly launch Google Assistant using buttons and icons if needed.

Creating a Command

To create a new voice command in Settings, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google app and tap the More button in the top right corner.

2. Select Settings > Voice > Voice Match.

3. Tap on “Voice Match” to turn it on if it isn’t already.

4. Scroll down and tap “Add more voice models” if you want the command to work for multiple users.

5. Tap “Unlock with Voice Match” and say “OK Google” 3 times.

6. Scroll down to “Create your own commands” and tap it.

7. Tap the blue “+” icon to create a new command.

8. Type the phrase you want to use for the voice command.

9. Select the app or action you want it to trigger.

10. Tap “Save” to finish creating the command.

You can create custom voice commands to open apps, call contacts, get directions to saved locations, and more. Experiment with different phrases to activate different actions using your voice.

Speaking the Command

Once you have set up a custom voice command in the Google Assistant settings, you can trigger it by speaking clearly after launching the Assistant. Here are the steps:

  1. Launch the Google Assistant, either by saying “Hey Google” or “OK Google,” or by long pressing the home button if available.
  2. Wait for the Assistant to respond with its listening prompt.
  3. Speak the custom command you created, exactly as you phrased it when setting it up. For example say “Turn on living room lights.”
  4. The Assistant will process the command and execute the action you programmed such as turning on smart lights.
  5. Speak clearly and precisely while saying the command. Make sure to say it the same way you phrased it when creating the command.
  6. The room you are in needs to be quiet enough for the Assistant to hear you properly.

That’s it! Just speak your custom command after launching the Assistant and it will carry out the programmed action. With practice, you’ll get used to triggering your own voice commands.

Editing a Command

If you need to edit or delete a custom voice command later, you can do so through the Google Assistant settings. Here are the steps:

  1. Open the Google Assistant app on your Android device.
  2. Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
  3. Select Settings > Assistant > Routines.
  4. Tap on the routine you want to edit.
  5. Make any changes to the voice command phrase or action.
  6. To delete the command, tap the trash can icon.

You can also edit commands by saying “Hey Google, edit my routine” and then specifying which routine you want to update [1]. This allows you to change the phrase used to trigger the routine or the actions it performs.

So if you need to modify a custom voice command later on, you have the ability to edit or remove it through the Google Assistant interface.

Usage Tips

When using voice commands, there are some tips that can help ensure Google Assistant understands you properly:

  • Speak clearly and loudly enough for your device’s microphone to pick up – but you don’t need to yell.
  • Use short, concise phrases rather than long sentences.
  • Reduce background noise when possible so your commands are clear.
  • Phrase commands naturally as you would speak to another person, rather than using robotic sounding speech.
  • Wait for the Assistant to respond fully before speaking your next command, to avoid confusion.
  • If the Assistant frequently misinterprets you, re-train your Voice Match model in settings.

Practicing speaking to Google Assistant and finding the phrasing that works best for you can greatly improve reliability. Be consistent with your speech patterns and vocabulary.

Limitations

Google Voice commands have some limitations that users should be aware of:

Google Assistant only supports certain languages like English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, and a few others (Source). If your native language is not supported, the assistant may not understand your commands properly.

Voice commands require an internet connection and the latest version of the Google app, which means it only works properly on Android phones (Source). Google Assistant does not work on iOS or other mobile operating systems.

Background noise, microphone quality, and unclear speech can prevent Google Assistant from recognizing commands accurately. Performance may suffer in noisy environments.

While Assistant can understand conversational language, it still struggles with complex multi-part commands and sentences. Users need to keep requests simple and direct for the best results.

Like other voice assistants, Google Assistant is prone to mishearing homophones (words that sound alike), which can lead to the wrong actions being taken (Source).

Conclusion

In summary, adding custom Google Voice commands is a straightforward process that can make your device more convenient to use. The key steps are:

  • Enable Voice Match on your Google account
  • Open the Google app and launch Google Assistant
  • Tap “Explore” then “Settings”
  • Select “Assistant” > “Routines”
  • Tap “Add Command”
  • Enter a phrase and choose an action
  • Test speaking the phrase to activate your command

The major benefits of custom commands include being able to quickly open apps, play music, control smart home devices, and automate tasks just by speaking. This allows you to minimize taps and streamline common actions. With some creativity, you can set up commands tailored to your own preferences and usage habits.

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