Google Assistant is usually activated by a voice prompt such as OK Google or Hey Google, but sometimes it seems to be offline, or it won’t execute certain commands.

Why Google Assistant Isn’t Responding

There are several reasons why your Google Assistant might not respond to OK Google or Hey Google. It’s possible that Google Assistant wasn’t activated on a particular device, or the device might not be on the same Wi-Fi network as Google Assistant, or there could be a problem with your voice profile.

These troubleshooting steps apply to Google Assistant working with Google Home smart speakers, other Google smart home devices, and iPhones and Android smartphones.

Whatever the issue, one of these troubleshooting steps should get Google Assistant listening again.

How to Fix Google Assistant Not Responding

If Google Assistant isn’t reacting to your OK Google or Hey Google directives, there are a few common issues you can fix easily. Sometimes the problem can be solved by adjusting settings on the Google Home app or Google app on your smartphone, while sometimes the issue lies with the Google smart home device.

If Google Assistant doesn’t respond while your Android device is locked, turn on Lock Screen Personal Results, and the virtual assistant will hear and respond to your directives.

  • Make sure the Google smart home device is plugged in and powered on. This simple troubleshooting step is sometimes overlooked. If it’s properly plugged in and powered on, move on to the next step.
  • Check for an internet connection. Make sure both the mobile device and smart home device are connected to the internet. If both are and your Google Assistant command still doesn’t work, move on to the next step.
  • Check that the device is on the same Wi-Fi network as Google Assistant. Google Assistant won’t respond if the smart home device isn’t on the same Wi-Fi network as the mobile device. Make sure both are on the same Wi-Fi network and see if this solves the problem.
  • Make sure the microphone is turned on. If you use a Google smart home device such as a Google Home smart speaker, Google Assistant won’t respond if the microphone is turned off or muted. Check the microphone and see if this solves the issue.
  • Restart the Google smart home device. Rebooting a device often fixes a variety of issues. See if this solves the problem.
  • Activate Google Assistant on the device. If Google Assistant doesn’t work with a particular Google smart home device, make sure Google Assistant is activated on that device via the Google Home app. If the device isn’t in the Assistant Devices list, tap the Add a Device button to add it to your list. Then, say OK Google or Hey Google, and see if this solves the problem.
  • Make sure the two devices don’t have the same name. Duplicate names might confuse Google Assistant.
  • Make sure OK Google is set up. It’s possible Google Assistant isn’t listening because you haven’t set up a hotword, such as OK Google or Hey Google. Set up your voice prompt and see if this solves the problem.
  • Check the Google Assistant language. Google Assistant may be listening for a different language than what you’re speaking. Make sure you’re both on the same page and see if this solves the problem.
  • Check for a Google App update. On iOS or Android, go to the Google App page and check for any Google App updates. Since the Google App holds voice settings, there may be a conflict if you don’t have the latest version. After you update the app, say OK Google or Hey Google, and see if this solves the problem.
  • Make sure Voice Match is working. Teach Google Assistant your voice again to see if this gets the digital helper listening to your commands.
  • Check the Google Assistant Help page. This online resource has many support options, including a community forum where you can submit questions.
  • Share your feedback. If all else fails, the Google Home app has a Help and Feedback tab where you can submit a report about the problem.

Make sure the Google smart home device is plugged in and powered on. This simple troubleshooting step is sometimes overlooked. If it’s properly plugged in and powered on, move on to the next step.

Check for an internet connection. Make sure both the mobile device and smart home device are connected to the internet. If both are and your Google Assistant command still doesn’t work, move on to the next step.

Check that the device is on the same Wi-Fi network as Google Assistant. Google Assistant won’t respond if the smart home device isn’t on the same Wi-Fi network as the mobile device. Make sure both are on the same Wi-Fi network and see if this solves the problem.

Make sure the microphone is turned on. If you use a Google smart home device such as a Google Home smart speaker, Google Assistant won’t respond if the microphone is turned off or muted. Check the microphone and see if this solves the issue.

Restart the Google smart home device. Rebooting a device often fixes a variety of issues. See if this solves the problem.

Activate Google Assistant on the device. If Google Assistant doesn’t work with a particular Google smart home device, make sure Google Assistant is activated on that device via the Google Home app. If the device isn’t in the Assistant Devices list, tap the Add a Device button to add it to your list. Then, say OK Google or Hey Google, and see if this solves the problem.

Make sure the two devices don’t have the same name. Duplicate names might confuse Google Assistant.

Make sure OK Google is set up. It’s possible Google Assistant isn’t listening because you haven’t set up a hotword, such as OK Google or Hey Google. Set up your voice prompt and see if this solves the problem.

Check the Google Assistant language. Google Assistant may be listening for a different language than what you’re speaking. Make sure you’re both on the same page and see if this solves the problem.

Check for a Google App update. On iOS or Android, go to the Google App page and check for any Google App updates. Since the Google App holds voice settings, there may be a conflict if you don’t have the latest version. After you update the app, say OK Google or Hey Google, and see if this solves the problem.

Make sure Voice Match is working. Teach Google Assistant your voice again to see if this gets the digital helper listening to your commands.

Check the Google Assistant Help page. This online resource has many support options, including a community forum where you can submit questions.

Share your feedback. If all else fails, the Google Home app has a Help and Feedback tab where you can submit a report about the problem.

If there’s a problem getting Google Assistant to play music, link the music service.

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