How to Use Google Assistant on Android for Hands-Free Help

Google Assistant is a voice assistant built into almost every Android phone. Like Apple's Siri, it responds when you say "Hey Google" (or press and hold the Home button). You can ask it questions, send text messages, set reminders, make phone calls, navigate to addresses, play music, and control your phone settings — all without touching the screen.

Google Assistant is one of the most capable voice assistants available, and it learns your preferences over time. The more you use it, the better it understands your contacts, your regular questions, and your preferences.

For hands-free use, "Hey Google" wake word detection works even when your phone screen is off — useful when your phone is on the counter or in your pocket. This requires always-on microphone listening to be enabled, which is on by default on most Android phones.

Google Assistant integrates deeply with Google's ecosystem: it can read your Gmail for flight information and reminders, surface appointments from Google Calendar, and give you personalized answers based on your location and habits.

Some of the most useful everyday commands for older adults: checking medication reminders, setting timers while cooking, answering trivia questions for family gatherings, getting turn-by-turn directions, calling family members hands-free while driving, and controlling smart home devices.

"Hey Google" works on phones, Nest speakers, Android TVs, and Wear OS smartwatches — the same voice commands work across all these devices if they are signed in to the same Google account.