Google Assistant isn’t working? Here’s how to fix it

There are many reasons why Google Assistant may not be working on your device. This is especially problematic if you rely heavily on Google apps and services. You can also control your smart home using Google Nest devices.

Fortunately, most issues are minor and can be fixed within minutes without any technical knowledge. Follow the steps below to get everything back up and running. One of them should solve your problem.

Editor’s note: Some of the instructions in this article were generated using a Google Pixel 8a running Android 14. Please note that the steps may vary slightly depending on your device.

Is your Google service down?

Believe it or not, Google services can also go down. This rarely happens, but it can happen, so you should first check to see if there’s a problem with Google’s servers.

The easiest way to do this is to check out a website like DownDetector.com. There are pages for Google and Google Nest, so check them out before moving on to the next section of this post. The site also includes a live outage map to see if the problem is localized.

If Google’s servers go down, all you can do is wait.

Does your smartphone support Google Assistant? All modern devices should be green, but some older phones don’t have the digital assistant available. Please see the requirements below to see if your phone supports it.

Google Assistant requirements:

• Android 5.0 or later with at least 1GB of memory.
• Android 6.0 or later with at least 1.5GB of memory.
• Google app 6.13 or later.
• Google Play Services.
• A screen resolution of at least 720p.
• Device language must be supported.

Just to be safe, use Gemini as well.

Google Gemini requirements:

• A smartphone or tablet running Android 10 or higher.
• 2GB or more RAM.
• Users must be at least 13 years old.
• Device language must be supported.

If your Android device is new and you’re having issues with Google Assistant not working, the service may be turned off. Go ahead and check it out. We have a complete guide on how to enable Google Assistant. However, the “Hey, Google” hotword may also be disabled. Follow the steps below to learn how to enable it.

How to enable Google Assistant:

1. open setting App.
2. enter google.
3. enter all services tab.
4. Tap Search, Assistant, Voice.
5. strike Google Assistant.
6. enter “Hey Google” and “Voice Match”.
7. toggle on Hey Google option.

Check for updates

Running older versions of Google apps or the Google Assistant app usually doesn’t cause major problems, but you may run into compatibility issues. We recommend updating everything, especially if you’re having issues with Google Assistant not working.

Google Nest speakers and smart displays can be updated from the Google Home app, so update your smart devices from there. In the meantime, update the Google Home app.

How to update Android apps:

1. open Google Play Store.
2. Please tap avatar icon.
3. choice App and device management.
4. enter Updates available.
5. Find the app you want to update, update Click the button.
6. Alternatively, you can run the following command: Update all Process all apps at once.

Additionally, we recommend updating your phone if there are upgrades available. Google Assistant is deeply integrated into the Android operating system, so new Android updates may include bug fixes and improvements.

How to check for Android updates:

1. open setting App.
2. choice system.
3. Tap Software updates.
4. choice system update.
5. strike Check for updates.
6. Follow the instructions to update if possible.

Please restart your phone!

This is one of the most common troubleshooting tips in existence. I always recommend this if someone is having problems with their device, but it works most of the time. If you run into issues with Google Assistant not working, restarting your device may help. Try it and see if a reboot fixes everything.

How to restart your Android smartphone:

1. Press side and volume up Press the buttons at the same time.
2. Tap restart.

Please check your internet connection

If Google Assistant isn’t working, there may be an issue with your internet connection. After all, it’s a service that relies heavily on data. Google Assistant can’t really be used offline, so you’ll need to make sure your internet is working.

An easy way to check if the Internet is working is to use the same device to perform other Internet-based tasks. It can be something as simple as opening your browser and running a Google search. If you’re using Wi-Fi, try another device to make sure your network is working.

A good solution to a faulty Wi-Fi network is a simple router restart. There’s usually a dedicated button to restart your router, but simply unplugging it, waiting about a minute, then plugging your device back in will also work. If your router has an official app, you may also be able to restart your system from there.

If you are using mobile data, check if your data connection is turned on.

1. open setting App.
2. enter network and internet.
3. enter SIM.
4. toggle mobile data Above.
5. If you’re out of your country or network range, you can also tap your primary SIM to switch. roaming (Additional charges may apply).

Retrain the audio model

It may not be working because Google Assistant doesn’t recognize your voice. This is an easy fix. All you have to do is retrain the audio model.

How to retrain the audio model:

1. open setting App.
2. enter google.
3. enter all services tab.
4. Tap Search, Assistant, Voice.
5. strike Google Assistant.
6. enter “Hey Google” and “Voice Match”.
7. strike Retrain the Voice Match model.
8. Read the displayed commands when prompted.
9. strike Next. That’s it!

Disable other assistants

Many of you probably use other digital assistants along with Google’s digital assistant. Alexa is popular. This is a great alternative, but it can cause conflicts when used with Google Assistant. Try disabling your secondary digital assistant and see if that resolves your Google Assistant not working issue.

For Alexa, here’s how to disable it:

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Tap more button.
3. choice setting.
4. enter Device settings.
5. Tap alexa on this phone.
6. switch off Enable Alexa hands-free option.

Turn off battery saver and adaptive battery

Battery Saver mode and Adaptive Battery mode are great for extending battery life, but they can impact performance and functionality across multiple features. One of them is Google Assistant. Be sure to turn off Battery Saver and Adaptive Battery for Google Assistant to work properly.

How to turn off Battery Saver and Adaptive Battery:

1. Start. setting App.
2. enter battery option.
3. Tap battery saver.
4. switch off Use battery saver.
5. Look below and expand adaptive battery section.
6. switch off Use adaptive battery.

Is it time to factory reset your data?

Alternatively, you may consider factory resetting your data. This is a bit of an extreme solution as it completely wipes the phone, but it should resolve all settings and software issues. All settings, data, and files on your phone will be deleted, so be sure to follow our guide to back up your Android device first.

How to factory reset your Android smartphone:

1. Start. setting App.
2. enter system.
3. Tap Reset options.
4. choice Erase all data (factory reset).
5. choice Erase all data.
6. Tap to confirm Erase all dataonce again.

Why is Google Assistant no longer functional?

Google Assistant received significant feature reductions in early 2024. Nearly 20 features were cut, many of which are known to be missing. Google says this was done to “focus on quality and reliability.” The move to Google Gemini may have something to do with this.

Key features removed from Google Assistant:

• You can no longer invoke the full Assistant from the Google search bar.
• Media, music, and radio alarms are no longer available on Assistant-enabled devices.
• You can no longer manage your stopwatch on your smart display or speaker. You can also set timers and alarms.
• You can no longer broadcast messages to Google Family Groups. Broadcasting is only available on devices within your home.
• You will no longer be able to use your voice to send email, video, or audio messages. Only calls and text messages work.
• Google Calendar events can no longer be rescheduled. It is only possible to create new ones.
• Unless you use Duo, calls made from your smart speaker or display won’t show your caller ID.
• You will no longer be able to ask for information about your contacts.

We have a complete list of all features that will be removed in early 2024. These are just the main ones.

Still not sure what’s going on? Google has a help center specifically for Google Assistant users and a community where you can ask questions.