You Can Now Drop the 'Hey Google' for Some Assistant Voice Commands GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO News > Smart & Connected Life

You Can Now Drop the 'Hey Google' for Some Assistant Voice Commands

The new quick phrases feature is rolling out to Android devices

By Stefanie Fogel Stefanie Fogel Writer, Editor, Commerce Producer University of Central Florida Stefanie Fogel has written about consumer technology since 2009. Her work has appeared on Variety, Engadget, Polygon, and many other online publications. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on October 7, 2021 02:43PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Smart & Connected Life Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Google Assistant's new quick phrases feature is starting to appear on some phones running the Android 12 beta, according to XDA Developers. That means people can soon use certain voice commands without having to say "Hey, Google" first. Once the feature rolls out, it can be enabled in Google Assistant's settings. Right now, it lets users answer calls and snooze alarms just by saying one-word commands like "Answer," "Stop," "Decline," and "Snooze." More commands are reportedly on the way for things like timers, reminders, media controls, and to-do lists. Ethan Miller/Getty Images There were hints Google was working to remove "Hey, Google" for some voice commands back in April. At the time, many users reported finding a mysterious "voice shortcuts" page in their Google Assistant settings, which led to documents for a feature codenamed "Guacamole." The feature has since been rebranded as quick phrases. While eliminating the "Hey, Google" from voice commands is more efficient, there is a downside. When the feature is enabled, Google warns that calls may connect accidentally due to false positives, according to XDA Developers. If you or someone close to you says "answer" while the phone is ringing, there's a chance Google Assistant will execute the command whether you're ready for the call or not. You've been warned. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use Google Assistant on iPhone How to Make Your Android Phone Read Your Texts How to Turn Off Google Assistant on an Android Tablet How to Use Google Home as a House Intercom System How to Connect an Xbox to Google Home How to Use Google Home With Your iPhone How to Enable Waze Voice Commands The Official Android Versions Guide: Everything You Need to Know Can I Call Alexa From My Phone? How to Start Google Assistant Driving Mode Android 13: News, Release Date, and Features How to Find a Lost Phone With Google Home OK Google Not Working? 12 Ways to Fix It How to Set Up ‘OK Google' on iOS and Android What Can You Do With Android’s Driving Mode? What to Do When Google Assistant Voice Won't Work Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies