Google Assistant's Ambient Mode: What It Is and How to Use It GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Mobile Phones > Android
Google Assistant's Ambient Mode: What It Is and How to Use It
Turn your Android phone into a smart display
By Robert Earl Wells III Updated on December 17, 2021 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Android Switching from iOS Google Assistant Ambient Mode adds smart display functionality to your Android lock screen when your device is charging. Learn more about what Ambient Mode is and how to enable it for Android. Android Ambient Mode is available for Google Pixel phones as well as some Nokia, Xiaomi, and OnePlus (OnePlus 3 or later) phones. What Is Google Assistant Ambient Mode
In Ambient Mode, your Android phone displays extra information like the weather, your calendar, and incoming notifications while it's plugged into the charger. That way, you can use Google Assistant, control audio playback, and even manage other synced devices all without unlocking your phone. You can also set up a slideshow screensaver using your Google Photos. Ambient Mode effectively transforms your phone into a smart display like the Google Nest Hub Max when it's charging. If you have connected smart devices, you can turn off the lights, check your home security cameras, and more using voice commands or the touch display. How Do I Enable Ambient Mode in Google Assistant
If you have a new phone and it supports Ambient Mode, you'll see a notification when you plug in the device. Tap the notification to go directly to your phone's settings and enable Ambient Mode. If you don't see the notification, follow these steps: Open the Google app. It should already be on your phone, but if you can't find it, download it from the Play Store. Tap More. Tap Settings. Tap Google Assistant. Go to the Assistant tab, then scroll down and tap Phone. In the Personalization section, tap Ambient Mode to enable it. If you do not see Ambient Mode listed as an option, then your phone doesn't support this feature. Follow the on-screen instructions to personalize Ambient Mode. For example, you can choose to play a slideshow screensaver from your Google Photos when not in use. Plug your phone into the charger. Your device will enter Ambient Mode. Using Android Ambient Mode
While your phone is charging, you can use Google Assistant voice commands and manage your connected smart devices using the touch screen. To change what displays in Ambient Mode, open the Google Home app and go to Home > your device > Settings gear > Photo frame, then look under More settings. Ambient Mode for Google Smart Displays
The default screen for Google smart displays is also called Ambient Mode. To change what displays in Ambient Mode on a Nest Hub or a similar device, swipe up and tap the Settings gear > Photo frame. FAQ How do I get Google Assistant Ambient Mode? Your phone must support Ambient Mode already; there's no way to download or get Ambient Mode on your phone if the feature isn't already built-in. Ambient Mode is supported on select Android phones from Sony Xperia, Transsion, Nokia, and Xiaomi, as well as some Lenovo tablets. You also need at least Android 8.0 to support Ambient Mode. Where is the Ambient Mode button on Google Home Chromecast? There's no button on the Chromecast to set up Ambient Mode; rather, you'll set up and configure Ambient Mode for your Chromecast via the Google Home app. Open the Google Home app, tap your Chromecast, and then tap Settings (gear icon). Scroll down and tap Ambient Mode. 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 Home Video What Android Auto Is and How to Use It How to Turn Off Google Assistant on an Android Tablet Remotely Reset Android Lock Screen Password and PIN How to Set a Schedule to Play Photos on Chromecast How to Get Google Assistant for PC How to Use Your Google Nest Hub How to Set up and Use the Google Duo Chat App How to Use Google Home With Your iPhone How to Use Google Assistant From Your Lock Screen How to Use the iPhone Calculator What Is Art Mode (Ambient Mode) on TV? How to Use IFTTT With Google Home How to Turn Off Siri on the iPad Lock Screen The Best Android Shortcuts You Should Be Using How to Connect Google Home to Your TV 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