Google Assistant is a voice assistant for controlling a phone and completing everyday tasks. It can open apps, find information, create reminders, make calls, send messages, start navigation and control compatible smart-home devices.

Google Assistant is already integrated into Android or the Google app on many devices. The separate app provides an icon for quickly launching the assistant, but it also relies on current Google services to function.

Control your phone by voice

The assistant can be started with a voice phrase, power button, gesture or app icon. Available activation methods depend on the phone model and system settings.

Google Assistant can:

• open installed apps;

• turn on the flashlight, Bluetooth and other features;

• adjust volume and screen brightness;

• create alarms and timers;

• set reminders and manage lists;

• check calendar events;

• call selected contacts;

• send and read messages;

• play music, news and podcasts;

• start directions in Google Maps;

• provide weather, search results and general information.

Calls, messages, contacts and some device controls require the appropriate Android permissions.

Search and daily planning

Google Assistant can answer questions, perform calculations, translate words and phrases, find nearby businesses and provide traffic information. It can also remind users about scheduled tasks or identify the next calendar event.

Results depend on the wording of the request, selected language, country and available services. Important medical, legal, financial and other sensitive information should be verified through reliable sources.

Smart-home controls

After compatible products are connected through Google Home, the assistant can control lights, plugs, thermostats, televisions and other equipment. Commands can also be grouped into routines that perform several actions.

Support for an individual feature depends on the device manufacturer, region and home configuration.

Google Assistant and Gemini

On some phones, Google offers Gemini as the primary digital assistant. After switching, Gemini responds to requests in place of the classic Google Assistant.

Gemini is designed for more complex prompts and generative AI tasks, but some familiar Google Assistant actions may work differently or remain unavailable. The ability to choose or switch back depends on the device, account, country and Google’s current availability rules.

Privacy

The app uses the microphone to recognise spoken requests. Depending on the command, it may also process location, contacts, messages, calendar information and activity from Google services.

Voice Match, personal results and interaction history can be managed through the assistant and Google Account settings. Some personal actions may require the phone to be unlocked.

How to download and set up Google Assistant

To download Google Assistant for Android, tap the download button on this page. Select “Install” or “Update” when Google Play opens.

After launching the app, choose Google Assistant as the default digital assistant if Android provides that option. Grant only the permissions required for the features you intend to use, and optionally configure activation with “Hey Google”.