Google has been making its voice assistant available to more people, and now you can use it without unlocking your Android phone. All you need is a Google account and a compatible device. Here are some tips on how to use Google Assistant without unlocking your Android phone:
- Open the Google app on your device.
- Type “google assistant” into the search bar and hit enter.
- You’ll be taken to a page with all of the features of the Google Assistant, including voice commands for things like setting alarms and turning off lights. To start using Assistant, just say “OK Google” or “Hey Google.”
- If you’re using an Android phone that doesn’t have a headphone jack, you can use one of the many Bluetooth headsets that come with Assistant enabled. Just say “OK Google” or “Hey Google” and the headset will connect automatically.
Google Assistant is a handy companion to have on your Android smartphone or tablet. To really get the most out of Assistant’s hands-free features, you’ll want to make sure it can work even when your device is locked.
Some of Google Assistant’s features are protected behind the lock screen. Specifically, anything that requires “personal results,” such as calendars, contacts, or reminders. This is to prevent other people from accessing your personal information through Assistant when the device is locked.
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If you’re not concerned about this potential privacy issue, you can allow personal results when your device’s screen is locked. You won’t have to unlock the device to hear or see any Google Assistant responses.
On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Assistant app by saying “Okay, Google” or by swiping in from the bottom-left or -right corner.
Next, tap the Snapshot icon in the bottom-left corner. The Assistant UI may look different depending on your device.
Make sure you are signed in to your Google account. Then, tap your profile icon in the top-right to open the Assistant’s Settings menu.
You’ll now see a long list of Google Assistant features. The one we’re looking for is “Personalization.”
Make sure “Lock Screen Personal Results” is toggled on. “Personal Results” must be enabled to use this feature.
That’s all there is to it. Now, when you ask Google Assistant about calendar events, reminders, shopping lists, or send text messages hands-free, you won’t have to unlock the screen first.
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