How to Use Google Assistant on iPhone

This article explains how to add Google Assistant to your iPhone on top of Siri, so you can access Google Assistant by saying, “Hey Siri, Hey Google.” Instructions in this article work for iOS 12 and later.

Install and Set Up the Google Assistant App

Before we dive in, verify Siri is enabled on your phone. In most cases, Siri is on by default, but if you need to enable it, open Settings > Siri & Search and then toggle on the Listen for “Hey Siri” slider.

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for Google Assistant, then tap Get > Install. Enter your Apple ID if prompted.

2. Open the Google Assistant app and sign in or continue with a Google account. You'll see a message about Google Partners working with your Assistant. Tap Continue.

3. You’ll see a request to allow Assistant to send you notifications. Choose either Allow or Don’t Allow.

   When prompted, be sure to allow Google Assistant to access your microphone so the system can recognize your spoken requests.

4. On the app's home page, tap your profile picture or icon to configure additional settings. For example, tap You to customize personal information, tap Devices to manage or add devices, and tap Assistant Voice to choose a voice.

Enable 'Hey Siri, Hey Google'

Next, enable a Siri shortcut phrase that allows you to open the Google Assistant app with that phrase.

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign (+).

2. Tap Add Action.

3. Search for Assistant, then tap Assistant under Apps.

4. Tap Hey Google.

5. Toggle on Show When Run and then tap Next.

6. Type Hey Google as your shortcut's name and tap Done.

7. Your new Hey Google shortcut now appears on your Shortcut screen. To use it, say, "Hey Siri," followed by "Hey Google." You'll see a message that says, "What do you want to ask Google?" The Google Assistant app will launch with the answer to your query.

What You Can Ask Google Assistant on iPhone

In the Google Assistant app, either tap the microphone icon to talk to the app or tap the keyboard icon and type your question. When you start the app with a spoken “Hey Siri, Key Google” command, Assistant listens for your request by default.

In the lower-right, tap the compass icon to see and search through possible Google Assistant actions. Or, ask Assistant, “What can Google Assistant do?”

Have Google Assistant Find Your Phone

Notably, Google Assistant can help you find your lost iPhone. Say, "Hey Google, find my phone" to any Google Home-enabled device, such as a smart display or Nest smart speaker. Your iPhone will emit a custom sound even if it's on silent mode. To enable this capability, you'll need to go to the Google Home app and opt into accepting notifications.

Configure Routines

Google Assistant also works with any Google Home devices you have configured. From the Assistant app, control specific devices or configure routines to trigger several actions at once with a single command.

For example, configure a sunrise or sunset routine for your Google Home devices, such as having your living room lights turn on at sundown.

1. Open the Google Assistant app and tap your profile picture or icon.

2. Tap Routines > New.

3. Tap Add starter, then tap sunrise/sunset. From there, customize your times and actions.

More Google Assistant Capabilities

Open other Google apps, such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Maps, from within Google Assistant (if you have these apps on your iPhone). Ask Assistant to speak the latest news or weather, perform basic calculations, or play music.

Of course, Google Assistant excels at performing Google searches by voice. So sports scores, recipes, nearby restaurants, stores, or any search you might typically type can instead be searched with a spoken request.