Can You Change Hey Google to Something Else?
The Short Answer: Yes, You Can!
Hey Google is the default voice command used by Google Assistant, but what if you want to change it to something else? The good news is that you can! In this article, we’ll explore the options available to you and guide you through the process of changing your default voice command.
Why Change Hey Google?
Before we dive into the process of changing your default voice command, let’s consider why you might want to do so. Here are a few reasons:
- Uniqueness: If you’re part of a large family or live with multiple people, you might want a more personalized voice command to reduce confusion.
- Prank or humor: You might want to change it to something funny or unexpected to add some humor to your voice assistant interactions.
- Customization: You might simply want to make your voice assistant more personalized to your preferences.
How to Change Hey Google to Something Else
Changing your default voice command is a relatively straightforward process that can be done through the Google Assistant app or Google Home app. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Method 1: Change Default Voice Command through the Google Assistant App
- Open the Google Assistant App: On your Android device, open the Google Assistant app or access it through the Google Play Store.
- Tap on the Three Horizontal Lines: At the top left corner of the screen, tap on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) and select Settings.
- Select ‘Your Voice’: Scroll down and select Your Voice.
- Tap on the Pencil Icon: Next to the current voice command (Hey Google), tap on the pencil icon.
- Enter Your New Voice Command: Type in your new voice command and tap Save. You can use a single word, a phrase, or even a sentence.
Method 2: Change Default Voice Command through the Google Home App
- Open the Google Home App: On your Android device, open the Google Home app or access it through the Google Play Store.
- Tap on the Profile Picture: At the top right corner of the screen, tap on your profile picture.
- Select ‘Settings’: Scroll down and select Settings.
- Select ‘Assistant’: Select Assistant under the Settings menu.
- Tap on ‘Voice Match’: Select Voice Match and then Change.
- Enter Your New Voice Command: Type in your new voice command and tap Save.
What Can and Can’t You Change
While you can change your default voice command, there are certain limitations and restrictions:
- Supported Voice Commands: You can change your default voice command to any single word, short phrase, or sentence, but it must be less than 6.7 seconds long.
- Character Limit: The max character limit for your voice command is 17 characters (including spaces).
- Google’s Reserved Words: You can’t use certain reserved words or phrases, such as "Ok Google" or "Hey Google".
Best Practices for Choosing Your New Voice Command
Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing your new voice command:
- Keep it Simple: Choose a simple word or phrase that’s easy to pronounce and remember.
- Avoid Ambiguity: Make sure your new voice command isn’t ambiguous or easily confused with other words or phrases.
- Be Consistent: Try to use your new voice command consistently to reduce confusion.
Conclusion
Changing your default voice command from "Hey Google" to something else is a straightforward process that can be done through the Google Assistant or Google Home app. With these simple steps and guidelines, you can personalize your voice assistant experience and make it more enjoyable. Remember to keep your new voice command simple, unique, and easy to remember, and you’re ready to go!