Hey Google Not Responding? 5 Fixes to Try

If your “Hey Google” voice command isn’t waking your Android phone, smart speaker, or Nest device, the problem is usually a microphone permission, a stale app cache, or a misconfigured Voice Match setting. These five fixes resolve the vast majority of cases, and you can work through them in about ten minutes without any special tools.

Why “Hey Google” Stops Working

The Google Assistant relies on a chain of software and hardware working together: the device’s microphone picks up your voice, the Google app processes the phrase “Hey Google” locally, then it sends your request to Google’s servers. If any link in that chain breaks, the Assistant stays silent. Common culprits include a recent Android system update that reset permissions, a Google app update that introduced a bug, or a low battery state that disables hotword detection to save power. On smart speakers, the issue often stems from a Wi-Fi glitch or a temporary server outage, though these are less frequent than local settings problems.

Fix 1: Check Microphone Permissions

The most common reason “Hey Google” fails on Android is that the Google app no longer has microphone access. This can happen silently after an OS update or if you ever tapped “Don’t allow” on a permission prompt. Here’s how to verify and restore it:

1. Open your device’s Settings app.
2. Tap Apps (or App management), then find and tap Google.
3. Tap Permissions and ensure Microphone is set to Allow.
4. If it’s already allowed, toggle it off and on again to reset the permission state.
5. Return to the Google app, say “Hey Google,” and see if it responds.

On iPhones, the Google Assistant app also needs microphone access, which you can check in Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone. For smart speakers, there is no app permission to check—instead, physically inspect the device for a mute switch or button that may have been accidentally pressed.

Fix 2: Retrain Your Voice Model

Google uses a voice model to recognize that you are the person saying “Hey Google.” If your voice has changed (due to a cold, or just time), or the model becomes corrupted, the Assistant may stop responding. Retraining is quick and often fixes the issue:

1. On your Android phone, open the Google app.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
3. Go to Settings > Voice > Voice Match.
4. Toggle off Hey Google, then toggle it back on.
5. Tap Retrain voice model and follow the prompts to say “Hey Google” three times.

For smart speakers, use the Google Home app: tap your device, go to Settings > Voice Match, and re-enroll your voice. This process is also useful if you’ve recently moved to a noisier room—the model adapts to your current acoustic environment.

Fix 3: Clear the Google App Cache

A corrupted cache can cause the Google app to misbehave, including failing to recognize the hotword. Clearing the cache does not delete your personal data or settings, but it forces the app to rebuild temporary files. On Android:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Google.
2. Tap Storage (or Storage & cache).
3. Tap Clear cache. Do not tap “Clear storage” unless you’re prepared to sign in again and reconfigure your Assistant preferences.
4. Restart your phone and test “Hey Google.”

On a smart speaker, there’s no user-facing cache to clear, but you can reboot the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. This clears the device’s temporary memory and often resolves hotword issues.

Fix 4: Update the Google App and System

Outdated software can lead to compatibility problems. Google regularly patches bugs in the Assistant and the hotword detection engine, so keeping the Google app updated is essential. On Android, open the Play Store, search for “Google,” and tap Update if available. Also check for a system update under Settings > System > System update. On iPhone, update the Google Assistant app from the App Store. For smart speakers, the Google Home app will prompt you when a firmware update is available—you can also manually check under Device settings > System > Device update.

If you’re on an Android phone and the issue started after a recent system update, you can try rolling back the Google app to its factory version (via Settings > Apps > Google > three-dot menu > Uninstall updates), then reinstall it from the Play Store. This often clears update-related glitches.

Fix 5: Restart and Reset Your Device

Sometimes a simple restart is all it takes. A reboot clears temporary glitches in the operating system and reinitializes the microphone driver. For Android phones, press and hold the power button, then tap Restart. For smart speakers, unplug them for 30 seconds. If the problem persists after a restart, you may need to do a full factory reset on the speaker (via the Google Home app) or reset your phone’s app preferences (Settings > System > Reset options > Reset app preferences). This last option resets all app permissions and background restrictions, so you’ll need to re-grant any permissions you had previously customized.

If none of these fixes work, test whether the microphone itself is functioning by recording a voice memo or making a test call. On smart speakers, you can also use the Google Home app’s “Mic test” feature (under Device settings > Audio). If the mic is dead, you’ll need to contact the device manufacturer for hardware support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does “Hey Google” work on my phone but not my smart speaker?

This usually points to a problem with the speaker itself—its microphone may be muted, or the device might be too far from your Wi-Fi router. Check the mute switch (often a physical button on the back), and ensure the speaker has a strong Wi-Fi signal. If it’s still not working, try rebooting the speaker and your router.

Does “Hey Google” work when the phone is locked?

Yes, but only if Voice Match is enabled and the phone’s lock screen allows it. On Android, go to Google app > Settings > Voice > Voice Match and ensure “Hey Google” is toggled on. You may also need to enable “Unlock with Voice Match” in the same menu, though this is less secure than a PIN or fingerprint.

Why does “Hey Google” stop working after a battery saver mode?

Battery saver modes often restrict background activity, which can prevent the Google app from listening for the hotword. On Android, you can exclude the Google app from battery optimization by going to Settings > Battery > Battery optimization, selecting the Google app, and choosing “Don’t optimize.” On iPhones, disable Low Power Mode or allow the Google app to run in the background.

Can “Hey Google” respond to other people’s voices?

By default, Voice Match is trained to recognize only your voice, but you can add up to six additional users in the Google Home app under Settings > Voice Match. On a phone, you can also turn off Voice Match entirely, which allows anyone to use “Hey Google”—useful for shared devices.

Is “Hey Google” different from “OK Google”?

No, both phrases trigger the same Assistant. Google officially uses “Hey Google,” but “OK Google” still works on most devices. If neither works, the issue is likely one of the fixes above, not the phrase itself.

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