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iPhone XR – How to Launch Google Assistant by Saying “OK Google”

The Google Assistant is one of the most powerful and useful virtual assistants available. With the ability to answer questions, set reminders, control smart home devices, and more, it can greatly simplify many daily tasks.

While the Google Assistant comes built into Android phones, it can also be accessed on iPhones like the iPhone XR. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set it up:

Download the Google Assistant App

The first step is to download the Google Assistant app from the iOS App Store. Simply search for “Google Assistant” and install the app associated with Google LLC.

Set Up Voice Activation

Once Google Assistant is installed, open the app and sign into your Google account if prompted. Then go to the app settings and turn on “Voice Activation.” This allows you to activate the Google Assistant by saying “OK Google” or “Hey Google.”

Enable Accessibility Settings

In order for the voice activation to work, you need to enable some accessibility settings on your iPhone:

  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility.
  2. Scroll down and tap “Touch.”
  3. Under “Back Tap,” choose whether you want to use double or triple tap.
  4. Under “Double Tap” or “Triple Tap,” choose “Shortcuts”.
  5. Scroll down and select the Google Assistant shortcut you created earlier.

Create a Shortcut

You’ll also need to create a shortcut for Google Assistant within the iOS Shortcuts app:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app and tap the “+” icon to create a new shortcut.
  2. Search for “Google Assistant” and select the “Ask Google” action.
  3. Tap where it says “Text” and change it to “Dictated Text”.
  4. Give the shortcut a name like “Google Assistant” and save it.

Use Voice Activation

Now Google Assistant should launch when you double tap or triple tap the back of your iPhone XR (depending on what you selected earlier).

After tapping, just say “OK Google” or “Hey Google” followed by your question or command. You can ask the Assistant to set reminders, answer questions, play music, and much more.

Here are some example voice commands you can try:

  • “OK Google, what’s the weather today?”
  • “Hey Google, set an alarm for 7 AM”
  • “OK Google, text Mom I’ll be home in 10 minutes”
  • “Hey Google, how far away is the nearest coffee shop?”

The Google Assistant provides a quick and hands-free way to get information and complete tasks on an iPhone. With just a couple taps on the back of your phone and a voice command, you can leverage the full power of Google’s virtual assistant.

Customize the Google Assistant Experience

To get the most out of the Google Assistant, take some time to customize the experience to your preferences. Here are some things you can do:

Change Google Assistant’s Voice

You can change the Google Assistant from the default voice to a male or female voice instead.

To do this:

  1. Open the Google Assistant app
  2. Tap your profile picture
  3. Select Settings > Preferences
  4. Tap on “Assistant voice”
  5. Select your preferred voice

Set Up Voice Match

Voice Match allows Google Assistant to recognize your voice so it can provide personalized results and recommendations.

To set up:

  1. Open the Google app
  2. Tap “More” then “Settings”
  3. Select “Voice”
  4. Turn on “Voice Match” and follow the on-screen prompts

Create Routines

Routines allow you to trigger multiple Google Assistant actions with a single command.

Some ideas:

  • Good morning routine that gives weather, news briefing, and schedules your day
  • Bedtime routine that sets Do Not Disturb, reminds you to plug in your phone, and dims your smart lights
  • “I’m home” routine that announces your arrival and turns on the lights

Link Streaming Music Accounts

Connect your streaming music accounts like Spotify or Pandora so you can request songs via voice commands.

Say “OK Google, play [song name] on [music service]” to start playing tunes!

Conclusion

With just a few taps and voice commands, you can access the full capabilities of the Google Assistant on an iPhone XR. This brings powerful AI, smart search features, and app integrations to your fingertips.

Customize Google Assistant to recognize your voice, create personalized routines, set alarms, control smart home devices, stream music, send texts hands-free, and more.

The Google Assistant app combined with some iOS accessibility settings gives you an easy way to get things done on an iPhone with just the sound of your voice!

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