What to do when Google Assistant is not working on your Pixel 8

It happens—the Google Assistant™ on your Google Pixel™ 8 suddenly stops working, leaving you to type out searches the old-fashioned way. Frustrated, you search online for “Google Assistant not working on my Pixel 8,” only to be met with a flood of confusing advice. At Asurion, we get it—tech hiccups can be a hassle. That’s why our experts are here to help with straightforward solutions. Whether you’re troubleshooting touch issues or learning new tips for your Pixel 8, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to fix your Google Assistant and get back to hands-free convenience.

Reboot your Pixel device

Here comes the easiest and most common fix: a reboot. It’s known to resolve minor or temporary software issues, including Google Assistant woes.

1. Press and hold the Power button.
2. From the options that pop up, tap Restart.

Wait 30-60 seconds, then turn on your Google Pixel 8. 

Verify Google Assistant and Voice Match configurations

Occasionally, Google Assistant may not work because it wasn’t configured properly or the Voice Match configuration is inaccurate. 

To check if your settings are correct:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Google > All services > Search, Assistant & Voice.
3. Go into Google Assistant > Hey Google & Voice Match and check whether “Hey Google” is activated. If it isn’t, set it up for better voice recognition.

Retrain the “Hey Google” voice recognition model

Have a cough or a new accent that you picked up recently? That might explain why “Hey Google” is unable to accurately pick out your voice. Retraining the voice recognition model might be the answer.

1. Go to Settings > Google.
2. Tap All Services > Search, Assistant & Voice.
3. Tap Voice Match > Retrain Voice Model. The prompts will guide you to repeat a couple of phrases so Google can better understand the nuances of your voice.

Update Google Assistant and software

One of the most common Google Pixel issues is an out-of-date app or software. This can render your Google Assistant unusable due to compatibility issues. Check to confirm if the app itself is outdated and whether your Pixel 8 Pro’s software version is current.

How to update the Pixel OS

1. Tap Settings > Software > Software update.
2. Install any and all software updates available.

How to update the Google Assistant app

1. Launch the Google Play Store app.
2. Search “Google Assistant”.
3. If there’s an update available, tap Update.

Disable Battery Saver and Adaptive Battery options

Battery-saving features can limit a phone’s background features, including Google Assistant.

1. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver.
2. If it’s enabled, disable it.
3. While in the Battery settings, you might want to disable Adaptive Battery too to rule it out. 

Assess microphone performance

Google Assistant might have trouble capturing and verifying your voice if the microphone is faulty. Here's how to check your microphone performance:

1. Access the Recorder app on your phone.
2. Record something, anything, then listen for clarity.
3. If you pick out any muffled or unclear sounds, that’s your cue to clean the microphone. Gently remove any dirt using a dry, lint-free cloth.

Confirm connectivity

Like most internet-enabled apps, Google Assistant requires a stable connection to run seamlessly. Check to confirm if it’s connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.

1. From the top of the screen, check to see that mobile data or Wi-Fi status is on.
2. To reset connectivity, turn Airplane Mode on and off. If needed, reconnect to stable Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Turn off competing digital assistants

Running Alexa, Bixby, and Google Assistant concurrently is not great for the latter’s functionality. Your phone will likely prioritize one over the other since they all require microphone access. 

To turn off all competing assistants:

1. Tap Settings > Apps > See all apps.
2. Locate all other voice or assistant apps that might be competing for microphone access and turn them off.

Perform a factory reset if necessary

The emphasis here is “if.” Only opt for this fix if all else fails, as it’ll erase all available data on your phone. With that in mind, be sure to back up crucial files before proceeding.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). 
3. Follow the on-screen instructions as they appear.

Once you’re done, set up Google Assistant again and see if the problem persists.

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FAQ

Why isn’t Google Assistant responding?

Your Pixel 8’s Google Assistant may not be working for a variety of reasons, from a simple microphone issue to an incompatible, out-of-date app. Other possible causes include incorrect language settings, interference from nearby devices, and battery-saving features.

How do I improve Google Assistant’s Voice Recognition?

In your Google Assistant settings, set up Voice Match from scratch. Follow the on-screen instructions to adjust them.

Why is Google Assistant not working on Pixel 8?

Your best bet to have Google Assistant working again is a simple reboot. Only do this after enabling all app permissions.

What should I do if “Hey Google” is not working?

Check any of the following for inaccuracies or malfunction: updates, settings, device connectivity, adaptive battery, and microphone. 

How to activate Google Assistant on Pixel 8?

On your device, swipe up to return to the home screen. To trigger Google Assistant, press and hold the home button for a few seconds. You’ll feel a slight vibration, indicating it’s active.

Are there any settings that can affect Google Assistance’s performance?

Often, the microphone is the culprit. Clean off any dirt that may impede how your voice is captured.