Troubleshoot Voice Access

If Voice Access doesn't recognize your voice commands, try the following:

• Make sure that your device is connected to the Internet over cellular data or Wi-Fi.
• Move to a quiet place.
• Speak more slowly and clearly.
• Try using a headset with a microphone.
• Repeat your voice command.
• Turn off vibration in your device settings. Vibration might interfere with speech recognition.

If Voice Access appears to freeze, wait a few seconds. You might need to do this if you say a long command or if another app tries to listen to you at the same time.

The only lock screen currently supported by Voice Access is the PIN unlock. To protect your security when you enter your PIN, Voice Access shows random words on the screen (such as "red" or "blue") instead of Voice Access number labels. This way you can say the words instead of your PIN numbers. You can change your lock screen in Settings  Security under Device security.

If you have trouble starting Voice Access on the lock screen, try the following steps:

• In the Google app, go to Settings  Voice, then turn on Unlock with Voice Match or Trusted voice. This setting lets you use "Ok Google" to turn on Voice Access from the lock screen. Learn more about "Ok Google". (Note: The availability of this setting varies by device.)
• In Voice Access settings, turn on "Activate on lock screen." This setting automatically starts Voice Access when the screen turns on, if the lock screen is showing. Learn how to change your Voice Access settings.
• Connect your device to a Bluetooth switch or keyboard, then use the switch or keyboard to start Voice Access on the lock screen. For more information about setting up a Bluetooth switch, see instructions to start Voice Access.
• Set up your device for automatic unlock. You can pair a trusted Bluetooth device or NFC tag to your device to unlock it automatically for you. Learn more about Smart Lock.

To turn on the screen by voice, go to the Google app  Settings  Voice  "Ok Google" detection, then turn on Say "Ok Google" any time.

Learn more about "Ok Google". (Note: The availability of this setting varies by device.)

Voice Access uses almost no battery when it's inactive, but it uses more battery when listening for your commands. Consider using Voice Access while your device is connected to a power supply if you find that your battery is draining faster than normal.

When Do Not Disturb is on, the Voice Access notification isn't visible on the screen.

To see notifications on your screen while Do Not Disturb is on:

1. Open your device's Settings app   .
2. Select Apps & notifications, then Notifications.
3. Select Advanced, then Do Not Disturb.
4. Find and select the setting to restrict or hide notifications: Restrict notifications or Display options for hidden notifications.
5. Select No sound from notifications.

Note: This issue only applies to devices using Android 9 or earlier. Learn how to check your Android version.

If you're on a Google Voice call and the other person can't hear you, follow these steps:

1. Open your device's Settings app .
2. Go to Accessibility, then Voice Access.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Under "General," turn off Active during calls.

If Voice Access did something you didn't expect, or if you have suggestions about improving Voice Access, we'd love your feedback. Go to Settings  Accessibility  Voice Access  Settings, then select Help & feedback. You can also use our feedback form.