How to Turn On Google Voice Search

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Google voice search is fully functional on a laptop, desktop, Android phones, iPhone, and iPad. Here you will learn how to turn on Google voice search on different platforms one by one. Before you turn on voice search, make sure you have either a built-in or an additionally attached microphone. 

Let us get started!  

1- How To Turn on Google Voice Search For Desktop or PC With Chrome

One of the most interesting parts of Google voice search is that it usually works on all sites and if needed you can block or allow it for one particular site as well.

Related: Voice Search Google: The Complete Guide

You must note the point that the method here works for Chrome only since different browsers follow a different methodology to start Google voice search. Now, let us get into the steps:

Step 1: Open Google Chrome and go to Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Advance-> Site Settings, like the one below.

Step 3: Click on Microphone, then set Ask before accessing to on or off. 

Step 4: Your setting is done. Now go back to the Homepage and click on the mic and speak to search.

Troubleshooting Google Voice Search Issues

After following the above steps, you will be able to use voice search on your desktop or laptop. However, if you find any trouble, look for the following possibilities and their solutions:

When The Mic is Turned Off:

If you can’t use your voice search on your PC then you must check with the microphone settings. To do this, follow the given below steps:

Step 1: On your Google Chrome you will see a mic on the right side of the search bar. Click on it.

Step 2: A pop will appear on the left-hand side of the address bar, like the one below. 

Step 3: Click on the Allow button and you will see your voice search working fine.

When Voice Search is Turned Off:

At times, the option for voice search in the browser is turned off accidentally. If this is the condition, you can’t use your voice search. You can fix the problem by modifying the voice search settings of your PC on a specific website in Chrome. Follow the given steps:

Step 1: Open the site you want to use the voice search for.

Step 2: On the address bar click on the Lock icon appearing on the left side. You can see a pop-up like in the image below. 

Step 3: It will show you the options that are blocked for the site. Go on the Microphone option and click on Allow to turn it on. Now you can see the voice search functioning well.

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2- How To Turn on Google Voice Search For Android Phones or Tablets

You can use “Ok Google” or “Hey Google” on your Android phone to create reminders, get directions on the way, or get the weather forecast. But to take advantages like these, your phone must have Google voice search turned on. Let us see, how you can turn on Google voice search in Android phone:

Step 1: Open the Google app on your Android phone or tablet.

Step 2: Tap on the More option at the bottom right corner of the screen and navigate to More->Settings->Voice.

Step 3: Tap Voice Match appearing under “Hey Google”.

Step 4: Now turn on Hey Google to start voice search by tapping on the microphone and saying “Hey Google”.

Related: Voice SEO Guide

Modifying Hey Google Setting

You can change your Google voice search settings from Google app settings at your own convenience. 

Changing Voice Settings:

Step 1: Open the Google Search in the app.

Step 2: Navigate to More->Settings->Search.

Step 3: In the Search option click on Voice.

Step 4: A page similar to the one below will appear on your screen. 

The options will be as follows:

  1. Languages: Choose the option of your preferred language. It will display the voice search results in the same language as your voice search.
  2. Speech Output: By selecting the option you can listen or block the spoken responses to your searches.
  3. “Ok Google” detection: You can select the screens where you can say “Ok or Hey Google.” 
  4. Bluetooth headset: This option allows you to speak over a Bluetooth headset when one is connected.

Changing Language and Region:

Step 1: Open the Google Search in the app.

Step 2: Navigate to More->Settings->Search.

Step 3: In the Search box option click on Search language or Search region.

Step 4: When you select Search language, you get an option to pick the language for your search results. You can also pick multiple languages for search results. However, the settings for language may vary depending on the Google app version.  

Similarly, when you click on Search region, it will allow you to customize your search results based on your current region. It also enables you to see results for other countries.

Google voice search in Android phones can be used in various ways. For example:

  • You can say “Hey Google” from any screen when the screen is on or the device is in charging mode.
  • You can use it while driving to use Google Maps and Android Auto.
  • You can use it whether your screen is on or off.
  • You can unlock your screen with a voice match from a secure lock screen. 
  • You can view personal results for your voice searches, even if your phone is locked.

3- How To Turn on Google Voice Search For iPhone or iPad

For Apple iPhone and iPad users, turning on Google voice search is as easy as Android phones. Here is how you can do it:

Step 1: Open the Google app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: You can see your profile picture at the top right. Click on the picture or initial and navigate to Settings->Voice and Assistant.

Step 3: Now you can change settings for your language preference and whether you want voice search to start when you say, “Ok Google.”

Step 4: Once you turn on the voice search, you can use your voice for searching in the Google app by simply tapping on the mic.

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Adding Another Language

Google allows you to use multiple languages for voice search, just as in Android. You just have to add a language in your settings. Check out the given steps:

Step 1: Open the Google app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Tap your Profile picture or initial displayed at the top right. 

Step 3: Navigate to Settings->Voice and Assistant->Language->Add another language.

Summary

So now, you probably know how to turn on Google voice search on different devices. Google has made its voice search easy to install in minimal steps, as you can above. 

The feature is improving every day to offer the best user experience. Use it on different devices, so that you never miss any opportunity to grow with the evolving technology.