Fix issues with Google Assistant on headphones

Google Assistant responds and gives you notifications on your headphones while you're connected to an Android phone or tablet. If Google Assistant doesn't work on your headphones, follow these steps to fix the issue.

Fix a problem with Google Assistant on headphones

Google Assistant isn't responding to gestures

If Google Assistant doesn’t respond when you touch your headphones, follow these steps to fix the problem.

Step 1: Check that your headphones are connected to your phone

1. On your Android phone, say "Hey Google, open Assistant settings".
2. Tap Devices your headphones.
3. Under "Status", check for "Connected".
   • If they’re not connected, continue to Step 2.

Step 2: Check if Bluetooth is turned on

1. On your Android phone, swipe down from the top of your screen.
2. Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on.
3. Touch and hold Bluetooth .
4. Make sure that your headphones are connected or show as 'Active'.

Step 3: Restart your headphones

On your headphones, turn the power button off and then on.

Step 4: Reset your headphones

To factory reset your headphones, refer to your headphone's instruction manual or packaging. After you reset your headphones, you must set up your headphones again.

Google Assistant doesn't respond to 'Hey Google'

Important: Voice Match isn't available on all headphones.

When you turn on 'Say ‘Hey Google' for your headphones, you can use Voice Match to talk to Google Assistant. If your headphones support Voice Match but your Assistant doesn’t respond when you say 'Hey Google', follow these steps.

Step 1: Check if Google Assistant responds to gestures

1. Use a gesture to check if Google Assistant responds.
   • If available, you can touch and hold the Google Assistant button on your headphones.
2. If Google Assistant doesn’t respond to gestures, follow the steps for when Google Assistant isn't responding to gestures.

Step 2: Check if “Say ‘Hey Google'” is turned on for your headphones

1. On your Android phone, say “Hey Google, open Assistant settings”.
2. Tap Devices your headphones.
3. Make sure that Say "Hey Google" is turned on.

Step 3: Check if Voice Match works on your phone

Your headphones and phone share a voice model. If your phone doesn't respond to Voice Match, you can teach Google to recognise your voice again.

1. Disconnect your headphones from your phone.
2. On your phone, say 'Hey Google'.
3. If Google Assistant doesn't respond, teach Google to recognise your voice again.

Not getting notifications from Google Assistant

Step 1: Check if Google Assistant notifications are turned on

1. On your Android phone, say "Hey Google, open Assistant settings".
2. Tap Devices Your headphones Spoken notifications.
3. Make sure that Spoken notifications is turned on.

Step 2: Check that you’re connected to the Internet

You must be connected to the Internet to get most notifications.

1. On your Android phone, swipe down from the top of your screen.
2. Make sure that you’re connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Step 3: Check if 'Do not disturb' is turned on with Media sounds turned off

If you have 'Do not disturb mode' turned on, you can still hear most notifications unless you blocked Media sounds.

1. On your Android phone, open your Settings app .
2. Tap Sound and vibration Do Not Disturb Alarms and other interruptions.
3. Make sure that Media sounds is turned on.

Related resources

• Set up your Assistant on headphones
• Access Assistant on your headphones with Voice Match
• Manage your Google Assistant headphone notifications
• Get personal results on headphones
• Use gestures to control your Assistant on headphones
• Get help for your Google Pixel Buds