Use Google Assistant in Hub Mode on your Pixel Tablet

You can let anyone say "Hey Google" to speak to Google Assistant when your Pixel Tablet is locked and docked in Hub Mode. Only the tablet's primary user can get personalized results from Google Assistant, but you can turn on the ability for anyone to speak to Assistant and play videos, stream music, and more.

Here's how to get the most out of Google Assistant in Hub Mode.

Before you can access all media and home control features after setting up Hub Mode, you need to add your Pixel Tablet to your home in the Google Home app .

Lock and dock your Pixel Tablet

To use Hub Mode, make sure your Pixel Tablet is locked and properly attached to the Charging Speaker Dock. Learn how to lock and dock your Pixel Tablet.

Turn "Hey Google" on

To be able to activate Assistant with your voice, make sure you enable "Hey Google" in your Assistant settings:

1. Open your device's Settings app .
2. Tap Apps Assistant Say "Hey Google".
3. Tap the slider to turn "Hey Google" commands on or off.

Let anyone speak to Google Assistant in Hub Mode

When your tablet is locked and docked, you can let Assistant respond to anyone, including guests and children, when they say "Hey Google." They can ask Assistant questions, play music, control smart home devices, and more.

1. Open your device's Settings app .
2. Tap Hub Mode Assistant Let anyone talk to Assistant in Hub Mode.
3. To turn this setting off, tap it again.

Important: Google Assistant might respond to "Hey Google" even when this setting is turned off. If you enable power button control of Assistant, anyone can activate it by pressing and holding the power button.

Stream movies, music and more in Hub Mode

To use Google Assistant to stream movies and music in Hub Mode, you need to turn on this setting:

1. Open your device's Settings app .
2. Tap Hub Mode Assistant turn on Use Assistant to play music, movies, and more when your tablet is locked.

Tip: If you turn on this setting and Let anyone talk to Assistant in Hub Mode, anyone can say "Hey Google" when the tablet is locked to play media services that you link to your Pixel Tablet. To play music when your tablet is in Hub Mode, try saying, "Hey Google, play some music."

When your Pixel Tablet is locked in Hub Mode, you need to unlock the tablet before you can use Google Assistant voice commands to play news, radio, podcasts, or other media from certain apps and services.

Important: For privacy or compatibility reasons, you might need to unlock your device when you speak to Google Assistant in Hub Mode. You might also need to update your Assistant settings to access features when your tablet is locked.

Related articles

Perform everyday tasks

• Learn more about Google Assistant
• Automate daily routines & tasks with Google Assistant
• Control smart home devices with your Pixel Tablet
• Create calendar events & ask about your schedule
• Create a shopping list
• Set and manage reminders

Stay connected and entertained

• Get daily weather updates, quotes, and more
• Get info and updates with At a Glance
• Make calls on your Google Assistant device
• Translate conversations with interpreter mode
• Play music and videos on your Google Assistant device