"Hey Google" opens Google app instead of launching Assistant? Here's how to stop this

Frustration has been mounting among Android users for months as a persistent bug continues to plague their Google Assistant experience. Instead of activating the trusty virtual assistant, the “Hey Google” or “OK Google” voice command has been erroneously launching the Google App or browser.

This issue has been reported across various Android smartphones and has persisted since 2023. Users have flocked to Google’s support forum and Reddit, detailing their attempts to troubleshoot the problem with little success. The main thread started in December 2023 has 2600 upvotes as of this writing, hinting at what is likely a widespread issue.

While the exact cause of the bug remains unclear, several workarounds have emerged that seem to offer temporary relief.

Workaround 1: Adjust Assistant language settings

One potential fix involves tweaking your Google Assistant language settings. If your language is set to a generic “English” without a specific region, try switching it to a region-specific option like “English (US)” or “English (UK).” After changing the setting, test the “Hey Google” hotword. It’s crucial not to revert to the generic “English” setting, as this might trigger the bug again.

To do this, open the Google App and tap on your avatar in the top right corner to access settings. In the settings, tap on Google Assistant > Languages and select your preferred language.

Workaround 2: Disable the Google App

Another workaround involves disabling or removing the Google App. This stems from the suspicion that a recent update to the app may be responsible for the bug. After disabling the app, ensure you have the Google Assistant app installed and set up. Refrain from reinstalling the Google app until an official fix is available.

A product expert on Google’s official support forum acknowledged the issue back in February and confirmed that an investigation was underway. However, the continued influx of reports indicates that a permanent solution has yet to be found. There hasn’t been any follow-up on the matter from the product expert, so it’s unclear what the current status of the fix is.

While the workarounds might not be ideal, they offer a temporary (or probably permanent) reprieve for those struggling with this frustrating bug. Hopefully, Google’s ongoing investigation will bring a more comprehensive solution at some point. Until then, affected Google Assistant users can try these workarounds to restore the functionality of their “Hey Google” commands.