Google Assistant and Gemini suddenly turning a deaf ear to "Hey Google" commands

Google’s latest AI assistant, Gemini, seems to have developed a sudden case of selective mutism. Over the past few days, users have been reporting that the once-responsive AI is suddenly turning a deaf ear to their “Hey Google” commands. That’s the predicament Google Pixel users — and a few Galaxy S22 owners — find themselves in.

Over the past week, an annoying bug has popped up in the beta version of the Google app (v15.47.28), rendering the “Hey Google” or “Ok Google” wake commands useless. Even manually triggering the assistant via the microphone icon has decided to join the strike, leaving many users frustrated. Our in-house Pixel phones have fallen victim too, proving this isn’t just a fluke. Whether it’s the old reliable Google Assistant or the newer Gemini, the result is the same: silence.

The glitch plays out in a loop of exasperation. A quick restart might revive the assistant temporarily, but before you can say “Hey Google,” it stops again. Some desperate users have tried switching between assistants or even factory resets — but the results are fleeting. Others have given the beta program the boot entirely, uninstalling updates and reverting to the stable version of the Google app to reclaim their digital assistant.

What’s intriguing, though, is how sparsely this issue has been reported. With a hiccup this disruptive, you’d expect forums to be swamped. Yet, only a few threads have surfaced, suggesting this bug might still be flying under the radar.

This latest bug piles onto a string of problems plaguing Google users. Pixel owners have been grappling with persistent Quick Phrase bubbles, which refuse to dismiss after use, and older devices suffering from a bizarre green video glitch on WhatsApp. Meanwhile, smart home enthusiasts are finding their Philips Hue setups mysteriously offline in Google Home, adding even more frustration. It seems Google’s ecosystem is in desperate need of a polish, as these issues chip away at the seamless experience users expect.

The implications go beyond mere annoyance. Voice commands and assistants have become integral to workflows, from setting reminders to hands-free navigation. This glitch is derailing productivity, with some users even considering jumping ship to rival ecosystems.

For those affected, leaving the beta program and resetting app preferences might serve as temporary fixes. But this is clearly a software flaw that Google needs to tackle pronto. While the beta badge comes with a “proceed at your own risk” disclaimer, bugs like this hit harder when they disrupt flagship features like voice commands.

As we wait for a patch or update, it’s time to give feedback. If this bug is messing with your day, make sure the Google team knows about it — Gemini app feedback and Google’s support forums are your best bets.

Until then, we’ll keep an ear out for any fixes. Let’s hope the next “Hey Google” doesn’t fall on deaf ears.