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Hey Google Not Working After Switching to Gemini

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Workaround available Android, Pixel, Samsung Galaxy Updated November 13, 2026Based on 5 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

After Gemini replaces Google Assistant on Android, 'Hey Google' often stops responding because the hands-free setting, Voice Match or lock-screen access was reset. Re-enable Hey Google in the Google app, retrain Voice Match and turn on Gemini on lock screen.

Most likely fix: Re-enable Hey Google

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Re-enable Hey Google

    1. Open the Google app > your profile picture > Settings > Google Assistant (or Gemini) > Hey Google & Voice Match
    2. Turn Hey Google off, wait a few seconds, and on again
    3. Test with the phone unlocked
    Did this fix it?

  2. 2. Retrain Voice Match

    1. In the same Voice Match screen choose Voice model > Retrain
    2. Say the phrases in a quiet room
    Did this fix it?

  3. 3. Allow Gemini on the lock screen

    1. Open the Gemini app > your profile > Settings
    2. Enable the lock-screen option ('Use Gemini without unlocking' if shown)
    Did this fix it?

  4. 4. Check permissions and clear data

    1. Settings > Apps > Google > Permissions: allow Microphone
    2. Turn off battery restrictions for the Google app
    3. As a last resort, clear storage for the Google app (one user reported this helped with both Assistant and Gemini)
    Did this fix it?

  5. 5. Choose which assistant you want

    1. Switching between Assistant and Gemini happens inside the Gemini app settings
    2. Make sure the default digital assistant app is set to Google
    3. Note that 'Hey Gemini' is not the wake phrase; Google kept 'Hey Google'
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

'Hey Google' does nothing, shows 'Trouble connecting', only works when the phone is unlocked, the hands-free toggle is greyed out, or the old Assistant opens instead of Gemini.

Why it happens

  • Hands-free/'Hey Google' setting reset after an app or system update
  • Voice Match model needs retraining
  • Gemini lock-screen access turned off
  • Mixed Assistant and Gemini settings after switching back and forth
  • Supervised child accounts do not support Hey Google with Gemini
  • Microphone permission or battery optimization blocking the Google app

This guide also covers

  • hey google not working after switching to gemini
  • hey google not working gemini
  • gemini replaced google assistant
  • ok google not working android
  • gemini hey google trouble connecting

Still not working?

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