FIX: “Ok Google” Not Working on Galaxy S8 and S8+

Ok Google Not Working on Galaxy S8 & S8+

Samsung’s latest S series devices, S8 & S8+ are beautifully designed and wonderful smartphones. Their S series has always attracted the smartphone users in every corner of the world, and with S8 & S8+, their form continues. With the latest Android Nougat operating system, these devices have received very good reviews from critics. Both these devices belong to the premium segment. Meaning, they flaunt better RAM, internal memory, display size and many more features than almost every other smartphone in the market. And, they are pretty costly too.

Users paid a lot of money to get the best in the market. And if you are unable to use some feature, which even a budget smartphone user can use, then your frustration is valid. Many users have complained that Ok Google is not working properly on S8 and S8+. There are similar issues with Note 8 as well. They are unable to use voice command function, which is actually one of the main features of Ok Google. We researched the issue and came up with a list of solutions. There are many things that can affect Ok Google. Go through the solutions mentioned below and fix the issue on your devices.

How to Fix Ok Google on Galaxy S8 & S8+

If your voice command feature is not working, then microphone could be the issue. Or maybe the app itself is not working properly. Or your phone is causing this problem. Doesn’t matter what the reason is, go through these solutions and it will fix OK Google on Galaxy S8.

1. Disable Accessibility Services Apps

Most likely, the reason could be the accessibility apps running in the background, such as AppLock, 360 Security, KingRoot etc. Disable them and check if it solves the issue. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1. Go to Settings and open Accessibility.

Step 2. Under Services, you will find the apps. Tap on their names and switch them off.

If still Ok Google won’t work on your Galaxy S8, check out the next solution.

2. Update Google Application

Many applications crash and behave in an abrupt way when they haven’t been updated for a while. This could be the reason for your problem here too. You will need to update the app. Follow these steps to update Google app.

Step 1. Open Play Store.

Step 2. Tap on the three horizontal lines on the left top corner. Select ‘My apps and games’ from it.

Step 3. Find Google from the list of installed apps. If a new version of the app is available, tap Update located in front of it. This will update the app.

In most of the cases, updating Google app should fix the any possible errors with Google OK. But if you are still facing the trouble, check out the third solution.

3. Use English (US) Language

The Google Assistant’s voice search only supports English (US) language. You need to check and make sure your smartphone is using the same language. Follow these steps check and correct the language to English (US).

Step 1. Go to Settings and open Language and Input.

Step 2. The first option at the top will be to select language. Select English (United States) if it is not already selected.

4. Fix Galaxy S8’s Microphone

Our smartphones’ microphone attracts a lot of dust. And it usually settles over the mic grill. Though you might not be facing problems during calls, this could still be the reason to no voice commands. To check if your microphone is giving trouble to Google app, open Google Assistant. Now, say “Ok Google”. When you say the words, the microphone icon at the bottom should look bold. If those are not bold and only dotted lines, then the microphone on Galaxy S8 indeed causing problems. You need to clean it using a pin. But be careful as not to damage the mic grill.

Check Also: How to take screenshot on Galaxy S8

5. Update Language Pack

We corrected the Language in the method 3, but it is of no use if it’s outdated. You have to keep your phone’s language up-to-date, otherwise Ok Google will not work properly. Follow these simple steps to update the language pack on your Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

Step 1. Go to Settings and open Language and input.

Step 2. Open Google Voice Typing.

Step 3. Open Offline Speech Recognition.

Step 4. Under Installed tab, you will see the language English (US). If there is an update available, tap on update.

6. Remove Google App from Optimized Apps

Android 6.0+ Operating systems have Battery Optimization feature. Its use is to save battery, by restricting the background apps usage and their data usage. If Ok Google on your device is under Battery Optimization, then it will surely have trouble functioning properly. You need to check and remove the Google app from battery optimization. Follow these steps to do so.

Step 1. Go to Settings and open Device Maintenance.

Step 2. Open Battery and select Battery Usage.

Step 3. At the top right, you will see three dots. Tap on it, and select Optimized Apps.

Step 4. Now a list of apps will open up. Find Google app in the list and tap on it to turn off battery optimization for it.

Check Also: How to root Galaxy S8

7. Exclude Google App from Background Restricted Apps

The last reason behind Ok Google not working properly is the Power Saving Mode. This is another app which restricts apps to save power. You will have to remove Google app from Power Saving Mode’s list. Follow the following steps to perform this.

Step 1. Go to Settings and open Device Maintenance.

Step 2. Tap the Battery icon and open Unmonitored Apps.

Step 3. Tap Edit and select Google app from the list. 

Follow these methods from the first one, and go through each one of them until OK Google starts working on your Galaxy S8 / S8 Plus.

Check Also: How to Fix Galaxy S8 Moisture Detected Error

Conclusion

Google’s Ok Google is a wonderful AI, and is a must use application for every Android phone user. It makes you touch your phone less, and perform almost every action on your smartphone using just your voice. We hope these solutions fixed your problems. If Ok Google still not working on your Galaxy S8 or S8+, share the error details on comment section below.