Introduction
Do you love your Google Pixel but aren’t always a fan of the ‘Hey Google’ voice activation popping up unexpectedly? Whether it’s activating at the wrong times or you simply prefer more privacy, this video is for you. I’ll show you how to turn off the ‘Hey Google’ voice recognition feature on your Google Pixel, giving you more control over when and how your phone listens to you.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Turn Off Hey Google on Google Pixel
- Navigate to your Google Pixel home screen. Swipe up on this screen to bring up a menu, and then tap the “Google” app in this menu. Your Google home screen is displayed.
- Tap your Google profile icon at the top of this screen. A menu opens.
- Tap “Settings” in this menu. Your Google Settings screen is shown.
- Tap “Voice.” The Voice screen is displayed.
- Tap “Voice Match.” The Hey Google and Voice Match screen opens.
- Tap to turn off the toggle associated with “Hey Google.” The Hey Google feature will be turned off going forward on your Google Pixel.
5 Reasons to Turn Off Hey Google on Google Pixel
1. Privacy Concerns
Many individuals are increasingly wary about the extent of data collected through voice assistants like “Hey Google”. By keeping the feature enabled, everything from casual inquiries to personal conversations can potentially be recorded and analyzed by the system. This data might then be used to tailor advertisements or shared with third parties. Disabling “Hey Google” minimizes the amount of personal information that is accessible to Google. Users find comfort knowing their conversations are private and not being monitored for data collection purposes. This simple step can significantly enhance one’s control over their digital privacy.
2. Battery Life Preservation
Voice assistants continuously run in the background, scanning for their activation phrase. This constant readiness requires power, which can drain a smartphone’s battery faster. For users who need to extend their device’s battery life, turning off “Hey Google” can be an effective strategy. It reduces the load on the processor and conserves power, leading to longer battery life between charges. This is particularly beneficial during travel or long days away from a power source. Users prioritize this when battery longevity is more important than voice command convenience.
3. Accidental Activations
“Hey Google” can sometimes be triggered unintentionally by background conversations or similar-sounding words in nearby discussions. These accidental activations not only disrupt the user but can also lead to unintended actions or queries. By turning off this feature, users eliminate the risk of their device waking up and performing unwanted tasks. This is especially important in professional environments where unexpected interruptions could affect productivity or cause embarrassment.
4. Faster Device Performance
Voice assistants require significant system resources to operate efficiently. These resources include CPU time and memory, which could otherwise be allocated to other applications. Disabling “Hey Google” frees up these resources, allowing the phone to perform other tasks more efficiently. Users often notice improved responsiveness and smoother operation of their device when the voice assistant is turned off. This is particularly noticeable in older models or devices with limited hardware capabilities.
5. Preference for Manual Control
Some users simply prefer the tactile interaction with their devices, finding it more reliable or satisfying than voice commands. They may find voice responses less accurate or the voice recognition process frustrating. By turning off “Hey Google”, these users reclaim full manual control over their device functions. This allows for precise navigation and operation, ensuring actions are performed exactly as intended without misinterpretation or errors commonly associated with voice recognition systems.
