How to Use Google Assistant Voice Commands in Android Auto

by Nia Patel · Published 10/07/2026 · Updated 10/07/2026

Applies to
Android Auto, Google Assistant, Android phones, wired Android Auto, wireless Android Auto, compatible cars, and compatible infotainment systems

Last updated
10 July 2026

Problem

You want to control Android Auto with your voice, but you are not sure what commands to use or how to activate Google Assistant in the car. You may also find that voice commands work on your phone but behave differently when Android Auto is connected.

Voice commands are one of the safest and most useful Android Auto features because they let you start navigation, make calls, send messages, play music, and ask questions without handling your phone.

Solution

Connect your phone to Android Auto, make sure Google Assistant and microphone permissions are enabled, then use the microphone button, steering wheel voice button, or Hey Google if supported. Speak clear commands for navigation, calls, messages, music, and general assistance.

Step by step instructions

Connect your phone to Android Auto

Start your car and wait for the infotainment system to load.

Connect your Android phone using USB or wireless Android Auto, depending on your car.

Unlock your phone if prompted.

Approve any permissions for Android Auto, Google, microphone, location, contacts, phone, messages, notifications, Bluetooth, and nearby devices.

Once Android Auto opens, you can use Google Assistant from the car screen.

Check Google Assistant works on your phone

Before testing in the car, check that Google Assistant works on your phone.

Unlock your phone.

Say Hey Google or open Google Assistant manually.

Ask a simple question.

If Google Assistant does not respond on the phone, fix Assistant there first before using it with Android Auto.

Use the microphone button

On the Android Auto screen, look for the microphone icon.

Tap the microphone.

Wait for the listening prompt.

Speak your command clearly.

For example, say:

Navigate home
Call Sarah
Play my driving playlist
Send a message to Alex
What is the weather like

Android Auto should process the command through Google Assistant.

Use the steering wheel voice button

Many cars have a voice button on the steering wheel.

Press the button and wait for the Assistant prompt.

Some vehicles use:

A short press for the car’s built-in voice assistant
A long press for Google Assistant
A single button for both systems

If the button does not open Google Assistant, check your car manual or try a longer press while parked.

Use Hey Google if available

Some phones and cars allow Hey Google while Android Auto is running.

Say Hey Google followed by your command.

For example:

Hey Google, navigate to the nearest petrol station

If this does not work, open Google Assistant settings on your phone and check whether voice activation is enabled.

You can still use the on-screen microphone button even if Hey Google is turned off.

Use voice commands for navigation

Google Assistant can start routes in Google Maps or Waze.

Useful commands include:

Navigate home
Navigate to work
Find petrol stations nearby
Find parking nearby
Take me to the nearest supermarket
Navigate to Manchester
Avoid tolls
Stop navigation

For best results, use clear place names, full addresses, or saved locations such as home and work.

Use voice commands for calls

You can make calls without touching the phone.

Try commands such as:

Call Mum
Call John Smith
Call work
Call voicemail
Redial
Call the nearest hotel

If Google Assistant chooses the wrong contact, check your phone contacts and remove duplicate or confusing entries.

Use voice commands for messages

Google Assistant can send and reply to supported messages.

Useful commands include:

Send a message to Alex
Text Sarah I am running ten minutes late
Send a WhatsApp message to Ben
Reply I am on my way
Read my messages

Assistant may read the message back and ask for confirmation before sending.

Keep replies short and clear while driving.

Use voice commands for music and podcasts

You can control many audio apps by voice.

Try commands such as:

Play music
Play my driving playlist
Play The Beatles on Spotify
Play the latest episode of my podcast
Pause music
Skip this song
Resume playback
Turn up the volume

If you use more than one music service, include the app name in the command.

Use voice commands for general help

Google Assistant can also answer simple questions or perform quick tasks.

Examples include:

What is the weather
What time is it
How long will it take to get home
Find coffee nearby
Remind me to call Tom when I get home
What is my next appointment

Availability can vary depending on your phone settings, account type, location, and internet connection.

Check microphone permission

If Assistant does not hear you, check microphone permissions.

Open Settings on your phone.

Go to Apps.

Find Google.

Open Permissions.

Make sure Microphone is allowed.

Then check Android Auto permissions and allow microphone or nearby device permissions if listed.

Check mobile data

Many Google Assistant commands need an internet connection.

Make sure mobile data is turned on.

Check that airplane mode is off.

If you are in an area with weak signal, voice commands may be slow or may fail.

Offline commands are limited, so a stable mobile connection is important.

Check language and voice settings

Open the Google app on your phone.

Tap your profile picture or initials.

Open Settings.

Go to Google Assistant.

Check the language settings.

Use the language you normally speak for voice commands.

If you use multiple languages, test with one main language first to improve recognition.

Adjust Assistant volume

If Google Assistant responds but you cannot hear it, adjust the volume while Assistant is speaking.

Some cars have separate volume levels for:

Music
Navigation
Calls
Voice assistant
Notifications

Start a voice command, wait for Assistant to speak, then turn up the car volume.

Practise commands while parked

Before relying on voice commands during a journey, test them while parked.

Try navigation, calls, messages, and music commands.

This helps you learn which commands work best with your phone and car without distraction.

Optional methods or tools

Use the Android Auto microphone button if Hey Google is disabled
Try a long press on the steering wheel voice button
Use saved home and work addresses for faster navigation commands
Set a default music service in Google Assistant settings
Check microphone permission for Google and Android Auto if commands fail

Best practices or tips

Use short, clear voice commands
Set destinations and music before driving where possible
Keep Google, Android Auto, and Google Play services updated
Keep mobile data available for Assistant commands
Pull over safely if a task needs detailed attention

Google Assistant voice commands make Android Auto easier and safer to use because you can control navigation, calls, messages, and music without handling your phone. The most reliable commands are short, direct, and based on saved contacts, saved places, or named apps.

If voice commands do not work, check Google Assistant on the phone first, then review microphone permissions, mobile data, language settings, and steering wheel button behaviour. Once set up correctly, Google Assistant becomes one of the most useful parts of Android Auto for everyday driving.