Enable Google Assistant with Hotword Detection on a Non-Pixel Device

Since the launch of the Google Pixel and Pixel XL. There has been a lot of hype about the Google Assistant which is basically an AI(Artificial Intelligence) and similar to the previous Google Now. But the new Google Assistant can also remember the context of which you are speaking. Also, it can remember the things about you. So it’s pretty dope and geeky.

How to Enable Google Assistant on any Android Device

But as of now, officially Google Assistant is pixel exclusive. It is not available even on the older Nexus series. But as we know there is always some way that it can be loaded on other devices.

Download Google Assistant APK

Unfortunately, there is nothing like an apk file for Google assistant because it isn’t a standalone app. Instead, it is integrated in the new Google app which contains both screen search as well as the assistant. Which can be used depends upon the device you are using. This means if you are using a pixel or pixel xl you will see assistant and other devices will see screen search. So here is how to get Google Assistant on your phone:

Also read: Virtual Reality (VR): An Introduction

Method 1: For Non-Rooted Devices

One of the easiest ways to integrate it into your Android device is by installing Google Allo messaging app from Google Play Store. This method is for those who are having non-rooted Android devices.

Method 2: For Rooted Devices (Marshmallow)

We will recommend you to back up your device data before proceeding. (Most preferably backup using custom recovery TWRP/CWM)

1. Install Xposed Framework.
2. Install and Enable Android N-ify module.
3. Reboot your device.
4. Go to Settings -> Apps -> Google -> Clear Data and Cache.
5. Now press and hold the home button and you will see Google Assistant instead of Screen Search (Traditionally Now on Tap).

Note: This will also give you many more nougat features as well :D

Method 3: For Rooted Devices (Nougat)

We will recommend you to back up your device data before proceeding. (Most preferably backup using custom recovery TWRP/CWM)

Manual Method

1. Install/Update the latest Google app from Play Store.
2. Install any file explorer which support exploring root directory. (Personally, we prefer Solid Explorer)
3. Open File Explorer and go to /system.
4. Open build.prop with any text editor.
5. Add these lines in the file: (If ro.product.model already exists replace it)

   ro.product.model=Pixel XL
   ro.opa.eligible_device=true

6. Now save the file and reboot your device.
7. Now press and hold the home button and you will see Google Assistant instead of Screen Search (Traditionally Now on Tap).
8. If not, Go to Settings -> Apps -> Google -> Clear Data and Cache.
9. Now check again by pressing and holding the home button.

Note: There is also a zip file available which you can flash to make this modification. However, we don’t recommend doing so because sometimes you may end up in a boot loop.

Automatic Method

1. Download Get Assistant from Play Store.
2. Allow root access.
3. Follow the steps and reboot your device.

Luckily if you own a Nexus device (Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, etc.) you would be able to use OK Google to start up the Google Assistant; otherwise, you will see that each time you will be asked to capture voice model. This will be annoying, and you will only be able to use the Google Assistant manually by holding the home button.

Also read: 5 Things You Didn’t Know Your Android Phone Was Capable Of

Enable “OK Google” hotword detection in Google Assistant on Non-Nexus/Pixel Nougat devices

1. After completing the steps to enable the Google Assistant, download ChopAssistant from Play Store.
2.  Open the app and click Enable Accessibility Service and follow the steps.
3. Now you are ready to use Google Assistant remotely using hotword “OK Google”.

What ChopAssistant Do?

As you have enabled accessibility option for ChopAssistant, it can click on your screen. In this way when you speak “OK Google” the popup that comes to teach your voice is closed automatically by ChopAssistant.

We hope that this article has helped you in getting the most anticipated feature on your existing Android device. If you’ve liked this article, it would be great if you can share it with your friends via social media.