Article ID : 00127392 / Last Modified : 23/04/2024Print

How do I use the voice search function?

    Our Android TV™/Google TV™ line-up supports voice recognition functionality. This feature is called “voice search” and allows you to input commands into the TV using your voice. You can view a demonstration of the voice search function by clicking on this voice search video.
    Note: If your TV has Google Assistant built-in, you can ask Google Assistant for help. Whether the TV supports Google Assistant varies depending on your region or language. For details, refer to the following article: Supported countries/regions/languages and how to use Google Assistant

    Content

    Before you start

    You will need to pair the remote control to your TV before it will work. The pairing method depends on the type of your remote control.

    • Your TV requires an Internet connection to use voice search.
    • For models released in 2015, refer to the following article: How to pair the Touchpad Remote Control with the TV
    • For models released in 2016 or later, follow the steps below:
      1. Open the Settings screen.
      2. The next steps will depend on your TV menu options:
        • Select Remotes & Accessories — Voice Remote Control or Remote ControlActivate microphone button or Connect via Bluetooth. (For Android™ 9 or later)
        • Select Voice Remote Control or Remote ControlActivate microphone button or Connect via Bluetooth. (For Android 8.0 or earlier)
      3. Follow the onscreen instructions.

    Once this has been completed, follow the steps below to use the voice search function.
    Notes:

    • Remote controls that support voice recognition will have a Microphone button or mark, as illustrated below. Please confirm whether the remote control has a Microphone button or mark.
    • The position of the Microphone button may vary, depending on your region or model.

    Microphone button on the two type of remote controls

    • A: Touchpad Remote Control for models released in 2015
    • B: Remote control for models released in 2016 or later

    For Google TV models (except for W8K, X74K_X75K series):

    1. On the remote control, press and hold the Microphone button. The LED on the remote control will light up showing that the voice search function has been activated.
    2. During holding the Microphone button, speak into the microphone on the remote control.

    For W8K, X74K_X75K series, and Android TV models:

    1. On the remote control, press the Microphone button.
    2. The LED on the remote control will light up showing that the voice search function has been activated, then speak into the microphone on the remote control.

    Notes:

    • If your voice is not being recognized, refer to the Voice Commands do not work on my remote control article.
    • When you press the microphone button on your Remote Control or activate it through the voice search icon, the feature will only stay on for a few moments before automatically switching off. You can tell when the voice search option is activated as the microphone icon or your screen will be red (for record), and the LED on your remote will be on.
    • Voice search does not support web browsing. It specifically aggregates content from YouTube™ and supplied in the Google Play Store. The search also includes apps which have some affiliation with Google. You can view/adapt the content linked to voice search by using one of the following menu paths:
      • Quick settings — Settings — Accounts & Sign In — Google TV Account — Google Assistant — Searchable apps.
      • HOME — Settings — Device Preferences — Google Assistant — Searchable apps.
      • HOME — Settings — Device Preferences — Google — Searchable apps.
      • HOME SettingsSearch — Searchable apps.

    The voice search function of the Android TV device allows users to do the following using the optional accessory Touchpad Remote Control or the supplied IR Remote Control.

    • Search for content - A list of relevant content and apps will appear on-screen. Here are sample search phrases.

      • Pancakes
      • Romantic comedies
      • Oscar winners
    • Ask questions - Answers will appear on-screen. Here are sample questions.

      • Who is the president of Italy?
      • What time is it in London?
      • What is 24,000 divided by 7?
    • Control or operate the TV - The input or app will be activated. Below are sample control commands.

      • HDMI 1
      • Open YouTube