If you’re seeing the message “Voice search has been turned off” in Google Now, it’s understandable to feel frustrated. Voice search is a handy feature that allows you to perform searches or give commands using voice. When it stops working or displays this message, it generally indicates a settings issue or a problem with your device. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk through how to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
1. **Check if Voice Search is Enabled**
The most common cause is that voice search might be disabled. To verify and enable it, open your device’s Settings menu. Navigate to Apps & Notifications or Apps. Find Google and tap on it. Ensure that Microphone access is granted in Permissions. Also, open the Google app, tap your profile picture, then go to Settings > Voice > Voice Match. Confirm that “Access with Voice Match” or “Hey Google” is toggled on.
2. **Verify Microphone Permissions**
If the microphone isn’t accessible, voice search won’t work. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Google > Permissions and ensure the Microphone toggle is enabled. On iPhone, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and allow access for Google apps.
3. **Ensure the Google App and Voice Settings are Up to Date**
An outdated Google app can cause voice features to malfunction. Open your app store and check for updates. Installing the latest version may resolve bugs. Also, revisit voice settings in Google Now to confirm features like “Hey Google” or “Voice Match” are activated.
4. **Test the Microphone and Speech Recognition**
Hardware issues can cause voice problems. Open a voice recording app or the Voice Recorder on your device and speak into the microphone. If it records clearly, hardware is probably fine. If not, clean your microphone port or consider repairs. Dirt or debris can impair microphone function.
5. **Restart and Reset Voice Settings**
If everything seems correct but voice search still shows as turned off, restart your device. Sometimes a simple reboot fixes temporary glitches. If not, go to Settings, then Voice, and look for options to reset or reconfigure voice settings.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify why your Google Now voice search is inactive or not working. Often, adjusting permissions, updating apps, or resetting settings can resolve the problem quickly. Combining software and hardware checks helps restore smooth voice search functionality.
