How to Change the Google Voice: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to personalize your Google experience by tweaking the voice that responds to your commands? You’ve come to the right place. Changing the Google Assistant voice is straightforward, allowing you to select from a variety of accents and genders to find one that truly resonates with you. This article delves into the process, providing a detailed walkthrough and answering frequently asked questions to ensure you master the art of customizing your Google voice.

Changing the Google Assistant Voice: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of changing your Google Assistant’s voice differs slightly depending on the device you’re using. Here’s a breakdown for both mobile devices (Android and iOS) and Google Home speakers:

On Mobile Devices (Android and iOS)

This method applies to any device where you have the Google Assistant app installed, be it your smartphone or tablet.

1. Open the Google Assistant App: Locate the Google Assistant app icon on your device and tap to launch it. Alternatively, you can trigger the Assistant by saying “Hey Google” or “Ok Google” if you have voice activation enabled.
2. Access Assistant Settings: Look for your profile icon or initials. This is usually located in the top-right corner of the screen. Tap on it. If you do not find it in the top right corner, tap “You” or “Your services” at the bottom of the screen. Then tap on the three vertical dots to access the settings menu.
3. Navigate to Assistant Voices: Scroll down until you find the “Assistant voice” option. It might be located under a section called “All settings“. Tap on “Assistant voice“.
4. Choose Your Preferred Voice: You will now see a selection of available voices. These are typically represented by different colored circles or profiles. Tap on each one to hear a brief sample of the voice.
5. Confirm Your Selection: Once you’ve found a voice you like, simply select it. The change is usually instantaneous. You can test the new voice by asking the Assistant a question.

On Google Home Speakers and Smart Displays

Changing the voice on your Google Home devices involves using the Google Home app.

1. Open the Google Home App: Find and launch the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged in to the same Google account as your Google Home device.
2. Select Your Device: Locate the specific Google Home speaker or smart display you want to change the voice on. You can find your devices by scrolling through the main screen or by tapping the “Devices” icon at the bottom.
3. Access Device Settings: Tap on the device you’ve selected. Then, tap the gear icon in the top-right corner to access the device’s settings.
4. Navigate to Assistant Voice: Scroll down and look for the “Assistant voice” option. Tap on it.
5. Choose Your Preferred Voice: Similar to the mobile app, you’ll see a selection of available voices. Tap on each one to hear a sample.
6. Confirm Your Selection: Select the voice you prefer. The change will typically take effect within a few seconds. You can then test it by saying “Hey Google” or “Ok Google” and asking a question.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Voice Availability: The number and type of voices available may vary depending on your region and language settings.
• Consistent Voice Across Devices: You can choose to use the same voice across all your Google Assistant-enabled devices, or you can set different voices for each device.
• Accessibility: Google provides options for accessibility, including different speaking rates and volumes. Explore the accessibility settings within the Google Assistant app for further customization.
• Voice Updates: Google occasionally releases new voices and features for the Assistant. Keep your Google apps updated to ensure you have access to the latest options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about changing the Google voice to further enhance your understanding:

1. Why can’t I find the “Assistant voice” option in my settings?

Ensure you’re using the latest version of the Google app or Google Home app. Outdated versions may not have the “Assistant voice” option available. Also, double-check that your language is supported for voice customization.

2. How many different voices are available for Google Assistant?

The number of available voices varies depending on your region and language. However, Google typically offers a range of voices, often distinguished by color or number, allowing you to choose a preferred accent and gender. The number is typically between 10 and 12 voices.

3. Can I use a custom voice for Google Assistant?

Unfortunately, custom voice creation isn’t a standard feature of Google Assistant. You’re limited to the voices provided by Google. However, third-party apps might offer limited functionality but use with caution.

4. Will changing the Google Assistant voice affect other voice-related services on my phone?

No, changing the Google Assistant voice only affects the voice used by the Google Assistant. It won’t impact the voice used by other apps or features, such as text-to-speech services or voice navigation.

5. Can I change the voice on my Google Nest Hub Max to a male voice?

Yes, the Google Nest Hub Max, like other Google Home devices, allows you to choose between different male and female voices within the available options.

6. How do I revert back to the default Google Assistant voice?

In the “Assistant voice” settings, simply select the default voice option. It is usually indicated by a specific name or number (e.g., “Google Assistant Voice 1”) or by a designation like “Default“.

7. Why is the Google Assistant voice speaking a different language than I selected?

Check your language settings in both the Google app and your device’s system settings. Ensure they are set to your preferred language. Mismatched language settings can cause the Assistant to use a different language than expected.

8. Does changing the Google Assistant voice impact the Assistant’s functionality?

No, changing the voice is purely cosmetic. It doesn’t affect the Assistant’s ability to understand commands, answer questions, or perform tasks.

9. Can I set different Google Assistant voices for different user profiles on the same device?

Yes, if you have multiple user profiles set up on your Google Home device, each profile can have its own preferred Google Assistant voice. This allows for personalized experiences for each user.

10. I changed the voice, but it sounds distorted. What should I do?

First, ensure your device’s volume is at an appropriate level. If the distortion persists, try restarting your device. If the problem continues, it could indicate a software issue, and you might need to contact Google support.

11. Can I use a celebrity voice for Google Assistant?

At the current time, Google does not provide the option to use celebrity voices for Google Assistant. However, Google occasionally partners with celebrities for limited-time promotions. So, it is possible in the future.

12. I want my Google Assistant to speak faster or slower. Is that possible?

Yes. Navigate to Accessibility in your Android device settings and adjust the Text-to-speech output settings. While not directly linked to Google Assistant settings, this change impacts the speaking rate used by Google Assistant.