Google Assistant is a top-performing voice and personal assistant service that's built into Android, Google Nest technology, and other supported devices. Google Assistant is even available for iPhones and iPads, but how?

Accessibility is key, and Apple has no real grounds to not let Google Assistant on the App Store, certainly not legally. However, they can give Google the standard long way round Apple treatment by making it difficult for users to use it.

How to use Google Assistant on iPhone

There is a way to allow Google Assistant functionality such as ‘Hey Google' on iPhones, but there's a catch. Users will need to say ‘Hey Siri' first, which shouldn't be a surprise to anyone at all. If you have a Google smart home setup and want to make life a little easier for yourself, here's how to use Google Assistant on iPhone, including setting the service up:

Install and Setup

Go to the app store and download Google Assistant by searching for it and hitting the download button next to it. Whilst waiting, pop over to Settings > Siri & Search and make sure ‘Hey Siri' is switched on.

After downloading, open up and go through the on-screen options inside Google Assistant. Make sure to allow microphone permissions so that Google Assistant can hear commands.

Make A Siri Shortcut

For this to work, you'll need Siri to open up Google Assistant.  Open the Shortcuts app and tap the + sign to kick things off, followed by ‘Add Action'. Then search for ‘Assistant' which will appear under the apps heading. Then tap ‘Hey Google' and toggle on ‘Show When Run' followed by next. Finally, name the shortcut ‘Hey Google' and tap done.

How to use Google Assistant on iPhone

This is where the fun begins. Say ‘Hey Siri Hey Google' to prompt a message from Siri on iPhone stating ‘What would you like to ask Google?” to then type your question. Alternatively, say “Hey Siri Key Google” to automatically bring up the keyboard for Google Assistant. You can also tap the microphone icon to take advantage of Google Assistants' voice recognition.

Thanks for choosing PC Guide for help learning how to use Google Assistant on iPhone. For more help with Google and Apple products, visit and bookmark our Android and iOS hubs respectively. 

About the Author

Christian Wait

Christian 'Reggie' Waits' is a contributor to PC Guide, having written a wide array of how to and buying guide content.