Control your phone with just your voice? You can with Siri (iPhone) and Google Assistant (Android). From calling and sending messages to checking the weather and setting reminders, all hands-free. In this complete guide you will learn everything about voice assistants.

What can you do with a voice assistant?

Voice assistants can do a surprising amount. Here are the most important things they can do:

Communication

  • "Call my daughter"
  • "Send a text to Jan: I'm on my way"
  • "Send a WhatsApp to Marie"
  • "Read my new messages"

Looking up information

  • "What's the weather today?"
  • "What time is it in New York?"
  • "What's the latest news?"
  • "How many calories are in an apple?"
  • "Who is the prime minister of Belgium?"

Calendar and reminders

  • "What's on my calendar today?"
  • "Create an appointment: dentist Wednesday at 10 o'clock"
  • "Remind me about the laundry at 5 o'clock"
  • "Set an alarm for 7 tomorrow morning"
  • "Navigate to the Albert Heijn"
  • "How long is the drive to Amsterdam?"
  • "Where is the nearest gas station?"
  • "When does the next train to Utrecht leave?"

Entertainment

  • "Play relaxing music"
  • "Play the latest album by André Rieu"
  • "Set a timer for 20 minutes"
  • "Tell me a joke"

Controlling smart devices

  • "Turn on the lights in the living room"
  • "Set the thermostat to 20 degrees"
  • "Lock the front door"

Setting up and using Siri (iPhone/iPad)

Activating Siri with your voice

  1. Go to Settings → Siri & Search
  2. Turn on "Hey Siri
  3. Follow the instructions to record your voice
  4. Say the phrases clearly
  5. Now you can say "Hey Siri" to activate Siri

Activating Siri with a button

  • iPhone with Face ID: Press and hold the side button
  • iPhone with a Home button: Press and hold the Home button
  • iPad: Press and hold the top button or the Home button

Adjusting Siri settings

Go to Settings → Siri & Search for:

  • Language: Choose Dutch
  • Siri Voice: Choose male or female
  • Siri Responses: Always, only with "Hey Siri", or silent
  • Siri Suggestions: On/off per app

Handy Siri commands

  • "Hey Siri, set a timer for 10 minutes for the eggs"
  • "Hey Siri, what is 15% of 85 euros?"
  • "Hey Siri, translate 'good morning' into French"
  • "Hey Siri, how's my battery?"
  • "Hey Siri, take a selfie"
  • "Hey Siri, where did I park my car?"

Setting up and using Google Assistant (Android)

Activating Google Assistant with your voice

  1. Open the Google app
  2. Tap your profile picture → Settings
  3. Tap Google Assistant
  4. Tap "Hey Google" & Voice Match
  5. Turn on "Hey Google
  6. Follow the instructions to train your voice

Activating Google Assistant with a button

  • Press and hold the home button
  • Say "OK Google" or "Hey Google"
  • On some phones: squeeze the sides

Google Assistant settings

Open the Google app → profile picture → Settings → Google Assistant for:

  • Languages: Add Dutch
  • Assistant voice: Choose from several options
  • Voice Match: Train your voice for better recognition
  • Devices: Link smart devices

Handy Google Assistant commands

  • "OK Google, how many steps have I taken today?"
  • "OK Google, find recipes with chicken"
  • "OK Google, what's this song?" (when music is playing)
  • "OK Google, put my phone on silent"
  • "OK Google, take a photo"
  • "OK Google, where is my phone?" (on other devices)

Tips for better speech recognition

Speak clearly

  • Talk at a normal pace, not too fast
  • Pronounce words fully
  • Avoid background noise such as the TV or radio

Be specific

  • Instead of "Call home" → "Call Piet Janssen at home"
  • Instead of "Turn on music" → "Play jazz music on Spotify"
  • Add details: "Set an alarm for Monday at 7 in the morning"

Correct the assistant

Did the assistant misunderstand you? You can:

  • Say it again
  • Edit the text on the screen by tapping it
  • Say "No, I meant..."

Privacy and voice assistants

When is the assistant listening?

Voice assistants only start actively listening after the wake word ("Hey Siri" or "OK Google"). Before that, your phone listens locally for the wake word, but nothing is stored or sent.

Viewing and deleting your voice history

Siri:

  1. Go to Settings → Siri & Search
  2. Tap Siri & Dictation History
  3. Tap Delete Siri & Dictation History

Google:

  1. Go to myactivity.google.com
  2. Filter on "Assistant"
  3. View and delete your activity

Turning off the microphone

Want to turn off "Hey Siri" or "OK Google" completely? You can do that in the settings. You can then still use the assistant with the button.

Troubleshooting

The assistant doesn't understand me well

  • Check that the microphone isn't blocked (by a case?)
  • Speak closer to the phone
  • Retrain your voice in the settings
  • Check that the correct language is set

The assistant activates by accident

If the assistant activates by accident too often:

  • Retrain your voice
  • Turn off voice activation and only use the button

Commands don't work

  • Check your internet connection (needed for most features)
  • Update the Google app or iOS to the latest version
  • Restart your phone

With a little practice, voice control becomes a handy second nature!

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