Article ID : 00202278 / Last Modified : 11/02/2023Print

Using hands-free voice search (only for TVs with a built-in MIC)

    IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

    You can search for content or operate the TV hands-free when the Built-in MIC is enabled. Whether the TV supports Built-in MIC varies depending on your region or language.

    Note: Google Assistant or voice search with the Built-in MIC requires an Internet connection. For Google TV models, it is also required that you be signed into a Google Account.

    How to enable or disable the Built-in MIC:

    Google TV™

    • Set the Built-in MIC switch status on the TV to ON or OFF to enable or disable the microphone.
      Note: You can find detailed information about the location of the Built-in MIC switch in the Reference Guide.
    • Set the Hands-free Mic to ON or OFF.
      1. On the remote control, press the Quick Settings ( or ) button and select Settings.
      2. Select PrivacyGoogle AssistantHands-free Mic and set it to ON or OFF.
      Note: The Hands-free Mic setting was added by an update. If the setting does not appear, make sure the Auto-update apps at any time setting is enabled in your Google Play store profile.

    Android TV™

    1. On the remote control, press the HOME button.
    2. Select Settings.
    3. The following steps will depend on your TV menu options:
      • Select Device PreferencesGoogle Assistant → “Ok Googledetection. (Android™ 9)
      • Select Google → “Ok Google detection. (Android 8.0)

    You can also set the Built-in MIC when you press the Google Assistant/Microphone button on the remote control or select Google Assistant/Microphone.

    How to use the Built-in MIC

    When you face the TV and say “Ok Google”, you can use the following features hands-free:

    • Voice search
    • TV operation

    You can also use the Built-in MIC when the TV is in Standby mode.

    Note: Supported language settings are English (United States), English (United Kingdom), Français (France), and 日本語 only. Other languages are not supported.

    When you face the TV and say, “Ok Google”, the TV’s LED indicator lights up yellow. During that time, you can face the TV and speak commands, such as asking about the weather forecast or turning on the TV. When the Built-in MIC is enabled, the TV’s LED indicator stays lit in amber. To turn off this indicator, perform the following procedure:

    1. Open the Settings screen.
      • If the remote control has a Quick Settings ( or ) button, press the Quick Settings button and select Settings
      • If the remote control doesn't have a Quick Settings ( or ) button, press the HOME button and select Settings
    2. The following steps will depend on your TV menu options:
      • Select SystemLED indicator → disable Voice detection status
      • Select Device PreferencesLED indicator → disable Built-in MIC LED
      • Select LED indicator → disable Built-in MIC LED

    If the TV supports Google Assistant, you can ask Google Assistant for hands-free operation. For details, refer to the Supported countries/regions/languages and how to use the Google Assistant article.