When your Nothing Phone (2) stops responding to "Hey Google" or the side button press, it can feel like you've lost a helpful companion. The voice assistant that's supposed to simplify tasks suddenly goes quiet. Let's walk through the steps to get it talking again.
Start With a Quick Restart
Before diving into settings, try a simple force restart. This clears temporary software glitches that can affect the microphone or assistant service. Just press and hold the Power button for about 10 seconds until the phone vibrates and the Nothing logo appears.
I'd start with this one because it's fast and often works. After the restart, try activating the assistant again by saying "Hey Google" or pressing and holding the power button.
Verify Google Assistant is Your Default
Your Phone (2) needs to know which app should handle voice commands. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps. Look for the "Digital assistant app" section.
Make sure "Google" is selected here. If another app is set, tap on it and choose Google from the list. This ensures your voice requests go to the right place.
Check Your Microphone Permissions
Google Assistant needs explicit permission to use your microphone. Head to Settings > Apps > See all apps and find "Google". Tap on it, then go to Permissions.
Locate the "Microphone" permission and ensure it's set to "Allow only while using the app" or "Allow all the time". If it's denied, the assistant can't hear you. Also, check the permissions for the "Google" app if you have it installed separately from the Assistant.
Re-train Your Voice Model
If the assistant hears you but doesn't respond to "Hey Google," your voice model might need refreshing. Open the Google app and tap your profile picture in the top right. Go to Settings > Voice > Voice Match.
Turn "Hey Google" off, wait a moment, then turn it back on. You'll be guided through the setup process again, where you'll say "Hey Google" a few times. This helps the phone relearn how you speak.
Update Your Software
Bugs in Nothing OS or the Google app can break voice features. First, check for a system update by going to Settings > System > System update.
Next, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, and go to Manage apps & device > Updates available. Look for updates to the "Google" and "Google Assistant" apps. Installing the latest versions often resolves known issues.
Inspect Your Audio Settings
Certain modes can interfere with how the assistant responds. If you can't hear the assistant's replies, check your ring volume by pressing the volume up button. Also, look at your Sound & vibration settings.
Make sure "Do Not Disturb" is turned off for testing, as it can sometimes mute spoken responses. If you use the Flip to Glyph feature, remember that the assistant should still work when the phone is face down, but it's worth testing with the screen up to rule it out.
Check for Physical Microphone Blockages
The Phone (2) has multiple microphones. If they're covered, nothing will work. Check the small pinhole at the bottom of the phone and the one near the rear camera module.
Look for lint, dust, or a case that might be obstructing them. You can gently clean the openings with a soft, dry brush. Avoid using compressed air or sharp objects, as you could push debris further in or cause damage.
Disconnect Bluetooth Accessories
A connected Bluetooth headset or speaker can sometimes hijack the microphone input. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel and tap the Bluetooth icon to turn it off.
Alternatively, go to Settings > Connected devices and disconnect any paired audio devices. Test the assistant with the phone's own microphone to see if that was the culprit.
Clear the Google App's Cache
Corrupted temporary data can cause the assistant to freeze. Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps and find the "Google" app. Tap on it, then select Storage & cache.
Tap "Clear cache". This deletes temporary files without touching your personal data or settings. After clearing, open the Google app and try the assistant again. If problems persist, you can try "Clear storage" or "Clear data", but be aware this will reset the app to its default state.
Reset All App Preferences
This is a broader fix that resets permissions and defaults without deleting your personal files. Navigate to Settings > System > Reset options.
Tap on "Reset app preferences". Confirm the action. This will reset all disabled apps, notification restrictions, and background data limits. You'll need to re-grant microphone permission to the Google app afterward, but it can resolve conflicts caused by a changed system setting.