Using hands-free Voice Search (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 switch on the TV is set to ON or if the “Ok Google” detection setting is enabled. Whether the TV supports Built-in MIC varies depending on your region or language.

How to enable or disable the Built-in MIC

For Google TV™ models:

• 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 Privacy → Google Assistant → Hands-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.

For Android TV™ models:

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

You can also set the Built-in MIC when you press the Microphone button on the remote control or select the 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 in yellow. During that time, you can face the TV and speak commands, such as asking about the weather forecast, or you can also turn on the TV. When the Built-in MIC is enabled, the TV’s LED indicator stays lit up in amber. To turn off this indicator, perform the following procedure:

1. Open the  Settings screen.   How to access Settings: 
   • If the remote control has a Quick Settings ( or ) button, press the Quick Settings button and select  Settings.
   • If the remote control does not have a Quick Settings ( or ) button, press the HOME button and select  Settings.
2. The next steps will depend on your TV menu options:
   • Select System →  LED indicator → disable Voice detection status. (Android 10)
   • Select Device Preferences → LED indicator → disable Built-in MIC LED. (Android 9)
   • Select LED indicator → disable Built-in MIC LED. (Android 8.0)