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LuckyCharms

(21,426 posts)
Wed Dec 24, 2025, 01:16 PM 2 hrs ago

Technical phone question regarding "OK Google".

Samsung S23 Android.

I normally use "OK Google" verbally to navigate.

I'll say "OK Google" and the OK Google thing pops up and then I'll say "Navigate me to 125 Jones Road" and it will bring me to Google maps. Google maps will then start talking to me to navigate me.

Now, when I say "OK Google", the OK Google thing pops up, and I'll instruct it navigate me somewhere, and it will say "I'm sorry, I don't understand".

However, if I say "OK Google", and then say "bring me to Google maps", it will do so, but then I have to type in my destination instead of saying it verbally, and then it will start navigating me vocally.

The fact that it won't accept my verbal commands to navigate is obviously not desirable, especially when driving, considering the fact that I'm not going to pick up my phone and type my destination in when I'm behind the wheel.

I've been on hold with Verizon Tech Coach for 25 minutes now, and still waiting.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance, and Merry Christmas.

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Technical phone question regarding "OK Google". (Original Post) LuckyCharms 2 hrs ago OP
It's a known issue AZJonnie 2 hrs ago #1
Thank you so much. n/t LuckyCharms 42 min ago #3
Jonnie... LuckyCharms 30 min ago #5
I'm bookmarking this with a k7r Niagara 2 hrs ago #2
Ohhhhh Nooooooo!!! LuckyCharms 39 min ago #4
Try using a cartoon dog voice. Harker 9 min ago #6

AZJonnie

(2,700 posts)
1. It's a known issue
Wed Dec 24, 2025, 01:25 PM
2 hrs ago

Quick fixes to try (in order). As an aside, personally I recommend upgrading the digital assistant to use Gemini (it's much better) rather than the 'stock' one that comes packaged with Android OS if you've not already done (it's in the Google Play Store). I've an S25+ with Gemini and the voice nav still works, plus it's just generally much more powerful than the stock Digital Assistant, and its free.

Retraining/re-enable voice model (most common fix):
Google app → Profile → Settings → Google Assistant → Hey Google & Voice Match → Retraining (say phrases 3x). Toggle Hey Google off/on.

Clear Google/Maps cache/data:
Settings → Apps → Google → Storage → Clear cache (then Clear data if needed, re-login). Repeat for Google Maps and Assistant apps. Restart phone.

Check/disable Gemini interference:
Settings → Apps → Choose default apps → Digital assistant → Set back to Google (not Gemini/Samsung). One UI 7 beta users report Gemini hijacks voice commands.

Maps-specific voice settings:
Google Maps → Profile → Settings → Navigation → Play voice over Bluetooth (on) + Voice playback language matches your phone locale.

Microphone/permission reset:
Settings → Apps → Google/Maps → Permissions → Microphone (allow all time) + Phone (allow). Test in safe mode (hold power → long press Restart).

LuckyCharms

(21,426 posts)
5. Jonnie...
Wed Dec 24, 2025, 03:18 PM
30 min ago

See my post below to Niagara. The assistant tried the steps you outlined, in the order you outlined, but nothing worked. So we tried switching to Gemini, and it still did not work.

So she tried to transfer me to level 2 assistance and we got got off and my phone is still hosed.

I appreciate you very much for taking the time to outline those steps. Very nice of you.

LuckyCharms

(21,426 posts)
4. Ohhhhh Nooooooo!!!
Wed Dec 24, 2025, 03:09 PM
39 min ago

I've been on the fucking phone with Verizon for almost 2 hours and we tried everything, Nothing worked so she tried to transfer me to Level 2 assistance and we got cut off!!!

Dear God...

i hope you are having a better day than I am!

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