When Google Assistant refuses to open anything, it’s usually related to issues with the Google app or smart lock feature, but there could also be a problem with compatibility, your internet connection, or even your microphone. When this problem happens, you will typically see this message: “Sorry, I can’t open apps on this device.” In other cases, Google Assistant won’t respond at all, or you will see the Google Assistant dot icons move for a while, but the requested app won’t open.
How to Check Google Assistant Compatibility
Before you do anything else, make sure that your device is capable of running Google Assistant. If it isn’t, Google Assistant won’t be able to perform any tasks on your phone. For Google Assistant to work, your phone needs to meet these minimum requirements:
Android 5.0 or higher Google app version 6.13 or higher Google Play Services installed At least 1.0 GB of memory Set to a compatible language
Do Any Google Assistant Commands Work?
Google Assistant is a useful tool, but a lot of things can go wrong with it. If your phone meets the requirements and Google Assistant launches when you say “OK Google” or “Hey Google,” check to see if it responds to any commands at all. If you aren’t sure what command to try, here’s a list of Google Assistant commands. Try using a command that can be executed entirely within the Google app, like a search request. If the command works, and you see a list of search results, that means Google Assistant is working in some capacity. If you don’t see any search results, that means you have a problem with Google Assistant not working at all, not just a problem with it refusing to open anything.
How to Fix Google Assistant Not Opening Anything
When Google Assistant refuses to open anything, it’s usually because of problems with the Google app. Rebooting your phone sometimes does the trick, but there are several other things that you’ll want to check as well. If your Google Assistant won’t open anything, follow these troubleshooting steps:
What to Do When Google Assistant Performs Web Searches, But It Won’t Open Anything
When Google Assistant only works with particular commands, like performing web searches, it’s usually related to problems with the Google app. If you’ve ruled that out, then the final thing you should try is disabling the Smart Lock feature. Google Assistant accepts several different commands that all cause it to open an app. If saying “open Gmail” doesn’t work, try saying “launch Gmail” or “play Gmail.” If Google Assistant works with one command, and not with others, retraining the voice model may help. Open the Google app, then navigate to More > Settings > Voice > Voice Match > Retrain voice model. Then tap More, and say the indicated phrases clearly into your phone’s microphone. Open Settings > Apps & notifications. If Google Assistant still won’t open anything, move on to the next step. Open Settings > Apps & notifications > Google. Open Settings > Apps & notifications > Google > the ⋮ (three vertical dots) menu icon > Uninstall updates. If Google Assistant works, don’t update the Google app until Google issues a fix. If it doesn’t work, then try updating the app. You can download the Google app directly from Google Play. Smart Lock is a feature that is designed to prevent your phone from locking or unlock it automatically, under specific conditions. For instance, you can use Smart Lock to automatically unlock your phone if it recognizes your face or voice, or prevent it from locking as long as it’s close to a device like a smartwatch. In some rare cases, Smart Lock can allow Google Assistant to perform some tasks, like searching the web, but prevent it from opening apps, making appointments, setting alarms, and other more advanced functions. Here’s how to disable the smart lock feature:
