Update: The method in the article is not working anymore but there is another workaround. Check out our video to enable Google Assistant on your Android smartphone (Android 6.0 Marshmallow or higher):
When Google first launched their flagship phones for 2016 – the Pixel, and Pixel XL – one of their many USPs, was the brand new Google Assistant. The new, AI powered virtual assistant from Google was an instant hit, with its excellent recognition skills, and answers to almost everything. Google Assistant easily beat Siri, and Hound. However, Google did not push the Assistant to any other Android devices (even the ones running Android 7.0 Nougat). While there is a way to get Google Assistant on rooted Android Nougat devices, you can now officially get the Google Assistant in any Android device running Android 5.0 Lollipop and above:
Downloading the Google Search (Alpha) App
Google just released the latest alpha version of the Google Search App. The app brings a host of cool features, along with Google Assistant on non-Pixel devices.
Note: We tested this out on a Nexus 5X running Android 7.1.1 Nougat, a Moto G4 Plus running on Android 7.0 Nougat, and a OnePlus X running Android 6.0 Marshmallow. All of the devices got Google Assistant, however, I also tried it on the Galaxy S7 and it did not work on it. So, your mileage may vary.
The first thing you will have to do, is download and install the Google Search Alpha app. You can do this, by following the steps mentioned below:
- First, download (link has been removed) the Google App 6.13.5.21 alpha from APKMirror.
- Go to Settings -> Security, and enable “Unknown Sources“. This will allow you to install apps from downloaded APK files.
- Install the Google App 6.13.5.21 alpha APK on your phone.
Launch and Set Up Google Assistant
Once you’ve installed the app, you can get Google Assistant working on your device, just follow the steps mentioned below in order to set up Google Assistant on your Android device:
- Press and hold the “home button” on your Android phone. You should see a screen saying “New! You just got the Google Assistant“. Just tap on “Continue”.
- The Google Assistant will then tell you how to bring it up when you need to ask a question. Tap on “Continue”. It will then ask you for the required permissions. Tap “Yes, I’m in” if you want to use the assistant.
- Google Assistant will then launch on your device, and will take you through the basics of using it.
SEE ALSO: Google Home vs Amazon Echo: Google Assistant Takes on Alexa
Get Google Assistant on Any Android Phone without Root
While the Google App that brings Google Assistant to every Android phone is in alpha, at the moment, this probably means that when this version of the Google App becomes stable, we may see Google Assistant in every Android smartphone. However, if you can’t wait for that, you can follow the steps I’ve mentioned in this article, to get the latest (alpha) build of the Google App on your Android phone. The best part, is that you don’t need to have a rooted device in order for this to work. If you’re wondering what Google Assistant does better than Google Now, you can check out our articles on Google Assistant tricks, and IFTTT integrations.
So, what are your thoughts on Google Assistant? Do let us know in the comments section below.
New apk won’t work on new devices, I have found an entry on reddit to make it confirm. I have tried it with my nexus 6p running Android N. There is an another way, You could try beta testing program and it will require $25.
New aplha APK was working but it is no longer working right now. If you try to install the APK, it will show the error. Google is toeing with us 😛
Reddit Link – https://www.reddit.com/r/Nexus6P/comments/5tbnv1/google_assistant_showed_up_out_of_no_where/
Not working
Not working at all in Moto g4 PLAY
I think these guys are making fool they are not replying any comment. And these will not work you can’t fool Google they will launch after some period for all non Google phones
Broo it will work on my moto g4 plus sucessfully
Did not work for my moto g4 plus
Same here bro. I tried all.
There is some other factor that is helping a phone to run assistant. I installed the app on 2 Moto G4+, 1 got it 1 didn’t. All others websites(like android police) mentioned that many phones of same model didn’t get it.
Not working on my OP3T 🙁
*Page Not Found* on download link…
Google App 6.13.5.21.alpha does not install on Moto G4 Plus. (verified from 2-3 different sources)
Google App 6.13.5.16.alpha got installed but it opens Google Now.
update if you have anything newer info else delete this blog (for now).
P.S. I am a fan of your work.
Dont work on my moto g4 plus
Not working on my Nexus 5x with 7. 1.1
Help me out . while installing it says your device is not compatible. I use a moto g4 plus on android 7.0 pls help me
Page not found!
It directly opens google now in my moto g4 plus . And assistant is not opening
It directly opens google now in my moto g4 plus .
Yeah my g4 plus also shows now on tap,no Google assistant
Not working on my Redmi 3s Prime
This does not work anymore. Google disabled it server side.
Also in sony Z5 premium it is not working
Not working on my Nexus 5x. Why?????
It didn’t open in moto g4 plus, i directly opens Google now on tap.
I have the Google alpha app on my Moto G4 plus running on Android 7.0 .. after this installation only thing got is Google Now..How to get Google assistant..Do I want to root my device?.. pls help me
Can’t use it on Moto G4 plus as you menssioned. It launches Back as normal no change noticed. Plz Help BEEBOM :*
thats exactly happening with me i use moto g4 plus and i got google alpha app bt it opens google now.Beebom how u guys tested it ? Please make a video and post it on YouTube. Please .!!
Didn’t work on 6P, 7.1.1, Feb update
Hey guys im unable to get it to work on. Oneplus 3 anyone. Knows how i can get it?
I m looking for it also. I am also a OnePlus 3 user. 9537025644 you can whats ap me ..
I have bug. In phon when i put phone in flight mode and then lock the phone when I remove the flight mode then it start Bluetooth and sometimes wifi also.
Do you face the same ?? In new 4.0.2 version
Won’t work for Redmi 3S, Android M based MIUI V8.1.1.0
I’ve confirmed that I’ve got the alpha, but it launches Google screen search every time.
Didn’t work on my Redmi Note 3. What a bummer!