Use hands-free Voice Search on a TV with a built-in MIC

You can search for content or operate the TV hands-free when the Built-in MIC is enabled. Whether the TV supports Built-in MIC varies depending on your region or language.

Google Assistant or voice search with the Built-in MIC requires an Internet connection. For Google TV™ models, it is also required that you be signed into a Google Account.

• How to enable or disable the Built-in MIC
  • Google TV
  • Android TV™
• How to use the Built-in MIC
• How the microphone LED indicator works

How to enable or disable the Built-in MIC:

Google TV

• The Built-in MIC switch is located on the bottom or side of the TV. Set the switch to ON to enable the microphone or OFF to disable it.
  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.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Select Privacy
  4. Select Google Assistant or Voice Assistant
  5. Select Hands-free Mic and then set it to ON or OFF.
  Note: The Hands-free Mic setting was added through a software update for some TV models. If the setting does not appear, make sure the Auto-update apps are enabled in your Google Play store profile.

Android TV

1. On the remote control, press the HOME button.
2. Select Settings.
3. Follow the menu path that matches the Android version installed on the TV:
   • 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 by pressing the Google Assistant / Microphone button on the remote control, or by selecting Google Assistant / Microphone from the TV menu.

How to use the Built-in MIC

Face the TV and say "Ok Google" or "Hey, Google", you can use the following features:

• Voice search
• TV operation

You can also use the Built-in MIC while the TV is in standby mode.

• Hands-free operation is available only in supported languages, countries, and regions. Refer to the article: Supported languages and built-in MIC use for compatible TVs.
• For a list of voice commands available for hands-free operation, refer to the article: How to use Google Assistant.
• If the TV supports Google Assistant, you can ask Google Assistant for hands-free operation. For details, refer to the article: Supported countries/regions/languages and how to use Google Assistant.

How the microphone LED indicator works

When you face the TV and say "Ok Google" or "Hey, Google", the TV’s LED indicator lights up in yellow. During that time, you can face the TV and use voice 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. Access the Settings screen.
   • Press the Quick Settings ( or ) button on your TV's remote control, and select Settings.
   • If the remote control does not have a Quick Settings ( or ) button, press the HOME button and select Settings.
2. Menu options vary by TV model and software version. Follow the steps that match the menus displayed on your TV:
   • Select System → LED indicator → disable Voice detection status
   • Select Device Preferences → LED indicator → disable Built-in MIC LED
   • Select LED indicator → disable Built-in MIC LED