Google Assistant Shortcuts: How to Create Them
Google Assistant, now available on most Android phones and iPhones, makes it easy to access information on the go, make hands-free calls, send texts and emails, play music, and much more. In addition to all of these voice-controlled features, Google Assistant can also perform many additional actions thanks to third-party Shortcuts services such as IFTTT (If This Then That). These Shortcuts allow Google Assistant to perform multiple actions with just one command or question. They are similar to MacOS Automator Actions or iOS’s Siri Shortcuts.
Download the free app
There are two ways you can get started with Google Assistant shortcuts. First, you can download the new Google app from the Play Store. Second, you can head over to this website and create your first shortcut. Click on Add Action and select a voice command, like Take me home or Turn on the lights. You can then add a phrase that will activate it like Okay Google, take me home! or click on an icon for things like media controls or reminders.
Pick a category
There are four types of shortcuts that can be created with Google Assistant. Category, phrase, result and assistant. To create a shortcut all one has to do is say ‘Hey Google’ or ‘OK Google’ followed by the command and then the trigger word (category, phrase, result or assistant). For example, if you wanted your shortcuts to involve finding recipes in your inbox you would say ‘Hey Google I want recipes in my inbox.’ After saying this command you would then type in the category which would be email followed by the trigger word which would be recipe. You can find a list of categories and phrases on google’s developer site here.
Start Shortcut Creation
To create a shortcut with Google Assistant, you’ll need to first make sure that you have the latest version of the Google app installed on your phone. The Google app is usually pre-installed on Android phones and iPhones.
Next, open up the app and tap the hamburger icon in the top left corner of the home screen. This will bring up an option screen where you’ll see Assistant settings as one of your options. Tap that and then tap Shortcuts.
That’s it!
The Google assistant is capable of many tasks, one of which being creating shortcuts. A shortcut can be created by following these steps:
- Open the Google app and tap the menu icon in the top left corner.
- Scroll down and tap on Settings.
- Under Assistant tap on Your Stuff.
- Tap on Shortcuts
- Tap +, give your shortcut a name, and input what you want it to do.
