Swap Your Pixel 2’s Google Assistant For Cortana

Swap Your Pixel 2’s Google Assistant For Cortana

Your Google Pixel 2 has a pretty capable built-in butler in the form of Google Assistant. Not everyone with an Android phone, however, is all-in on Google’s ecosystem. In fact, some users might be – wait for it – Microsoft users. And that means Cortana is their go-to virtual assistant. Thanks to Microsoft, you can ditch Google’s voice assistant and swap it out with one that’s more up your alley.

Image credit: Tinh tế Photo/Flickr

How to Get Cortana on Your Phone

To change your voice assistant from Google’s default assistant to Microsoft’s Cortana, you’ll need the proper app. You can download Cortana from the Google Play Store. After your download is complete, you’ll be asked to log in with your Microsoft account (or create one, if you haven’t already).

Changing From Google to Cortana

After you sign in, you can follow Cortana’s on-screen prompts and set it to be your default assistant. Hit “Add Cortana as default assistant” to be redirected to your Settings page, specifically the Assist & voice input page. Here,you can change your assistant app, edit your Active Edge settings, and change your voice recognition preferences. To get there manually, visit Settings > Apps & Notifications > Advanced > Default apps.

You’ll need to change your assistant from Enhanced Google Services to Cortana. Keep in mind you’ll be granting it access to information about the apps in your smartphone, and any personal data like contacts and calendars.

Using Voice Commands

To wake Cortana up, just hold the Home button, and Cortana will start listening while it presents you with a quick look at the rest of your day. You can turn on voice recognition inside the Cortana app if you’ve got a question while you’re planning for your upcoming meeting. In its Settings page, enable “Hey Cortana” so you and your new assistant can function hands-free, inside the app or on your device’s lock screen. One downside: using Cortana as your primary voice assistant disables the Pixel 2’s Active Edge functionality. Squeezing the sides won’t activate Cortana.


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