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How to Enable “OK Google” Hotword Detection on Any screen

Finding the process of switching to your Google Now screen to launch OK Google slows you down? While there are a couple of apps that will enable you to set a custom hotword, a more efficient solution would be for Google Now to accept the OK Google command from any screen. Following a recent update, this is now possible, although it is not activated by default. To activate this feature you will need to launch Google Now and say “OK Google”. With the search box ready, say (or enter) “OK Google everywhere”. Ignore the search results and tap Settings>Voice>“OK Google” Detection. From here, enable From any screen and you’re done. Note that enabling the From lock screen option will enable anyone using the “OK Google” command to access your device.

There are a couple of caveats: this won’t work on all devices, only Android 4.3 and later. Also, your
account will need to have been updated at the Google end to enable it. As such, it’s a bit of a lottery at this stage, but eventually device-wide OK Google detection will be available on all compatible devices.