Google Chrome’s voice search lets you search the web by speaking instead of typing. On a computer, select the microphone (Search by voice) in the Google search box; on a phone, tap the microphone in Chrome. If nothing happens, Chrome or your device is usually blocking the microphone. This guide shows how to use voice search and how to fix the permissions on each platform, following Google’s Use your camera and microphone in Chrome help.
Quick Fixes to Try First
- Check your internet connection to ensure it is stable.
- Restart Chrome to resolve temporary glitches.
- Update Chrome to the latest version.
- Ensure your microphone is properly connected and working.
How to Enable Voice Search in Chrome
Voice search needs Chrome to be allowed to use your microphone. The first time a site asks, choose Allow while visiting the site or Allow this time. If you chose Never allow before, change it like this:
Windows, macOS, Linux
- Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Privacy and security.
- Click on Site settings.
- Under Permissions, click on Microphone.
- Choose the default you want, and check that google.com is not in the not-allowed list. If it is, select it and change Microphone to Allow.
Android
- Open the Chrome app.
- To the right of the address bar, tap More > Settings.
- Tap Site settings > Microphone.
- Select Sites can ask for your microphone or camera. If a site is listed under Blocked, tap it and tap Allow.
iPhone and iPad
- Open the iPhone or iPad Settings app and tap Apps.
- Select Chrome.
- Turn on Microphone. Google notes that for Voice Search you may also need to turn on Speech Recognition there.
Microphone Permissions on Your Device
Even when Chrome allows a site, your computer or phone can block Chrome itself:
- Windows and Mac: if Chrome shows a dialog about microphone access, select Open settings, turn on Microphone for Chrome, then restart Chrome if asked.
- Android: if microphone access is off for Chrome on the device, turn it on in Android’s app permissions for Chrome.
- iPhone and iPad: use Settings > Apps > Chrome as above.
If you use Chrome at work or school, your administrator may control the microphone setting.
Using Voice Search
On a computer
- Go to google.com or open a new tab with Google as your search engine.
- Select the microphone (Search by voice) in the search box.
- Speak your search.
Where AI Mode is available, you can also select AI Mode in the address bar and then Microphone to ask a question out loud.
Steps for Android
- Open the Chrome app.
- Tap the microphone in the search bar or address bar.
- Speak your search query clearly.
To keep a Voice search button next to the address bar, tap More > Settings > Toolbar shortcut and select Voice search.
Steps for iOS
- Launch Chrome on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the address bar, then tap Microphone above the keyboard, or tap Microphone on a new tab page.
- Voice your search request.
Voice Search and “Hey Google”
Google says the “Hey Google” trigger only works for Google Assistant, not for voice search in Chrome. In Chrome you start voice search by selecting or tapping the microphone. On Android you can also search by voice in the Google app by tapping its microphone (Use Google Voice Search).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Chrome voice search not working?
Ensure your microphone is enabled and allowed in Chrome’s site settings and in your device’s settings. Check if your internet connection is stable and that you are using the latest version of Chrome.
How do I enable “Ok Google” in Chrome?
You can’t. The “Hey Google” trigger works only for Google Assistant. In Chrome, use the microphone in the search box or address bar.
Does voice search work on all websites?
The microphone button belongs to Google Search (and other sites that build their own voice input). A site can only use your microphone if you allow it.
How can I improve voice search accuracy?
Speak clearly and ensure your microphone is positioned correctly. On a computer you can choose which microphone Chrome uses under Site settings > Microphone. Regularly update Chrome and your operating system for the best performance.