Unlock device through "Ok Google" vocal command

[Tomasclaro]

Hi there, 

I'm not able to unlock the device using the "ok google" vocal command. (of course, the command is activated and it is working fine if the device is unlocked)

Is there any particular settings I need to modify? 

thanks

[Tomasclaro]

I think it's enough. 

i just need to wake the google app, so that it can listen to my further vocal command, like "start a call with a specific contact" or "set up reminder" etc... 

thanks for following the conversation, i ll let you know.

[Lord_viridis]

Thanks, hopefully you can get it working as it seems to be hit and miss away from Nexus devices

[Tomasclaro]

it doesn't work, unless the sreen is already woken. 

but i think it should work, because in the Ok Google settings there is written: "allow device unlock through ok google when the sounds match your vocal model."

but what's the point of this, if I need to wake up the screen manually before give the phone a vocal input??? sound strange to me!

i think the only solution is a bluetooth earphone with the smartlock setting that keep the phone unlocked until connected to the earphone...

[Lord_viridis]

But,,"allow device unlock through ok google when the sounds match your vocal model" means just that. It will unlock, unfortunately it won't wake.

[Tomasclaro]

ok. but what is the difference if the vocal command wake up the phone and then unlock it at same time?

to wake the phone you just need to tap the screen or click the start button... the security control is after the wakin up function. 

so, if the vocal command does both things at the same time, nothing change, 

[Hardy66]

If the phone was able to wakeup just by a voice command that would imply that the microphone and the DSP (for the voice recognition algorithm) is up and running all the time even during display off and idle mode.

This would drastically drain the battery in standby - surely not appreciated by the majority of users ...

[Lord_viridis]

That was what I thought,

[Tomasclaro]

ok, u're right. 

but from a UX point of view i think there are several situations you would need an OK GOOGLE command listening in background also with screen off/idle status. 

ie: it's winter, you wear gloves, you have phone in pocket with earphone.  you want to start a call. just call ok google through the mic. no need to touch any phisical command. or the same is if you are running in example. 

may be with tasker or any other similar app is possible to set specific conditions to have the ok google command listening in background. 

[TimmyXperia]

Thanks for the post, I believe its a conflicting feature between Google and Sony Android version, the device wakes up on "OK Google" but doesn't unlock the device, so unfortunate

I hope Sony fix this limitation soon, my Nexus 5 which is now dead, was acting perfectly on "OK Google"...

[Strampke]

@Tomasclaro

OK Google only reacts when the screen is awake.

There are different options to help you in this situation.

- If you have a cover on your phone then place a little magnet on the right spot of the cover

   - when you open the cover the screen will wake up and you can OK Google with your device

- You can use Tasker or Macrodroid

   - set it to wake up when shaking the device and to give you feedback by vibrating, so you know OK Google is expecting you to communicate

I use and used both methods to be able to talk to my phone while driving and not being disturbed by having to watch the phone.

The magnet method uses less battery power.