Google Now is not working - you can do it

If Google Now doesn't work on your smartphone, it's often due to incorrect settings. We will show you how to use the service properly again in the following practical tip.

Is Google Now activated?

On most devices, Google Now is already installed and activated by default. If this is not the case with your smartphone, you have to activate the service manually. That's how it's done:

1. In Google Now, go to Settings and go to Search & Google Now> Now Cards.
2. Activate the switch behind "Show cards".
3. Follow the setup tutorial and set a Gmail address for your Google Now service.
4. If you would like to receive notifications about your Now cards, also activate the switch behind "Notifications" in the same settings menu.

Google Now is not working due to a network error - you can do that

If you get a message when opening Google Now that a network error has occurred and cannot use Google Now despite an existing internet connection, there is a solution for this. Note: For the setting changes described below, do not use the device on which Google Now does not work.

1. Open the Google settings for Google Now and select "Search & Google Now"> "Now cards".
2. Switch the button behind "Show cards" to "off" and confirm the pop-up message for deactivation.
3. Under the menu item "Delete card settings?" tap "Delete" in the pop-up (see picture).
4. Then turn on the "Show cards" option on the device with a broken Google Now service.
5. Google Now should now work properly again.

Google Now doesn't work: more solutions

However, sometimes the problem is not that dramatic and you can get Google Now back to work in a few simple steps. That's how it's done:

1. Open your app manager (Settings> Applications) and search for the Google app.
2. Tap the small menu in the top right corner and select "Uninstall updates".
3. If you still have an older version of Android on your smartphone, you can try uninstalling updates in the Google Search app. It is also worth clearing the cache and clearing the data if possible.
4. If nothing helps, you can still do a factory reset and log in again with your Google account on your device. We explain in detail how to do this in the article on "Set up an Android phone".

A Google Nexus 5 with Android 6 and Google Now version 5.4.28.19.arm was used for this practical tip. Another practical tip shows you how to create your own voice commands in Google Now.