Did you know that Xbox has built-in support for voice control with Amazon Alexa? But what if you use Google Assistant and a compatible speaker instead? The news is just as positive, with Google Assistant enjoying the same treatment as Alexa. And just as with Amazon's speaker, there is no direct hardware connection. Instead, you use the power of the cloud and Google Assistant.

The two aren't completely identical, as you would expect. But the overall execution is just as good, whichever you use. The setup process for Google Assistant is a little different, though, so let's walk through it step-by-step.

How to use Google Assistant to control your Xbox

Before you start, there are a couple of things you should make sure are in order. First, make sure your console's power mode is set to sleep so you can activate your Xbox with the assistant. After that, make sure your Google Assistant-enabled speaker is on the same wireless network as your Xbox and that you're logged in on the console with the correct Microsoft account. You will also need the Google Home application for Android or iOS installed on your phone or tablet. Finally, you can jump into the steps below:

  1. Press the Xbox button on the controller.
  2. Navigate to Settings in the guide.
  3. Select General then Power options.
    power settings on Xbox
  4. Under Power Options, select Sleep.
  5. Go back to the main page in settings and select Devices & Connections.
  6. Select Digital assistants.
  7. Check Enable digital assistants.
    Digital Assitants menu on Xbox
  8. Log in to the Google Home app with whichever Google account you wish to use Assistant with.
  9. Select Devices.
  10. Select Add.
  11. Select Works with Google.
  12. Search for Xbox in the search bar at the top.
    Xbox Assistants
  13. Select Xbox.
  14. Log in with your Microsoft account and follow the prompts to select the console you wish to link.

If you only have one Xbox console, then you can get away with just naming it Xbox, but if you have multiple, then naming will be crucial. The Xbox action will need to be able to differentiate between the consoles with the names you provide.

Now linked, Google Assistant will be able to control features on your Xbox console with your voice. Some of the basics include:

  • Hey Google, turn on Xbox
  • Hey Google, play Halo Infinite on Xbox
  • Hey Google, take a screenshot on Xbox

There are many more voice commands you can use with Google Assistant and your Xbox. Microsoft has a full list that's worth bookmarking as you learn to use the feature.