Google Assistant not saying names in routines, fix in the works

Google Assistant routines are part of the core features that make the virtual assistant tick. These are a series of automated actions that keep users updated on their day-to-day events like the morning commute, switching off lights or playing soothing music at bedtime, and so on.

The Google Home app is equipped with plenty of routines to choose from. But you can also create personalized routines to suit your schedule. Speaking of personalization, you can have the voice assistant respond with a custom name when announcing the start of a routine. This has to be set up in the “You” section under Assistant settings.

I have set up Google Assistant to include my name in the ‘Good morning’ routine. However, this hasn’t been the case for a few weeks now. Unlike before, Google Assistant is no longer saying names when announcing the start of routines. Asking Assistant “What’s my name” responds correctly. But it won’t just include names in other instances, which is quite annoying. Although this glitch doesn’t affect any action, leaving out names removes the personal touch I’ve had in my routines for years. Every time I say “Hey Google, good morning”, she responds back with “Good morning Hillary.” But as I pen this, she just says “Good morning.”

Having my name mentioned feels like the routine is speaking directly me. It makes it easier to respond to the actions. And a quick look on Reddit and Google Assistant forum confirms several others are also not hearing their names in routines.

The issue has been reported on Android and Google Home products as well, which means it’s likely an Assistant problem and not a platform issue. The fact that updating to Android 14 doesn’t fix it adds even more weight. However, it’s also interesting to note that the issue doesn’t affect Android Auto users.

Luckily, Google got wind of the issue and is already working to resolve it. It’s been at least two weeks since, but no follow-up has been made so far. We hope the issue gets fixed sooner than later.

Featured image: Google

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