Write Up On How To Get Ok Google To Work In 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma

I own a 2018 Toyota Tacoma SR. In my previous last two trucks I was able to use Ok Google on my Android phone through the microphone and speakers of the trucks. I used Ok Google all the time while driving. It is a huge help while traveling. However I have been unable to get Ok Google to work in my Toyota. I spent a lot of time messing with the settings on the radio and the steering wheel buttons and could not get Ok Google to work.

The other day I got to fiddling around on my Android S7 Active phone. I figured out how to get Ok Google to work in my 2018 Toyota Tacoma SR.

I went to my phone's Settings and clicked the following:


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I then connected the phone to the USB port in the dash. I then Ok Googled a few different times while the phone was connected to the USB port. I noticed that all OK Google features work through the trucks microphone and speakers while the phone is wired to the USB port.

After I did the initial USB hookup, Ok Google works through the truck's bluetooth. However it only works in a limited way when going through the Bluetooth. I noticed it will do Maps, maps navigation directions, call and text. It will not do things like weather or math or internet searches. But I am still messing with it. I have not had time to test it out very much so far. But it does seem to work fine so far. It seems you have to have the radio set to the phone for you to hear Ok Google through the truck's speakers. However I have not had time to know this for sure.

EDIT: I fiddled around on my phone some more and now OK Google works fully when my phone is connected on Bluetooth. I can get weather reports, do math calculations and any other Ok Google function. The write up is down in the comments below.

 

Just wanted to point out that MirrorLink isn't available on all Android phones. It's whichever manufacturer's have a contract with MirrorLink and have a license out. So if you can't find it, it's not available on your phone. Also, MirrorLink is not available for iPhones.

 

Definitely worth checking out. Thanks!

 

Interesting!

 

Talk to text in messaging and maps has always worked, with my S9 and my pixel 3 purely over Bluetooth. For me at least, this isn't a workaround but just a circle that leads me back to where I was.

 

How did you get the pixel 3 to work over the truck's mic? Mine won't go through unless I'm on a call.

 

It's just connected to Bluetooth .I can voice through spotify , text, calls .no Google searches or assistant.

 

My phone seems to to be similar as well. Before I did the setup I was able to use voice commands if I navigated to Maps ahead of time and I physically pressed the microphone button that is on Google Maps. It would then work through the trucks speaker and microphone. I don't think the voice to text worked through the truck on my cell phone.

 

Honestly I don't know what the problem is. Google refuses to fix the issue .You would thinkh hands free operation of your phone in a vehicle would be a priority.

 

So I followed these directions, and my MirrorLink 'connect via usb' was grayed out. And my Samsung S9 was plugged via cable into the usb port on the dash and it was connected to a mobile network. Any ideas?

 

Mine was greyed out but then became available after I plugged it in to the USB. Odd, I have an S7 so I would think yours would work. I was on my homes wifi at the time but I would not think that would make any difference.

I wonder if what year of 3rd Gen Tacoma matters? Maybe this Mirrorlink came out sometime in the middle of the 3rd Gen model run.

I know there is a radio update that you can download on the Toyota Owners website. I don't know if that would make a difference.

 

So after doing this to set it up, how do you use it through bluetooth? The speak button on the steering wheel, or do you still have to use the button on the phone?

 

So far I have had to wake my phone and then say Ok Google, a second or two passes and you hear a beep prompt through the truck's speakers. I have not been able to find a way without first waking my phone. But I am still fiddling with it.

 

I fiddled around some more with it today and I got the Ok Google now fully working through the bluetooth. Plus it just seems to work better. I am not sure what changes I did that allowed this.

I password protected my phone and then created Smart Lock trusted locations of my home and work and Trusted Devices of my Tacoma. You have to be bluetooth connected to your truck to make it a Trusted Device.




I also went to Other Security Settings and made Google Smart Lock a Trusted Agent.

I went to Notification Access and checked Google.

 

I have a Samsung S 8. when I plug my Samsung into the USB port on the dash it shows that it's charging but it doesn't give me the USB option on the head unit its grayed out. did yours turn on?