This article explains how to use Google Duplex, part of Google Assistant, to make reservations and other appointments using the OK Google command. After you make a request, the Google Duplex artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm calls the business, for example, a restaurant, and uses a human-like voice to set and confirm the reservation or appointment. This system can also help speed up your online ordering checkout process.

What to Know

  • Say “OK Google” to wake the assistant and ask it to make a reservation. For example, say, “Book a table at the Sunset Grill.“The assistant prompts you for time, date, and party number details. Tap Yes to confirm, No to change details, or Cancel to stop the process.Google calls and interacts with the business, providing and confirming your details. The assistant can also cancel the reservation.

How to Make Reservations and Appointments With Google Assistant

When you want to make an appointment or a reservation, wake up Google Assistant and tell the assistant what you want to do.

  • Say OK Google to wake up the Google Assistant, or long-press the home key on an Android device’s touchscreen.
  • Ask the Assistant to make a reservation. You might say something like, “Book a table at the Sunset Grill,” or “Make an appointment at the Hair Boutique.” If your request is general, such as, “Make an appointment at a nail salon,” Google Assistant presents you with choices. Select the desired establishment.
  • Google Assistant prompts you for details such as the time, date, and number in your party.
  • Tap Yes to confirm, No to change the details, or Cancel to stop the process.
  • Google calls the business and interacts with whoever answers, providing and confirming your details.
  • This capability is available only with businesses that accept Google Duplex calls.
  • When the call and reservation are complete, Google Assistant gives you a voice confirmation within a few minutes.
  • Google Assistant also informs you of any issues that arise when attempting to call in the reservation, such as the business not answering the phone.
  • To cancel your reservation after it has been confirmed, give the OK Google command and tell Google Assistant to cancel your reservation.

Let Google Assistant Help With Takeout

Google Assistant and Google Duplex can also help speed up your online ordering for takeout and delivery meals, filling in your contact and payment details automatically.

Say OK Google to wake up the Google Assistant, or long-press the home key on an Android device’s touchscreen.

Ask the Assistant to make a reservation. You might say something like, “Book a table at the Sunset Grill,” or “Make an appointment at the Hair Boutique.” If your request is general, such as, “Make an appointment at a nail salon,” Google Assistant presents you with choices. Select the desired establishment.

Google Assistant prompts you for details such as the time, date, and number in your party.

Tap Yes to confirm, No to change the details, or Cancel to stop the process.

Google calls the business and interacts with whoever answers, providing and confirming your details.

This capability is available only with businesses that accept Google Duplex calls.

When the call and reservation are complete, Google Assistant gives you a voice confirmation within a few minutes.

Google Assistant also informs you of any issues that arise when attempting to call in the reservation, such as the business not answering the phone.

To cancel your reservation after it has been confirmed, give the OK Google command and tell Google Assistant to cancel your reservation.

To protect businesses against spam and pranks, Google Assistant limits the number of reservations and cancellations you can make within short periods.

To get started with, use your Android device to find a restaurant near you that’s partnering with Google. These restaurants will have an Order button on their business profile after you do a Google search. Select Online Order, Delivery, or Order Pickup, then peruse the menu and choose your items.

When you’re ready, Assistant will automatically navigate the checkout process, filling in your name and address and pulling payment information from Google Pay (make sure you’ve synced Chrome to your device to enable Autofill).

Google Assistant rolled out this feature in April 2021, partnering with select restaurants, and plans to add more establishments across the U.S.

Duplex works on smartphones with Android 5.0 and later, and on iPhones with Google Assistant installed. The capability rolled out in May 2018 and is available in most of the U.S. and New Zealand.

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