Hi,

Just to pre-emptive the comments about how it's silly to use Google services on GrapheneOS, I get it. That being said, I can't get a few things to work properly. I have a Google Pixel 6a.

When using Google Assistant, it always pulls up with the message, "Sorry, I can't send messages with Google Chat" every time I say the command, "Text (name of contact)". It has no issues texting a specific number with SMS if I say "text (1234567890)". It does the same thing with calling. Sometimes, it allows me to choose from similar contacts in my Google account, random e-mail addresses and the like. One thing to note, is it will not let me save a custom person in my Google assistant settings (mother, brother, etc.) although I don't want to do that in the first place.

Another thing is, the function to wake Google Assistant with a voice command ("Ok, Google") has the option greyed out, "this feature is currently unavailable to your device". Seems weird.

The other thing with Google Files is I can't set it as a default for opening files from the internet. The native GrapheneOS Files app doesn't have the ability to extract .zip files. Google Files does. This issue is minor, but, I thought I would make note of it incase anyone has it figured out.

Anyone have any ideas? I've been fighting with these problems for days now. I can't find any helpful information anywhere. support.google had a thread that had a similar problem, but the moderators locked it after linking to some useless canned response.

    icefog Another thing is, the function to wake Google Assistant with a voice command ("Ok, Google") has the option greyed out, "this feature is currently unavailable to your device". Seems weird.

    This is expected not to work, as far as I can tell, because that functionality requires deep privileges into the system that these apps don't have (as they're regular sandboxed apps just like anything else you would install).

      icefog Just to pre-emptive the comments about how it's silly to use Google services on GrapheneOS, I get it.

      Some people have some very strong opinions about this but don't listen to them. It's your phone. Do what you want with it.

      Take a look at this search result: https://discuss.grapheneos.org/?q=google%20assistant. You're not the only person to use Google Assistant or have questions about it. So, don't hesitate to ask questions if you have them!

        unwat I made sure to browse through all the threads matching those search terms before posting, and unfortunately, I haven't found a thread anywhere that has any details about this, including elsewhere on the internet. I appreciate the encouragement, though!

          icefog

          Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply you needed to search old threads before asking questions. I was just trying to use that search link to let you know that there are plenty of people in the community that use Google Assistant or other Google products on GrapheneOS, so I feel confident nobody is going to bother you about it here.

            unwat Oh, gotcha. Thanks a lot. I'm just curious about the fact that nobody else seems to have this issue and maybe I'm just missing something. It appears that Google can't access that part of my phone, or something...

            icefog

            When using Google Assistant, it always pulls up with the message, "Sorry, I can't send messages with Google Chat" every time I say the command, "Text (name of contact)". It has no issues texting a specific number with SMS if I say "text (1234567890)".

            Does Play services has the Contacts permission?

            The other thing with Google Files is I can't set it as a default for opening files from the internet. The native GrapheneOS Files app doesn't have the ability to extract .zip files. Google Files does. This issue is minor, but, I thought I would make note of it incase anyone has it figured out.

            Google Files app doesn't declare itself as capable of opening zip files. This is not a limitation that is imposed by GrapheneOS.

              muhomorr Yes, I tried changing the permissions of every app I could think of. No change. I'll try changing the permissions and restarting, but I think I've tried that already.

              Google files can in fact unzip files. I'm not saying GrapheneOS is imposing limitations on Google files or being able to unzip. I'm saying that the Files app that comes stock with GrapheneOS can't be disabled, and it's impossible (as far as I know) to change the default app that files downloaded from the internet open in. When downloading a .zip file, Files (stock with GrapheneOS) says there's nothing it can do with the file when trying to open it. Google Files unzips the file.

                icefog Many file managers do declare them as capable of opening zip files. They do show up when trying to open a zip file. Examples: FX File Explorer, Total Commander.

                  muhomorr Right, but it's not possible to change the default app for opening those files when you download them from the internet. At least, as far as I know?

                  I think you figured it out, the Google Assistant thing! I had to restart my phone, and reset the assistant default as Google Assistant. I don't know what app I changed the permissions for that actually had the effect, but, I'll go through and isolate which one worked. Thanks so much!!

                    icefog So far texting and calling works with everyone that doesn't have an iPhone. iPhone users still can't receive texts from Google Assistant, but I suspect that has to do with Google Chats not being enabled. I'll try that next.