Smartphone users find the Google Assistant very helpful due to a number of tasks that it is capable of performing. Apparently, the assistant also has a more important function in the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, which is troubleshooting the device.

The Pixel 2 and Google Assistant is proven to be a great combination, noting the new hand gestures that quickly prompts different commands. However, it was recently learned that Google Assistant can also troubleshoot particular issues on the Pixel 2 devices. It is not known when the Google Assistant acquired its troubleshooting ability, although this is very much welcomed by the users.

The troubleshooting capability of Google Assistant follows a simple method, like running specific hardware and software tests on the Pixel 2 handset. Afterwards, the assistant will ask the user if he or she would like to connect to Google to get thorough support from the online helpdesk.

For now, it appears that not all Android devices have the Google Assistant updated with troubleshooting feature. As reported by Android Police, this feature remains exclusive to Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL handsets. The first time that the Google Assistant was shown troubleshooting a Pixel 2 was covered by The Verge, where a user with Android 8.1 developer preview was trying to figure out why his phone was not fully charging. Upon asking Google Assistant, it automatically prompted the troubleshoot setup. The user's Pixel 2 underwent a battery health check and a device scan to determine which app was draining the battery.

After the battery check, the Google Assistant was shown asking the user if he would like to connect to Google Support through voice call or chat. If there is one flaw in the troubleshooting, it would be the assistant not recognizing the phone number entered by the user.

Google Assistant is said to have more troubleshooting functions, like running diagnostic tests on the Pixel 2 camera and Bluetooth connectivity. However, users should not expect that the assistant can perform all these features at this point, as Google is still developing its troubleshoot setup. Those people based in the U.S. who own a Pixel 2 smartphone can install the latest developer preview of Android Oreo 8.1 to try out Google Assistant's latest trick.