Fix: ”Googlequicksearchbox:interactor can’t open at the moment” error on Huawei P9

Huawei’s Android variation called EMUI is amazingly optimized software-wise. It suits all produced devices, starting from mid-budget phones and moving to flagships, like P9 or the latest P10.

However, even though EMUI 4 and EMUI 5 are solid variations of Marshmallow and Nougat, some system infringements caused issues for users lately. Certain users are frequently seeing the ”Googlequicksearchbox: interactor can’t open at the moment” error prompt that informs them about the specific Google Search issue while using the camera or 3rd-party apps. We’ll try to elaborate on the reasons for this issue and tell you how to fix it in the list below.

The reasoning behind the error

Why this error occurs? There are multiple reasons, but our best bet is that Google Now and similar microphone-dependant pre-installed and 3rd-party apps are trying to use the microphone at the same time. So, for example, once you enter the camera and choose the video or open Shazam to find yourself that catchy song, they collide with the Google voice features. That inflicts the error. Other possible reasons are:

• corrupted third-party app.
• microphone software support failure.
• corruption within Google services.

Two applications can’t use the microphone at the same time. Follow the solutions below and we should be able to resolve the problem together.

Update firmware

The first thing you can do is check for firmware updates. Certain users reported that the problem occurred once they updated the OS. Luckily, P9 and P9 Lite are upgradable to Nougat, which (and we can tell you firsthand), works like a charm. So, make sure to check for updates and upgrade your device to EMUI 5.0. This should relieve you of the problem at hand.

1. Tap Settings.
2. Open About Phone.
3. Choose System updates.
4. Check for updates.
5. If there’s an update available, make sure to download it.

Of course, this workaround applies only to users that have had issues with the above-mentioned error on Marshmallow. If you have had issues with this error on Nougat, check the further steps we enlisted below.

Clear the cache from troubled apps and Google app

This error can and will occasionally affect all apps that use the microphone. And that’s a huge number. Starting from video recording on camera, instant messengers that can record voice messages, VoIP apps like Skype or Viber, and many others. Once you try to use the app for sound recording or something similar, it will prompt you with a Google-related error that informs you that only one application can use the microphone at the moment.

Follow the instructions to clear the cache:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Open Apps.
3. Navigate to a troubled app and open it.
4. Tap Storage.
5. Clear Cache.
6. Get back to Apps.
7. Open Google.
8. Tap Storage.
9. Clear Cache.

After that, restart your device and check for changes.

Reinstall the app

Moreover, it’s a long shot but you can always try to reinstall the troubled app and that might resolve the problem at hand. We tried with the Shazam and it removed the issue for some time. So, it’s not exactly the solution, but you can give it a try and it might just work for you.

If you’re uncertain how to do it, follow the instructions below:

1. Open the App drawer or App menu.
2. Tap and draw the troubled app to the top and uninstall it.
3. Restart your device.
4. Open Play Store.
5. Search for the app.
6. Install it.

Due to permission changes, there’s a chance that this will resolve the issue. If that’s not the case, there are still some troubleshooting steps you can try.

Restore Camera default settings

Just like in the 3rd-party app’s scenario, a similar remedy can be applied to a camera app. You can navigate to Settings > Apps, and clear the Camera cache, but that’s most of the time, not enough. A more fruitful approach is to reset Camera settings to default values. At least for some users that have solely issues within the Camera app on their Huawei handsets.

Follow the instructions below to restore the Camera settings to default values, and we’ll hopefully be in the clear:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Swipe right.
3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Restore defaults.
4. Confirm selection.
5. Restart your device and try using the camera again.

Hopefully, once you start recording, the annoying message won’t appear again.

Refuse Google’s microphone permission

Another thing that you can do is deny Google permission to access your microphone. By doing so, you’ll lose the option to use Google Now and Google Assistant, but the interfering ‘Googlequicksearchbox: interactor can’t open at the moment” error will be subdued. Most of the users that turn to this solution provided positive reports, but it can be a problem for the other half that’s quite fond of Google Assistant. Either way, it’s your choice. If you choose to decline the permission for Google to access your microphone, you can do it this way:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Open Permissions.
3. Choose Microphone.
4. Locate Google on the list and disable it.
5. Restart your phone.

On the other hand, if you’re using Ok Google on daily basis, you might consider an alternative.

Disable OK Google from any screen

As you probably know, you can reach Ok Google or Google Now in various ways. You can access it through the Google app, or Google widget, and this is the most popular way, with the ”Ok Google” voice command at any time. Now, this is more than handy and it gives an impression of true personal assistance. However, this is most certainly related to the error at hand. So, sadly, if you’re stuck with this error, the safest way to resolve it is to disable ”Ok Google from any screen”. You’ll at least be able to use it in alternative ways just like before.

Follow the instructions below to disable this feature and, hopefully, resolve the problem:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Open the Google app.
3. Tap the 3-line menu in the top left corner.
4. Open Settings.
5. Tap Voice.
6. Open ”Ok Google” detection.
7. Disable ”Say ‘Ok Google’ anytime”.

Disable Quick Calling

Additionally, some users suspected that the Quick Calling feature may be the reason behind this error. It enables you to use the shortcut key (Volume Down key) and speak the name of the person from contacts you want to call. It’s great to call someone from the Lock Screen and it speeds up the calling process a lot. However, it also uses a microphone and, therefore can interfere with Google or other 3rd-party and pre-installed features.

So, you may want to get rid of it and look for changes. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Open Smart Assistance.
3. Open Voice Control.
4. Disable Quick Calling.

If you’re still experiencing the problem, you may as well enable Quick Calling again and move to additional steps.

Wipe cache partition

Now, it’s time for the big guns to come into play. If, after all of the previous steps, you’re still annoyed by the frequent appearance of this foul error, your possible solution bundle is depleted. There are only 2 viable steps you can take in this scenario, and one of those is to wipe the cache partition. In comparison to a factory reset, you won’t lose your data.

The procedure is a bit complex, so make sure to follow the instructions close:

1. Power off your device.
2. Press and hold the Volume Down key and Power Button simultaneously.
3. When the phone starts, use the Volume Down to navigate through the menu.
4. Select Recovery mode with a single press of the Power button.
5. Press the Power button to start Recovery mode. The Android robot with an exclamation point should appear.
6. Hold the Power Button and press once Volume Up key. The menu should appear.
7. Use the volume buttons to scroll to “wipe cache partition” and confirm with a single press of the Power Button.

After that, you can look for changes. Hopefully, your issues will be history and you’ll be able to continue with seamless use.

Restore factory settings

In the end, if nothing of the previously presented solutions fell short, there’s always a factory reset. Now, we’re aware that it sounds harsh but, by using Huawei’s HiSuite, you can finish the procedure fast and restore all the deleted data in a matter of minutes. Follow the instructions below to perform a factory reset that way.

1. Download and install HiSuite.
2. Connect your device and the drivers should install automatically on your PC and phone.
3. Click on Backup to back up all your data.
4. You can put encryption and password protection on your backup.
5. Disconnect your Huawei from your PC.
6. Open Settings.
7. Tap Backup & Reset.
8. Choose Reset Phone.
9. Tap Erase All and confirm.
10. The device will reboot and start the process which should last for less than 5 minutes.
11. Re-connect your device with the PC and start HiSuite.
12. Choose Restore.
13. Select the latest backed-up save and import all settings and data back to your phone.

That should do it. We hope that at least one of these proved valuable and that the ‘Googlequicksearchbox: interactor can’t open at the moment” error is long gone. Don’t forget to tell us about your experience and ask a question in the comments section below. We’ll be glad to help you. Thanks for reading and have a good day.