How to use Cortana on the Microsoft Band 2

The Microsoft Band 2 works on Windows 10 Mobile, iOS, and Android, but Windows users have a cool feature that is currently exclusive to them. It's Cortana, the personal assistant we've grown to love. How does it work with the Microsoft Band 2? Read on to find out.

In order for Cortana to work on your Microsoft Band 2, you need Cortana to be installed on your phone. Just press and hold the Action button on your Microsoft Band 2 for 2 seconds. You can use Cortana even when the display is off. You do not need to tap the Cortana tile. Just make sure your phone is nearby. Cortana uses the mic on your Microsoft Band 2 to listen when you speak. The mic is the tiny hole next to the power button.

After you speak, Cortana opens on your Windows phone and responds to your request. Depending on your request, it displays the response on the Band 2's display itself or lets you know if you need to view your phone to complete the request.

You can try these examples:

  • Wake me up at 8 AM.
  • Remind me to get milk when I leave the office.
  • Tell me a joke.
  • Create a note: Open the red door.
  • How many calories in an egg?
  • Text Dan: Want to play Halo?

If you have the Cortana tile pinned on your phone and the Cortana tile is active on your Microsoft Band 2, you will receive notifications such as news and sports to your band. You can disable this. Go to the Microsoft Health app on your phone and tap the hamburger button. Tap Manage tiles, tap Cortana, and then turn off notifications. You will still be able to bring up Cortana on your band by pressing and holding the action button.

How do you feel about Cortana on Microsoft Band 2? Let us know in the comments!

Download the Microsoft Health app

Buy the Microsoft Band 2

Mark Guim

Mark Guim is Video Editor at Windows Central. He switched to Windows because the MacBook Pro isn't Pro enough. You can follow him on Twitter at @markguim.