Google Home – Create and Manage Smart Home Automations

Category: Google Home → Automation

Overview

Google Home automations allow you to automatically control smart home devices based on schedules, device activity, home presence, and other conditions.

Automations can help simplify daily tasks such as:

• Turning lights on and off
• Adjusting thermostats
• Locking doors
• Running bedtime routines
• Managing smart plugs
• Controlling multiple devices at once

Important

Automations are designed for convenience only and should not be relied upon for safety, security, or emergency situations.

Create an Automation

Step 1: Open Automation Settings

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Tap Add.
3. Tap Automation.

Step 2: Name the Automation

1. Tap Add Name.
2. Enter a descriptive name.
3. Optionally add a description.

Examples:

• Good Morning
• Bedtime Routine
• Away Mode
• Evening Lights

Add Automation Components

Automations can include:

Starters

A starter tells Google Home when to begin the automation.

Examples:

• Specific time
• Sunrise
• Sunset
• Device activity
• Presence detection

Conditions

Conditions determine whether the automation is allowed to run.

Examples:

• Someone is home
• No one is home
• Device is on
• Device is off

Actions

Actions tell Google Home what to do.

Examples:

• Turn on lights
• Adjust thermostat
• Lock doors
• Activate smart plugs
• Start multiple devices

Automation Flow

Starter
↓
Condition
↓
Action
↓
Automation Runs

Save the Automation

After configuring:

1. Review all settings.
2. Tap Save.

The automation will appear in the Automations section.

Edit an Automation

Modify Name or Description

1. Open Google Home.
2. Tap Automations.
3. Select the automation.
4. Edit the name or description.
5. Tap Save.

Modify Starters, Conditions, or Actions

1. Open the automation.
2. Select the item to edit.
3. Make changes.
4. Tap Done.
5. Tap Save.

Edit Flow

Open Automation
↓
Modify Settings
↓
Save Changes

Remove Automation Components

To remove a starter, condition, or action:

1. Open the automation.
2. Select the item.
3. Tap Remove.
4. Confirm removal.
5. Save changes.

Activate or Deactivate an Automation

Turn Off an Automation

1. Open Google Home.
2. Tap Automations.
3. Select the automation.
4. Tap Inactive.

Turn On an Automation

1. Open Google Home.
2. Tap Automations.
3. Select the automation.
4. Tap Active.

Status Flow

Active
↓
Automation Runs

Inactive
↓
Automation Paused

Delete an Automation

Important

Stop the automation before deleting it.

Delete Steps

1. Open Google Home.
2. Tap Automations.
3. Select the automation.
4. Tap Menu.
5. Tap Delete.
6. Confirm deletion.

Delete Flow

Select Automation
↓
Delete
↓
Confirm
↓
Automation Removed

View Existing Automations

1. Open Google Home.
2. Tap Automations.

You can view:

• Active automations
• Inactive automations
• Upcoming scheduled automations

Information Displayed

• Automation name
• Description
• Current status
• Scheduled activity

Automation Permissions

Only users with appropriate permissions can create or manage automations.

Eligible Users

✓ Home Admins

✓ Members with Settings Permissions

Users without these permissions cannot modify automations.

Common Automation Examples

Good Morning

6:30 AM
↓
Turn On Lights
↓
Adjust Thermostat
↓
Start Day

Bedtime

10:00 PM
↓
Turn Off Lights
↓
Lock Supported Devices
↓
Lower Thermostat

Away Mode

Everyone Leaves Home
↓
Turn Off Lights
↓
Adjust Thermostat
↓
Activate Devices

Best Practices

✓ Use clear automation names.

✓ Test automations after creation.

✓ Review automation conditions carefully.

✓ Avoid creating conflicting automations.

✓ Periodically review active automations.

Quick Reference

Open Google Home
↓
Add Automation
↓
Add Starter
↓
Add Condition
↓
Add Action
↓
Save
↓
Automation Active