Google Home – Create Advanced Home Automations with the Script Editor

Category: Google Home → Automations

Overview

The Google Home Script Editor allows advanced users to create custom home automations using scripting. Scripted automations provide greater flexibility than standard routines by allowing multiple starters, conditions, actions, and advanced automation logic.

Important

• Scripted automations are currently available through Public Preview.
• Automations are intended for convenience only.
• Do not use automations for life-safety or security-critical functions.
• Automations depend on internet connectivity, device availability, and supported integrations.

What You Can Do with the Script Editor

Scripted automations can:

✓ Trigger based on device activity

✓ Trigger at specific times

✓ Use multiple conditions

✓ Control multiple devices simultaneously

✓ Create advanced smart home workflows

Example

Motion Detected
↓
After Sunset
↓
Turn On Lights
↓
Adjust Thermostat
↓
Send Notification

Requirements

Before creating scripted automations, you need:

• Google Home app
• Google Home Public Preview access
• Compatible Google Home devices
• Supported smart home devices
• Basic understanding of automation logic

iPhone and iPad Users

You can:

✓ View automations

✓ Edit automations

✓ Run automations

You cannot currently create new scripted automations directly from iPhone or iPad devices.

Create a Scripted Automation

In the Google Home App

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Tap Automations.
3. Tap Add.
4. Select Household Automation.
5. Tap More Options.
6. Select Script Editor.
7. Enter your automation script.
8. Tap Validate.
9. Tap Save.

Setup Flow

Google Home App
↓
Automations
↓
Add
↓
Household Automation
↓
Script Editor
↓
Validate
↓
Save

Core Automation Components

Starters

Starters determine when an automation begins.

Examples:

• Specific time
• Device turns on
• Motion detected
• Door opens
• Home or Away status changes

Conditions

Conditions limit when an automation can run.

Examples:

• Only after sunset
• Only when someone is home
• Only when temperature exceeds a threshold
• Only on specific days

Actions

Actions determine what happens when conditions are met.

Examples:

• Turn lights on or off
• Change thermostat settings
• Play media
• Send notifications
• Control smart devices

Edit a Scripted Automation

1. Open Google Home.
2. Tap Automations.
3. Select the automation.
4. Tap Edit.
5. Make changes.
6. Tap Validate.
7. Tap Save.

Activate or Deactivate an Automation

1. Open Google Home.
2. Tap Automations.
3. Select the automation.
4. Toggle between:

• Active
• Inactive

Inactive automations remain saved but will not run automatically.

Delete a Scripted Automation

Important

Deleting an automation is permanent.

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

Common Troubleshooting

Validation Errors

Check for:

✓ Incorrect device names

✓ Unsupported device actions

✓ Missing actions

✓ Incorrect formatting

✓ Script syntax errors

Automation Does Not Run

Verify:

✓ Devices are online

✓ Devices are linked to Google Home

✓ Conditions are met

✓ Starters are configured correctly

✓ Internet connection is active

Best Practices

✓ Test automations after creation.

✓ Start with simple workflows before building complex scripts.

✓ Use descriptive automation names.

✓ Validate every script before saving.

✓ Review automation logs when troubleshooting.

Quick Reference

Create Script
↓
Add Starters
↓
Add Conditions
↓
Add Actions
↓
Validate
↓
Save
↓
Activate