Home LivingSmart HomeHow to start a smart home with Google AssistantEverything you need to know about creating a smart home using GoogleWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingSmart HomeHow to start a smart home with Google AssistantEverything you need to know about creating a smart home using GoogleWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Everything you need to know about creating a smart home using Google
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Sayan Majhi / Unsplash)
(Image credit: Sayan Majhi / Unsplash)
With around 300 millionsmart homesaround the world, it’s pretty common to have a scattering of devices in your house, including thebest smart speakersand thebest security cameras. But with a wide range of smart home ecosystems to choose from, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your home.
What is Google Assistant?
What devices are Google Assistant-compatible?
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
Non Google-made devices that are compatible with Google Assistant are extensive. To find out if the product you have is compatible, you just need to look for the “Works with Google Assistant” branding. Examples of Google Assistant compatible devices include JBL, LG and Harman speakers,Philips Hue lighting, Arlo cameras,Dyson vacuums, Roku streaming sticks, Tado thermostats and Nanoleafsmart bulbs.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
How to set-up a smart home with Google Assistant
If Google Assistant is your smart home ecosystem of choice, here’s how to make your own smart home using Google Assistant.
Buy a Google device
Download the Google Home app
If you don’t want a Google device but you want to use Google Assistant, all you need to do is have the Google Home app downloaded to your phone, tablet or laptop. It’s really that simple and once it’s installed, you can start using Google Assistant voice commands and connect all your devices together.
(Image credit: Brett Jordan / Pexels)
(Image credit: Brett Jordan / Pexels)
Expand your smart home with compatible devices
Now that you have a Google device or the Google Home app installed, you can start expanding your smart home with other Google Assistant-enabled devices. Personally, I’d start with cameras and doorbells to improve your home security or smart thermostats to keep your energy bills down, and Google has its own products for you to choose from, like the Nest Cam Indoor or the Nest Learning Thermostat. As of writing, Google doesn’t have its own smart lighting, so I’d recommend looking intoPhilips Huelights as they’re the best on the market.
Connect your entertainment with Google Chromecast
Streaming is the new go-to way to watch your favourite TVs and movies. To make your streaming experience easier, connect your entertainment with theChromecast with Google TV. Once it’s plugged into your TV, Chromecast responds to voice commands accurately and rapidly, plus you can take your entertainment with you from room to room. All you have to do is ask the stream to move to a different device, for example, if you’re leaving your living room where your TV is, you can ask Chromecast to swap to the kitchen where your Nest Hub Max is.
Link Google Assistant to your car
Everyone usesGoogle Mapsfor navigation but rather than fiddling around on your phone for directions, you can link Google Assistant to your car. Google Assistant is integrated intoAndroid Auto, so you can use it with theAndroidAuto app or a compatible car that has Google Assistant built in. This feature is extremely useful and means you remain hands-free while you drive but still have access to your navigation and entertainment.
That’s everything you need to know about setting up your smart home using Google Assistant! Check out thebest Google Home dealsin the widget below to get started.
If you’re not sold on Google Assistant, check out our guide onhow to start a smart home with Apple Home, and if can’t choose between Google Assistant or Alexa, take a look at ourAlexa vs Google Assistantcomparison.
Today’s best Google Nest Audio and Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) deals$84ViewLow Stock$99.98View$109.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Nest Audio and Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) deals$84ViewLow Stock$99.98View$109.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Nest Audio and Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) deals
$84ViewLow Stock$99.98View$109.99View
$84View
$84View
$84View
$84
$84
Low Stock$99.98View
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
$99.98View
$99.98View
$99.98
$99.98
$109.99View
$109.99View
$109.99View
$109.99
$109.99
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
TOPICSAmazon AlexaGoogleAndroidappleGoogle PixelAmazon
TOPICS
Vollebak pushes the limits of outerwear with Double Graphene Puffer and Shielding SuitThe company continues to weave innovation into every thread
The company continues to weave innovation into every thread
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: sensational sound, ordinary ANCBowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Bowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Waking up for work is tough in the winter – but smart tech can help you avoid that snooze buttonHow smart tech makes winter mornings run smoother
How smart tech makes winter mornings run smoother
Withings’ smart mirror combines a smartwatch and scales into a full-length health scannerWithings debuts new conceptual smart health mirror at CES 2025
Withings debuts new conceptual smart health mirror at CES 2025
Apple should focus on this video doorbell feature if it wants to beat Ring at its gameWhat I want to see from Apple’s rumoured video doorbell
What I want to see from Apple’s rumoured video doorbell
LG’s latest smart lamp grows indoor plants and sets the mood – but you might not get oneLG combines smart lighting with indoor gardening
LG combines smart lighting with indoor gardening
Samsung announces new AI home screens for its smart fridges and laundry appliancesSamsung previews its CES launches, including new AI Home screens
Samsung previews its CES launches, including new AI Home screens
I’m a smart home expert – these are the best smart home releases from 202411 smart home releases from 2024 actually worth buying, including Amazon Echo and Google Nest
11 smart home releases from 2024 actually worth buying, including Amazon Echo and Google Nest
Homey launches affordable smart home hub for less than $200It’s available to preorder from today
It’s available to preorder from today
Hisense’s CES smart home launches have been revealed – and they’re about to make household chores a lot easierThere are five new products altogether
There are five new products altogether
