How to Manage Smart Home Devices with the Google Home App

Follow these steps in order to get started with the Google Home app.

  1. Install the Google Home app and sign in

    Install the Google Home app and sign in with the Google account you use.

  2. Add a new device with the "+" button

    Tap "Set up device" to add a smart plug, light, speaker, or other new device.

  3. Organize devices by room

    Create rooms like Living Room and Bedroom and assign devices to them so you can manage everything space by space at a glance.

  4. Control devices remotely from anywhere

    Open the app while you're away from home to turn lights or appliances on and off remotely.

  5. Why is this useful?

    Instead of managing smart devices from several different brand apps, you can bring them all into one Google Home app for simpler, unified control.

Manage devices from many brands in one place

When lights use one brand's app and plugs use another, keeping track of everything gets tedious fast. Bringing compatible devices together under a single Google Home app makes day-to-day control far more convenient, and it also means you only need to learn one interface.

Grouping devices and sharing access with your household

Beyond organizing by room, you can group individual devices β€” like every lamp in the living room β€” so a single tap turns them all on or off together. The app also lets you invite family members as household members, so anyone in the home can control shared devices from their own phone rather than everyone crowding around one account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every smart device work with Google Home?

No, only devices explicitly listed as Google Home compatible can be connected, so it's worth checking compatibility before you buy.

Can my family control devices together?

Yes, inviting family members through "Manage household members" lets everyone in the same home share control of its smart devices.