How to Set up Your First Google Home Automation

Using these premade automations is a helpful way to better understand how automations work.

But the broader premise of IFTTT is really helpful in understanding automation.

The name is literally If this, then that, as in if _____ happens, do ______.

So start by filling in the blanksa time, a condition, or a specific day.

For instance: At sunrise, turn on the living room lights.

You may also see a panel that asks if youd like to set up a daylong routine.

For now, tap no.

First, lets call this routine something like Lights on at sunrise.

go for the gray pencil next to “Untitled and enter what youd like to call this routine.

nudge the checkmark in the upper right to save the name.

Choose a starter

Now, press Add starter.

or Living room lights on!

A specific time of day.

Sunrise or sunset, which you’re free to offset.

For instance, an hour before or after sunset.

When you arrive or leave a location, which uses your phone to determine your location.

This is helpful with automations such as: Turn on the lights when I get home.

For now, choose At sunrise or sunset,” then choose Sunrise.

Google will ask some questions, like, Where the heck are you located?

you’re able to decide if you want to be notified each time the routine runs.

Now save this trigger by clicking the blue button Set trigger."

There are a ton of things that Google can execute for you.

“Adjust assistant volume,” which could be useful depending on what time of day it is.

Set the volume for 10% overnight, perhaps.

“Adjust home devices” is the most likely and important feature here.

“Get wellness info” works if youve attached a health equipment to Google like a watch.

Be aware that Google has favorite devices.

In this case, choose Adjust home devices.

Find the lights you want to turn on, which should be arranged by room, and hit each.

choose the light you want, and set it to On," then save.

All thats left is to stash your new automation.

Use the blue Save button to do so.

Tomorrow at the set time, the action should run.

It will execute the automation.

Or maybe, Hey Google, light up the room.

This is one you might have a lot of fun with.

Its a good way to explore what Google Assistant can do for you.

Now choose different start times and actions for each.