Smart appliances and digital virtual assistants have been increasingly popular in recent years.
Google introduced a smart speaker called Google Home in 2016. It has gained popularity among savvy homeowners.
Many customers’ kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms already have this gadget because of its simple setup and range of features.
However, many people wonder about its functions after several years of launch. Do you need a smartphone for Google Home?
It’s time to read this article to explore the answer. Let’s scroll down!
Table of Contents
Do You Need A Smartphone For Google Home?
No! After you set up your Google Home, you can use it without a smartphone. It responds to your voice commands while you don’t need a mobile phone.
A smartphone is only necessary for the initial setup procedure and if you want to modify your speaker.
For instance, if you want to associate your device with several other smart appliances or create a new speech profile, you’ll need your smartphone.
Moreover, you can set up many accounts in your speake. This way, all members of your family can use it without smartphones.
Generally, the setting-up process of this speaker is simple. If you have bought a brand-new smart device, follow these steps to connect it to your smartphone:
- Download and install the Google Home application on your smartphone.
- Connect your speaker to a power source.
- Open the Google Home application.
- Move to Browse. You will see a tiny device symbol in the upper right corner of the screen. Click on it.
- Tap the name of your device.
- Say “Hey, Google!” or “Hello, Google!” and start using voice commands. That’s all done!
Now you can control your device via commands without using your smartphone.
Can You Use Google Home Without Wifi?
Yes! This smart speaker requires a stable and strong wifi connection to work correctly.
If you don’t connect this device to Wifi, it can’t do the tasks such as getting directions, making calls and checking the news and weather.
The common way to connect your smart device to Wifi is via a router’s network.
Therefore, you must ensure the router you plan to use is configured properly and emits a powerful signal to other smart appliances in your home.
Otherwise, you may encounter some issues, as shown below:
- Your music playback isn’t smooth. It may start and stop right away.
- Broadcasting messages is impossible.
- Streaming on some platforms like Youtube or Netflix won’t work when you say the command.
- You can’t search online.
- Your speakers will create static even when you don’t cast anything.
What Are The Functions Of Google Home?
You may want to know what your device can do if it’s your first time owning this smart speaker. Here are exceptional functions it may have:
#1. Broadcast White Noise When You Sleep.
If you find it challenging to fall asleep, you can say, “OK, Google! Play the rain sound.”
The sound will last until you fall asleep. However, it would be best to use a sleep alarm to ensure it goes off at a specific time.
#2. Control Smart Home Appliances.
You can control up to 1,500 smart home devices via Google Assistant, like TVs, lights, or microwaves of many brands.
#3. Broadcast Multiple Devices At Once.
If you own many smart speakers, you can also broadcast simultaneously. For instance, when you say, “Hey, Google! Broadcast that it is lunchtime”, all devices ring their dinner bells.
This broadcast feature can also work when you are far away from your house. For example, you can say, “Hey, Google! I am on my way home,” to trigger all your Google Home at once.
#4. Remind Work Out Time.
This smart speaker will encourage you if you want a little push to go for a run or another form of fitness.
You can require your device to remind you of your workout schedule at a particular time daily.
#5. Turn On The Night Mode.
The night mode allows you to dim the lights of your speaker and lessen the volume, so you won’t wake others up.
Before using this feature, you should schedule your speaker to trigger or manually turn it on at a specific time every day.
After that, your device will work itself. It can recognize when your room darkens and modify the light accordingly.
Which Smart Home Appliances Can Google Home Connect To?
Your Google Home can link to many smart home appliances if they’re compatible. Below are some items:
- Lights: Do you leave your room but forget to turn off the lights? You can ask your device to turn them off via voice assistant.
- Thermostat: Your device can support you in checking your house temperature.
- Locks: If you wonder whether you’ve locked the door, you can check it using your smart speaker.
- Robotic vacuums: If you are in a hurry and can’t clean your house’s floor, it’s best to ask this device to operate the vacuum.
- Smart Ovens: You can use your speaker to heat an oven while doing other tasks.
How To Set Up Your Google Home?
Follow the simple steps below to set up your device.
Step 1: Plug Your Device.
Connect your speaker to a power source. It would be best to keep your smartphone nearby because you will pair it with Google Home soon.
Furthermore, select an accessible location to place your speaker.
Step 2: Download And Install The Google Home Application.
Find the Google Home application in Google Play or App Store, depending on your smartphone.
Step 3: Use Google To Log In And Sync Your Smartphone.
You must use your Google account to log in to the app. Otherwise, you need to create a new one.
Follow the instructions on the screen to install the application and sync your phone.
Step 4: Personalize And Connect Your Account(s).
This device will require several connections to ensure it is compatible with your phone. Generally, it would be best if you customized the following sections:
- Voice match
- Music services
- Video services
- Google Duo
- Google photos
How To Personalize Your Google Home?
After you’ve set up your device, you can personalize the setting options to suit your preferences and lifestyle.
- Visit Account Preferences: Select the default news by saying, “OK, Google! Listen to the news!”
- Visit Personal Info: Choose what you want the device to call you (your real name, nickname, specific title).
- Visit Home Control: Connect your device to any other smart home appliances. Ensure all gadgets use the same Wifi connection.
- Ask your Google Home questions: If the answer your device responds to is confusing, visit the menu and tap the What Can You Do option to get various possible questions.
FAQs
Can Google Home Play Music Without a Phone?
Yes! You can use the Bluetooth feature of Google Home to play music.
Can You Just Use Google Home As A Speaker?
The short answer is yes! After pairing your device with your phone and linking it to a music streaming account, you can use it as a speaker to play music or listen to podcasts.
Does Google Home Cost Money To Use?
The good news is no! This app is completely free. You only need to pay for premium services of other streaming platforms like Netflix or Spotify.
Is Google Home A Router Or Modem?
It’s a router. Therefore, you must have an external modem with ISP internet access to make your device’s Wifi router function.
Wrapping Up
Do you need a smartphone for Google Home? After you’ve set up your device, you can use it via voice command without your phone.
Generally, this speaker comes with numerous functions and connects to thousands of smart home appliances to make your life easier.
If you are new to this speaker and unfamiliar with one of its functionality, you can contact us for more information. Thanks for reading!
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