Google Home on iPhone: Add Favorites with a New Homescreen Widget
Google Home on iPhone: Adding Favorites with a New Homescreen Widget
Google Home, the virtual assistant developed by Google, offers a convenient way to control your smart home devices and access information using voice commands. With the recent update, iPhone users can now add a new Homescreen Widget to easily access their favorite devices and services. In this in-depth guide, we will walk you through the process of adding favorites with the new Homescreen Widget for Google Home on your iPhone.
Step 1: Update Your Google Home App
Before you begin, ensure that your Google Home app is updated to the latest version. Open the App Store on your iPhone and check for any available updates by clicking the “Updates” tab. If an update is available, tap “Update” next to Google Home.
Step 2: Long Press on the Homescreen
Long press an empty area of your iPhone’s homescreen until all of your apps begin to jiggle.
Step 3: Add Widget
Tap the “+” symbol at the top left corner of your homescreen. Scroll down and tap on “Google” to view available widgets.
Step 4: Select Google Home Widget
Select the desired size for your Google Home widget by tapping on it. We recommend using the largest available size for better visibility.
Step 5: Add Favorites
Tap and hold the newly added Google Home widget, then tap “Edit Widget”. Here you can add your favorites by tapping on the “+” button next to the devices or services that you want to add.
Step 6: Customize
You can also customize the appearance of your widget by changing the background color or adding a photo. Tap on “Background” to choose your preferred option.
Step 7: Save
Once you are satisfied with your selection, tap “Done” in the upper right corner to save your changes.
Step 8: Enjoy Your New Google Home Widget
Now, whenever you long press on your homescreen, you’ll see your favorite devices and services displayed in the Google Home widget. This makes it quicker and easier to control your smart home setup without having to open the Google Home app every time.
I. Introduction
Google Home, a voice-activated smart speaker developed by Google, has revolutionized the way we interact with technology at home. Its seamless integration with Apple’s iPhone is a testament to cross-platform compatibility and convenience. Google Home functions as a personal assistant, controlling smart home devices, playing music, setting alarms, providing information, and much more. However, the real magic lies in customizing this experience on an iPhone using Google Home widgets.
Brief overview of Google Home and its integration with the iPhone
Google Home is a voice-controlled smart speaker that uses Google Assistant to answer questions, play music, check weather, set alarms and control compatible devices. With the Home app on an iPhone, users can manage their smart home devices, view live camera feeds, and create routines for various scenarios. Google Home connects to your iPhone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to control it using the Google Home app or simply by asking Google Assistant through the device.
Importance of customizing Google Home experience on iPhone using widgets
Customizing your Google Home experience on an iPhone through widgets adds a personal touch and enhances functionality. Widgets, small applications that provide quick access to specific information or functions, can be added directly onto your iPhone home screen. For instance, you can add a Google Home widget displaying current temperature and weather conditions, or one that shows your daily schedule. Another example is the Smart Home widget which lets you control multiple devices with a single tap. These widgets not only make your interaction with Google Home more intuitive but also save time and effort by providing quick access to essential information or controls right at your fingertips.
Prerequisites
Before you begin setting up the Google Home integration with your iPhone, it is crucial to meet certain requirements. These prerequisites will ensure a seamless and successful setup process.
Update Google Home App
Firstly, ensure that your Google Home app is up-to-date with the latest version. An updated app guarantees compatibility with the newest features and bug fixes. To check for updates, navigate to the App Store on your iPhone and look for any available updates for the Google Home app.
Requirements for iPhone
Secondly, make sure that you have an iPhone running on iOS 14 or later. This operating system supports the latest Google Home integration and ensures that all features function correctly. If you’re unsure of your iPhone’s current operating system, go to Settings > General > About to check the version. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it before proceeding with the Google Home setup process.
I Adding Favorites in Google Home App
Step 1: Launch the Google Home app on your iPhone
Tap on the device or room that you want to add a favorite for.
Scroll down and tap on the ‘+’ sign located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Tap on “Add” to create a new favorite.
Step 2: Name your Favorite
Provide a descriptive and easily recognizable name for your favorite, e.g., “Bedroom Lighting”.
Tap on the checkmark to save your new favorite.
Step 3: Set a Shortcut or Routine for your Favorite
Tap on “Actions” located below the favorite name.
Choose an existing shortcut or create a new one by tapping on the “+” sign.
Configure your shortcut or routine as desired and tap on “Save“.
Adding Google Home Widget to Homescreen
Step 1:
Long press an empty area on your iPhone homescreen.
Tap on the ‘+’ sign that appears at the top left corner of the screen:
Step 2:
Scroll down and tap on “Smart Homes” in the “More Categories” section.
Select Google as your smart home provider if it’s not already selected:
Step 3:
Choose the desired Google Home widget:
- Small: Display up to 5 shortcuts or favorites.
- Medium: Display up to 9 shortcuts or favorites.
- Large: Display up to 16 shortcuts or favorites.
Step 4:
- Tap on the ‘+’ sign located at the bottom left corner of the screen to add your favorites or shortcuts.
- Arrange your favorites or shortcuts as desired by tapping and dragging them around.
E. Step 5:
Tap on “Done” to save the changes and add the widget to your homescreen.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we walked you through the process of adding favorites with a new homescreen widget for Google Home on your iPhone. Here’s a quick
recap
of the steps involved:
- Open the Google Home app on your iPhone.
- Tap the ‘+’ icon to add a new widget.
- Select the Google Home widget.
- Customize your widget by adding favorites, such as frequently used devices, rooms, or routines.
- Tap ‘Done’ to save your widget.
Why customize your Google Home experience using favorites and widgets?
Benefits:
- Easy access to your most-used devices and routines
- Save time by controlling multiple devices at once
- Create a personalized experience for your smart home
But wait, there’s more!
Explore other features and functionalities of Google Home app on iPhone:
- Automate your home with routines
- Set up voice match for personalized experiences
- Control compatible smart home devices with a single tap
- Receive notifications and suggestions for energy savings
By taking advantage of these features, you can make your Google Home experience even more convenient and enjoyable. Happy smart home automating!
