Google Home Finally Lets Smart Buttons Trigger Automations

Google is finally closing a long-standing gap in its smart home platform, the Google Home app. Google has released a new update to the Google Home app. Now, users can use smart buttons as triggers for automations. This makes it easier to control connected devices without relying on voice commands or opening an app.

A much-needed upgrade for Google Home and some fixes

Until now, physical buttons existed in Google Home, but they couldn’t actually do much. That changes with this update (v4.8), first spotted by folks over at 9to5Google. You can now assign actions to button presses and use them to trigger routines like turning lights on and off. You can also use them for activating scenes or running custom automations you’ve already set up.

Physical buttons offer something voice assistants can’t, which is instant and reliable control. A quick press is often faster and more convenient than saying a command. This is especially true for guests, kids, or anyone who doesn’t want to talk to their house.

With this update, Google Home finally supports single, double, or long presses as automation triggers and Matter-compatible smart buttons. It also supports automations that work without voice commands. This brings Google Home closer to platforms like Samsung SmartThings, Apple Home, and Amazon Alexa. Those platforms have supported button-based automations for years.

The update doesn’t stop there. Google also rolled out a few behind-the-scenes improvements, including fixes for common camera playback issues. For example, it addresses the frustrating “Video not available” error that affects some Nest Cam users.

Combined with growing Matter support, this update gives Google Home users more flexibility. It provides more ways to interact with their smart homes, without needing a phone or a voice assistant every time.