Optimizing Smart Device Management: Using Google Home App on Windows/Mac

What to Know

• There isn’t a Google Home app for Windows. An Android emulator is one way to open the full app on a PC.
• Chrome can be used to control playback and cast from a computer. This doesn’t let you set up the devices.
• A third option is Google Home for Web. This is a stripped-down, web version that shows cameras and routines.

This article explains all your options for using Google Home on a Windows PC. While the app is designed to work only with a mobile device, other options include an Android emulator, the Chrome browser, and the Google Home website.

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Use Google Home on a PC With an Android Emulator

AnAndroid emulator for Windows is one way to run Android apps like Google Home on a PC.BlueStacks (pictured below) is one choice. It shows the full app, including all your devices, Routine automations, activity logs, and settings.

In our tests, we were able to receive motion alerts for a camera, but we couldn’t control lights or add a new device.

One thing to note about using an emulator to run Google Home on Windows is that you need one that supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for full functionality. For example, if you want to set up a new device, Bluetooth is necessary.

Use Google Chrome to Control Google Home Devices

Google Chrome mimics some of the functionality of the Google Home app, but it’s limited. For example, you can’t use it to set up Google Home devices. However, you canuse Chrome to cast to your Google Home devices , such as a speaker or Chromecast.

Update to the latest version of Chrome and verify that your PC and Google Home deviceconnect to the same Wi-Fi network . To control a device, select the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner of Chrome, selectSave and share >Cast , and then select the device.

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Some websites, like YouTube and other popular video and music streaming services, offer built-in cast buttons that stream media to your Google Home device. This button is usually positioned near the playback controls.

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View Google Home Cameras From a PC

Google Home is also available through the website.Visit home.google.com from your PC to view any cameras that are already installed and set up in your account. Controls are limited, but you can turn off the camera, listen and speak through it, and view recorded events.

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Google Home for Web also lets you access all your household routines. You can’tadd new routines from here, but you can trigger any that you built from the mobile app.

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Can You Control All Google Home Devices From Your PC?

With an emulator, you have full access to all Google Home features, provided that the emulator can access the same network your devices are installed on. Unfortunately, some of the most popular Android emulators either don’t include that functionality or are hard to configure.

The Cast option in Chrome is unable to set up new devices, but it’s great for playing and pausing media and displaying a browser tab or your whole desktop on the TV.

Google Home for Web is the most limited of the three options. There are no Wi-Fi controls, devices can’t be set up from scratch, you won’t see activity logs, and non-camera devices like speakers, lights, and other smart home tech aren’t accessible.

It is also possible toinstall Google Assistant on Windows to take full advantage of Google’s virtual assistant. However, voice support is limited to streaming media from Chrome to Google Home devices—you’ll only enjoy a few simple commands, such as_Stop_ and_Max volume_ .

How to Use Google Home App on Your Mac

FAQ

• How do I use Google Home as a speaker for my PC?
  If you have a Bluetooth-compatible PC, first put your Google Home speaker into pairing mode by saying, “OK Google, Bluetooth pairing.” Then, on your Windows PC,enable Bluetooth and pair it with your Google Home speaker.
• How do I connect Google Home Mini to my PC?
  On the Google Home app, select the speaker and then go toSettings >Audio >Paired Bluetooth devices >Enable pairing mode . Then selectReady to pair and connect toOffice Speaker . On your PC,connect a new Bluetooth device and choose the speaker.

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