How to Use Google Home With Your iPhone

This article explains how to set up and use a Google Nest or Google Home speaker or display with your iPhone or iPad. Instructions apply to iOS/iPadOS 16.1 or later.

How to Connect Google Home to an iPhone or iPad

The Google Home app controls Google's smart speakers. Here's how to set up and use Google Home and Google Assistant with your iPhone or iPad:

1. Ensure that your iPhone or iPad is connected to the Wi-Fi network that you'll use with the smart speaker.

2. Plug in the Google Home smart speaker. After it boots up, it instructs you to run the Google Home app on a mobile device.

3. Download the Google Home app and then open it.

4. Confirm the prompts to access Bluetooth and local networks, then select Get Started.

5. Confirm your Google account or log in to a different one by tapping Use another account. Then, tap I agree.

6. Tap your home if you see it listed, then press Next. If this is your first time using the app, select Create home and then follow the prompts to name it and enter the address.

7. If the device is already set up, you should see it listed immediately. If not, go to Devices > Add and then continue with these directions.

8. Tap Google Nest or partner device.

9. Select your home and then tap Next.

10. The app will search for the Google Home device. When it's found, choose Next.

11. Wait for your device to connect to the Google Home device, then Yes if you hear the sound is makes (this is just to confirm it's the right device).

12. Agree to the legal terms. You'll also see a prompt about improving the Google Home device; feel free to tap No thanks.

13. Select where in your house this device is located, then press Next.

14. Choose the Wi-Fi network you want it to use, then tap Next.

15. Supply the Wi-Fi password, then tap Connect.

16. Choose Next on the screen about setting up Google Assistant, then follow the on-screen prompts.

    You can set up Voice Match so that the device will recognize your voice. You can also get personalized results, set up parental controls, and add a payment method for easier ordering. These are optional, but if you want to set them up, the app lets you walk through those options before finishing up.

    Google Home relies on Google Assistant, similar to how Amazon Echo relies on the Alexa virtual assistant and Apple devices use Siri.

17. Your device is now connected to your iPhone or iPad and is ready to use.

Speak Up and Start Using Google Home

Google Home monitors the room it's in and continuously listens for a voice command, such as Hey Google or OK Google. When it hears the voice command, it activates and listens for your question, request, or command.

Link Compatible Smart Devices

If you want to control smart devices compatible with Google Home, link those devices to the Google Home speaker using the Google Home mobile app on your iPhone or iPad.

After you link a smart device, control it using verbal commands. For example, after linking the Philips Hue lighting system, say, "Hey Google, turn on the living room lights" or "OK Google, dim the living room lights by 50 percent."

Tap Add from the Devices tab to get started with adding a smart home device to the Google Home app. Compatible devices include those with the Matter logo, Google Nest and partner devices, and devices or services labeled "Works With Google Home."

Limitations of Using Google Home With iOS Devices

While Google Home works well with an iOS device and does support Apple Music, these smart speakers aren't fully compatible with the services you might be used to on your Apple device. Consider using the Apple HomePod smart speaker if you want full Siri compatibility or have Apple HomeKit smart devices installed in your home. HomePod also works seamlessly with Apple TV.