How to Use Google Home With Your iPhone

This article explains how to set up and use Google Home with your iPhone. Instructions apply to Google Home smart speakers and iOS devices with OS 11.0 and later.

How to Connect Google Home With an iPhone or iPad

Google Home smart speakers play music, answer questions, and control various smart gadgets installed in a home. Google Home relies on Google Assistant, similar to the way Amazon Echo relies on Alexa and Apple devices use Siri.

The Google Home mobile app controls Google Home smart speakers, and it's available for both Android and iOS devices. Here's how to set up and use Google Home and Google Assistant with your iPhone or iPad.

To link your Google Home smart speaker with your iPhone or iPad, you need Bluetooth turned on, an internet connection, and a secure Wi-Fi network. The iOS device must be connected to the same wireless network as the Google Home device.

1. Connect your iPhone (or iPad) to the Wi-Fi network that you use with the Google Home 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 and install the Google Home iOS app on your iPhone or iPad. Launch the app when it's ready.

4. On the app's welcome screen, select Get Started.

5. Confirm your Google account or select Use another account to log in to a different account. Once confirmed, choose OK.

6. If Google Home finds the device, select the Set Up icon and then follow the setup instructions.

   If Google Home did not find the device, select the plus sign (+) in the upper-left corner and then select Set up device > Set up new devices.

7. Google Home will ask, "Where is this device?" Select the room name where the speaker is kept, such as Office, Bathroom, Den, Dining Room, or Living Room.

8. Choose the Wi-Fi network you want to use to set up Google Home and then select Next. Enter your Wi-Fi password and select Connect.

9. After Google Home connects to Wi-Fi, set up Google Assistant. When Google asks for device information and audio and activity permissions, select Yes I'm In for each.

10. Teach Google Assistant to recognize your voice. Follow the on-screen prompts. When Voice Match is complete, select Continue.

11. Choose an Assistant Voice. Tap the voice you prefer.

12. In the Allow Personal Results screen, select Allow to grant permission for Google Home and the Assistant to access personal information from your smartphone or tablet as needed.

13. The Add Music Services screen allows you to link to a music service with which you have an account, such as Spotify or Pandora.

    Apple Music and iTunes aren't compatible with Google Home. There are ways to get around this and play Apple Music on Google Home.

14. From the Add Your Video Services screen, select the plus sign (+) to link a video service such as Netflix.

15. On the Almost Done screen, add payment information to authorize online purchases using verbal commands.

16. Google Home may install a new update if one is available. When it is complete, Google Home is connected to your iPhone, and you can issue voice commands.

    If you run into problems while setting up a Google Home speaker, check out Google's troubleshooting website.

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."

Limitations of Using Google Home With iOS Devices

While Google Home works well with an iOS device, these smart speakers aren't fully compatible with all the apps and services in the Apple ecosystem, such as iTunes and Apple Music.

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 iTunes, the Music app, the Apple Music service, and Apple TV.