Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

How to use the Google Home app on your PC

Michael Bizzaco
By

The Google Home app is your go-to command center when it comes to automating and managing your Google-powered smart home. The app acts as a kind of registry for whatever smart devices you have connected to your home Wi-Fi and even lets you view notifications, set reminders, and more.

If it’s a smart device powered by Google Assistant and connected to your home network, you can control it through the Google Home app.

Related Videos

Can you use the Google Home app on a PC?

Available exclusively for iOS and Android devices, you won’t find a dedicated desktop app for running your Google smart home on your Mac or PC. That said, there are a few workarounds you can implement, allowing you to add Google Home’s intuitive features to your computer of choice. Read on to learn how.

Related

Use Google Home through your Chromebook

Asus Chromebook Flip CM3 folded backward, sitting on tabletop.
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends

While your run-of-the-mill desktop doesn’t feature onboard support for the Google Home app, those using a Chromebook can download and use the application as they would on a regular mobile device — and it’s all possible via the Google Play Store.

To get started, go into the Settings menu of your Chromebook. Click Apps, find the Google Play Store tab, then click Turn On. Now all you have to do is head into the Google Play Store on your Chromebook, download the Google Home app, and launch it.

Because the building blocks of Chrome OS and Android are pretty close in nature, you’ll be able to use the Google Home app to do everything you normally do on your mobile device — including device controls, routine building, and casting — but through your Chromebook.

Put Google Chrome to the test

Google Chrome opened on a laptop.
Caio/Pexels

If you’re already using Google Chrome as the default web browser for your PC or Mac and are looking to add Google Home functionality to your desktop, you’ll be glad to know that you can use Google Chrome to unlock the casting and streaming features that are built into the Google Home app.

To do so, you’ll first want to ensure that your desktop is running the latest version of Chrome. Next, with the Chrome browser launched, you can either click the More icon (three vertical dots) or right-click a blank section of your webpage. Then, click Cast, followed by your device of choice.

While you won’t be able to use Google Chrome for Google Assistant or any kind of device customization for the hardware on your network, the casting function will allow you to send audio and video from your desktop to certain Google Home devices on your network.

Try an Android emulator

The Google Home app for Bluestacks.

Did you know that you can mimic your phone or tablet’s Android operating system to your desktop? With programs like Bluestacks, you can enjoy the look, feel, and functionality of your phone’s Android OS right from your home computer. While there are a handful of emulators to choose from, Bluestacks is known for its reliability, easy layout, and customization options.

To get started, download Bluestacks for your PC or Mac, then launch the program. During setup, you’ll be prompted to enter Google Play Store credentials for downloading apps. After entering this info, go into the Play Store, search for Google Home, and click Install.

When you launch the Google Home app, you’ll be prompted to enter your Google account info, at which point the rest of your installation will mirror that of Google Home on a mobile device. Once you’ve locked down your location preferences and a few other tweaks, you’re ready to use the app.

The nice thing about Bluestacks (minus the ads) is that Google Home will perform exactly the same way it does on the mobile gear the app is designed for.

Frequently asked questions

Can you install the Google Home app on Windows 10?

While there’s no official Google Home app built for Windows, Mac, or Linux desktops, you can download an Android emulator to mimic the functionality of the Google Home app on your PC.

Can you control all Google Home devices from your PC?

With programs like BlueStacks installed on your machine, you’ll be able to control and customize smart home devices exactly as you would on the Google Home app proper.

Can you use Google Home as a speaker for a PC?

The Google Home app can’t be used as a speaker for your PC, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. If you own a Nest speaker, you can easily connect the speaker to your desktop using Bluetooth.

Can you use Google Assistant on a PC?

Similar to the Google Home app, there’s no official Google Assistant app for desktop computers. That said, there exists an unofficial Google Assistant that you can download to add the voice assistant to your PC. Keep in mind that the process for installing this backend solution is a bit complex, and we can’t promise how well it will actually work.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
The best Amazon Alexa smart speakers
Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen, 2020 release)on a table with a yoga matt and water bottle.

If you’re a fan of the highly capable Alexa voice assistant, the versatile app, and the easy connection with Amazon and smart home devices, then you definitely want a smart speaker with built-in Alexa capabilities. But which one? Amazon, of course, has its own line of Echo speakers that are designed for use with Alexa, but they aren't the only brand that supports Alexa for easy voice commands.

For this list, we focused on the best smart speakers you can find with Alexa built-in. These speakers allow you to make calls to your contacts, play music from your favorite streaming service, set up smart home routines, and even have Alexa help guard your home. Take a look!

Read more
Ring Alarm, video doorbells will soon lock free features behind a paywall
Ring Video Doorbell installed next to a white entry door.

Ring is making a few changes to its Ring Protect subscription plans. Later this month, membership will be required for select features that were previously free. Specifically, new customers who pick up a Ring Alarm will need to sign up for the premium service to Arm or Disarm their device from the Ring app and receive digital notifications.

Ring Alarm isn’t the only product seeing changes, as Ring doorbells and cameras will also need a subscription to set them into Home or Away mode. The same goes for customizing settings to enable Live View with each of the above modes. Changes to the Ring Protect plans will take place on March 29, although they won't impact all users.

Read more
The best video doorbells for 2023
A person pressing the Arlo Video Doorbell.

If you’re interested in monitoring your front porch while away from home, then you’ll want to take a look at the best video doorbells of 2023. Video doorbells have come a long way over the past few years, giving you unprecedented access to your front door regardless of location. Whether you’re looking for an affordable model with the basics or a premium model that can do it all, our list of the best video doorbells has you covered.

Don’t have time to wait through the full list? If you’re a newcomer to the smart home world, consider picking up the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen). And if you’re looking for a premium model, consider the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 or Arlo Video Doorbell, as both offer tons of features to keep your home secure.

Read more