Create commands to control online services & devices
You can create your own commands for your Google Assistant using IFTTT. See services and devices you can control.
IFTTT is a separate company from Google. The name stands for “If this, then that.”
For example, if you say:
- “It’s time to wake up,” then your automated coffee maker turns on
- “Tell my friends I’m going sailing,” then a status update is posted to your social network
Together, your custom phrase and action is called an Applet. To create an IFTTT Applet or use ones that other people have created, follow the steps below.
Get started
- Go to IFTTT.com.
- If you haven’t already, sign in or sign up.
- At the top right, click Search. Search for “Google Assistant.”
- Click Google Assistant Connect.
- Choose a Google Account to give IFTTT access to. Make sure to choose the account you used to set up Google Home or the Google Assistant on your phone.
- Find the account you used to set up Google Home. If you’re using the Google Assistant on a phone, touch and hold the Home button Tap your Profile picture or initial Account. The account will be selected.
Browse, create, or edit Applets
To use an Applet that someone else created:
- Go to IFTTT.com.
- At the top, click Search. Search for “Google Assistant.”
- Click Google Assistant .
- You’ll find Applets created by others. To add an Applet to your list, click it Turn on.
- IFTTT may ask you to give permissions to another service before using the Applet. Review the request before giving permission.
- Optional: Edit the Applet.
- Click Save. The Applet will be added to My Applets.
Step 1: Create a phrase
Create one or more phrases you want to use to trigger an action from your Google Assistant.
- Go to IFTTT.com.
- At the top right, click your username New Applet.
- Click this.
- Search for “Google Assistant.”
- Click Google Assistant .
- Choose a trigger.
- Complete the trigger fields:
- Enter up to 3 ways to say your phrase.
- In the last field, enter what you want your Assistant to say in response to your phrase.
- Click Create trigger.
Step 2: Create an action
Create the action you want your Google Assistant to complete when you say your phrase.
- Click that.
- Search for an action service.
- If the service asks you to connect your account, follow the steps.
- Choose an action, then fill in the required fields.
- Click Create action.
- Review your Applet. To make changes, go to the top left, then click Back. If you’re finished, click Finish.
- Go to IFTTT.com.
- At the top, click My Applets.
- Click Google Assistant .
- Under “My Applets,” click an Applet. From here, you can:
- Turn the Applet on or off.
- Check the Applet: To see if the Applet is working, click Check now. If it’s working, you’ll see “Applet checked.”
- Edit the Applet: Click Configure . Make your changes, then click Save.
- Find your activity log: Click Configure View activity log.
- Delete the Applet: Click Configure . Scroll down, then click Delete.
Fix an Applet that isn’t working
If an Applet isn’t working, you likely have an issue with your device settings.
To fix the issue:
- Repeat your phrase. Speak clearly and naturally.
- See if you’re using one of the phrases you’ve added to your Applet. If there’s only one phrase in your Applet, try adding other ways of saying the same phrase. Follow these steps to find or edit an Applet.
- If you’re using the Google Assistant on a phone, make sure you’re signed in with the Google Account you used to create the Applet.
- To see which account you’re signed in to on your phone:
- On your Android phone or tablet, say “Hey Google, open Assistant settings”.
- At the top, you’ll find the email address of the account you’re signed in to.
- To see which account you’re signed in to on your phone:
Remove IFTTT from your Google Account
- Go to your list of apps connected to your Google Account.
- If you haven’t already, sign in to your account.
- Select IFTTT Remove.
- Repeat for every IFTTT service connected to your account.