Google Assistant Routines are quick and easy-to-setup actions that make your day a little easier. Routines are action chains that offer handy information — such as the weather, news updates, and your calendar — or smart home integrations like automatically dimming your smart bulbs when it's time for bed. Google Assistant offers a variety of routines, but you'll get the most out of the service by creating your own.

Let's look at how to find, create, and use routines when using Google Assistant. When you're ready, pair your routines with one of these smart home devices for beginners.

How to manage your Google Assistant routines

Google Assistant is a virtual assistant found on Android phones and tablets as well as Nest smart speakers and displays. The Google Home app is where you'll perform day-to-day management of your smart home devices. For example, it's where you'll set up speaker groups, an essential task if you have more than one smart speaker.

However, it's also where you'll view, manage, and create routines.

  1. Open the Google Home app.
  2. Tap Automations.
  3. Your premade and custom routines are found here.

How to create a shortcut for a routine

Voice commands are the recommended way to trigger routines, but you can start them via a shortcut on your home screen.

  1. Tap the routine you want to create a shortcut for.
  2. Tap the arrow button in the upper-right corner.
  3. Tap and hold the widget icon, then place it on your home screen.

How to customize Google Assistant routines

The actions included in a routine use a default starter command and trigger in a specific order. However, you may wish to change the starter command, re-order actions, or delete individual actions. For example, you may want the Bedtime routine to read you a poem in addition to its usual actions. Here's how to customize the pre-built routines.

How to create a custom voice command for your Google Assistant routine

Google Assistant has pre-set voice commands to trigger their routines, but adding your own starter command is easy.

  1. Tap the routine you wish to modify on your Routines screen.
  2. Tap When I say to my Assistant.
  3. Tap Add another on the What I say to my Assistant screen.
  4. Type your starter command.
  5. Tap Add starter.

How to change the order of a routine action

  1. Tap the routine you wish to modify.
  2. Drag actions with your finger to move them up and down the list.

How to add an action to your Google Assistant routine

  1. Tap the routine you wish to modify.
  2. Tap Add action. Google also provides a series of suggested actions below this button. Tap the Add button to add this action to your routine.
  3. Select a category of actions.
  4. Select the action you wish to activate. Some actions require multiple steps. For example, when modifying the volume of a device, choose the volume level.
  5. Tap Done.

How to delete an action within a routine

  1. Tap the routine you want to modify.
  2. Tap the action you want to delete.
  3. Tap Remove action.

Google Assistant Routines can automate your life

Google Assistant's routines via the Automations tab help you create an automated schedule based on your bedtime, wake-up time, or some event in between.