How to set up and manage Google Assistant routines

It can be both fun and useful to order around the Google Assistant with simple commands like "Hey Google, turn on the lights" and see your words transformed into actions. Did you know, however, that you can do much more than simple one-off commands? By setting up and utilizing the Routines feature of Google Home and Google Assistant, you can trigger complex processes and activities with a simple action or phrase. I'll show you how in the steps below.

Products used in this guide

• Maximum utility: Nest Hub Max ($230 at Best Buy)
• Assistant in your pocket: Google Pixel 4 (From $550 at Amazon)

How to set up and manage a preset routine

Google has created several preset routines, including options like Good morning, Bedtime, and Commuting to work.

1. Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.
2. Tap on the purple Routines icon

3. Press edit to select a device to play routines on.

   Source: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central

4. Tap on one of the preset routine suggestions (here I'll tap on the Good morning routine).

5. Google Assistant will walk you through how to set up and customize this preset routine.

   Source: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central

6. When you're ready, tap on the Customize Good morning Routine button at the bottom of the screen.

7. Here you may select or deselect any of the preset options to your liking.

   Source: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central and Jeramy Johnson / Android Central

Now you've set up and customized your first routine with the Google Assistant. If you want to make changes to this routine at any point, simply return to the Google Home app home screen, tap on the Routines icon, and then tap on Manage routines. From there, you'll be able to customize your routines further.

How to set up and manage a new routine

If you don't like any of the preset routines, you can create one of your own.

1. Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.
2. Tap on the purple Routines icon

3. Tap on Manage routines at the bottom of the screen.

   Source: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central

4. Tap on the + Add a routine button at the top of the screen.

5. A new screen will come up where you can add commands for Google Assistant. My command is "Drinky drinky."

   Source: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central

6. Now, set a day and time for your routine. I set mine for 5 p.m. on Friday.

7. Next, establish the actions the assistant will take. Here, I have it respond with "It's 5 o'clock somewhere."

   Source: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central

8. Finally, add some media or audio to the response. I've asked Google Assistant to play Margaritaville.

   Source: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central

As with the preset routines, you can make changes to the routines you create at any time by going into the Manage routines screen and tweaking the commands, actions, and other parameters.

Our top equipment picks

Now that you know how to set up, manage, and create new routines with Google Assistant, make sure you have the latest and greatest gear from Google to run it on. I recommend the Nest Hub Max for your home and the Pixel 4 for on the go.