Does Ring work with Google Home?

By: Ashley Saunders | Google Home
PUBLISHED: 7th September 2023 | LAST UPDATE: 15th December 2023

Ring doorbells are as popular as Google Home devices, and while Google does offer its own smart doorbell, many still prefer the Amazon-owned Ring range. But what if you want to use the two systems together? Does Ring work with Google Home devices and the app?

Unless you love a challenge, building your dream smart home system involves choosing a central hub and protocol. After selecting one of the many available ecosystems, you’ll find it easier to integrate devices into the system, not to mention controlling them.

Amazon has its own unique protocol that it uses in the Ring and Echo device ranges, and also to operate Alexa. Similarly, Google has programmed a unique protocol into their Google Home range, which includes the Nest Hub Max, Chromecast, and Nest thermostat.

You might wonder, does Ring work with Google Home? On paper, they are completely different systems that shouldn’t. But thankfully, they work well together, and you can control your Ring product using the Google Home app. Let’s explore how to get them talking.

Are the systems compatible?

Let’s start with the good news, Ring security cameras, doorbells, and lights can all integrate with the Google Home app. However, there are several limitations you’ll have to deal with.

That said, Ring devices were not designed with the Google ecosystem in mind or vice versa. They offer their own line of smart home devices, so have restricted some of Ring’s functionalities to some extent. So, don’t expect your Ring Video Doorbell to function as smoothly as it does with the standalone Ring app.

While this might sound like overall bad news, it’s far better to have some of the features and functions than having to spend hours figuring out how to integrate the two systems together using 3rd party software only to realise you can’t.

Ring doorbell Google home

Does Ring Doorbell work with Google Home?

Yes, your Ring Doorbell can work with Google Home, but you won’t be able to take full advantage of its features. As we’re talking about security, not being able to use some of your Ring Doorbell’s features could prove to be crucial.

Ring Video Doorbells have many useful features, including live video feed, motion detection, two-way talk, and push notifications. However, you risk losing a lot of these functionalities when you connect Ring Doorbell to Google Home.

First of all, you won’t be able to watch the live feed from your video doorbell or use two-way talk. You also won’t receive motion alerts or broadcast video onto your Smart TV via Chromecast.

What features can you control?

What you can only do is control non-essential functions like checking battery levels and adjusting the Ring Doorbell settings.

Before you think all hope is lost, there’s some good news. We do have a workaround that will let you enjoy some of your doorbell’s essential features even with Google Home Nest Hub.

If you want to watch the live video stream, you’ll also need to connect your Smart TV to Google Home. It’s easier than you might think:

Open the Google Home App
Tap “+” then “Set up device”
Select “Set up a new device”

Select the “Home name” (this can be your living room TV, bedroom TV, etc.)
Select the device and then click “Next”
Wait for identical codes to pop up on both your TV and smartphone

Click “Yes, I am”
Select your Wi-Fi network and click “Next”
Now, you can choose the video service you want shown on your Smart TV

Click “continue” to finish.

What voice commands can you use?

Here are the voice commands to stream live video footage on your TV:

To start recording video – “Hey Google, Start recording video.”
To know the battery health of your Ring Doorbell – “Hey Google, What’s the health of my doorbell?”
To stop streaming video from the doorbell – “Hey Google, Stop.”

Does the Ring Camera work with Google Home?

Yes, Ring Cameras can work with Google Home. That said, as with the Ring Doorbells, functionality is limited. The Ring Cameras offer live video, motion detection, two-way talk, and real-time alerts. So, it’s hard to imagine losing these functionalities.

While Ring Cameras works with Google Home, you can’t watch live video or utilize its motion detection features. You also won’t be able to use two-way audio communication or get push notifications.

You’ll be limited to adjusting your Ring camera’s settings and checking its battery status, which might be enough for you, but it’s very minimal.

Which functions are accessible?

As mentioned, you can only adjust your camera’s settings and check its battery levels through the Google Home app. So, even if the camera can detect motion at your front door, you won’t be able to see the live video feed, nor will the app send you push notifications.

What voice commands can you use?

There still are a few useful Google voice commands that you can use to control your Ring camera:

Record thirty-second videos

Receive motion detection notifications through your Google Home hub
Check camera status to see if it’s working properly.

Since one of the camera’s main features is recognizing when someone is at the door, you’re better off using the actual Ring app and not worrying about integrating it with Google Home.

Ring Camera Google Home

Does Ring Alarm work with Google Home?

You can use the Ring Alarm with Google Home but with limitations. Since most Google Home Voice Assistant commands won’t work properly with the Ring alarm, we have a workaround that uses Alexa-enabled devices.

If you already have a Google Home and don’t want to spend on another device, you can use IFTTT. This online platform will allow you to integrate and control multiple different systems without leaving you with a massive headache.

You can use the IFTTT app on both Android and iOS devices. The system uses “applets“, which are small computer programs to perform specific tasks within a larger programme.

Using IFTTT, you’ll be able to receive messages on your Chromecast whenever your alarm goes off. Very cool!

Can you use Ring Lights with Google Home?

Ring Lights are also compatible with Google Home. But as with other Ring devices, functionalities will be limited. You can control the lights using voice commands, turn them on and off, adjust brightness, and change light settings.

Installing a Ring device with Google Home

To connect Ring device with Google Home:

Open the Google Home App
Tap the “+” icon at the top left corner

Select “Set up new device”
Click “Have something already set up?”
Select your device from the options

Follow the instructions provided on the App
A prompt will pop up asking you to allow the device
Click “Allow”, then tap “Done”.

How to control Ring devices with Google Home

You can control Ring devices with Google Home using voice commands like:

“Hey Google, Turn motion alerts.”

“Hey Google, Secure home.”
“Hey Google, Start recording video.”
“Hey Google, What’s the health of my doorbell?”

“Hey Google, Stop.”

Ring Alarm Google Home

FAQ

Can you view a Ring camera on Google Home Hub?

Sadly, you can’t view live video feeds from your Ring Camera on Google Home Hub. You can record 30-second clips.

Are Google Home and Ring worth it?

We’d recommend investing in a Google Nest camera if you’re eager to use the Google Home app. If you prefer to use the Ring devices with all of their features, you’ll need to use the Alexa app and ecosystem.

Does Ring work with Google Chromecast?

No, you cannot broadcast video from your Ring to Google Chromecast.

Does Google Nest Hub work with Ring?

Ring devices are technically incompatible with Google Nest Hub. However, you can connect them together. The bad news is you’ll lose most of your Ring device’s features in doing so.

Do Ring devices work with Google Assistant?

Yes, Ring devices work with Google Assistant. The Google Assistant app links all devices on your Ring account to your Google account, making them accessible through Google Home.