Connecting your TV to Google Home allows you to turn your TV on and off using just your voice. This can be incredibly convenient and eliminates the need to hunt around for misplaced remote controls.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to set up voice control for your TV using Google Home. I’ll provide step-by-step instructions for installation and configuration based on my own experience getting this working in my home.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
To get started, you’ll need:
- A Google Home or Nest smart speaker
- A TV with HDMI-CEC capability
- A Google Chromecast streaming device
The Chromecast will act as the bridge between your Google Home speaker and CEC-enabled TV.
Most modern TVs support HDMI-CEC, which allows devices connected via HDMI to communicate directly with the TV. However, you’ll want to double check your TV manual to confirm CEC support before getting started.
Step 1: Connect Chromecast to Your TV
Begin by plugging the Chromecast into an open HDMI port on the back of your TV. Use the included power cable to provide power to the Chromecast.
Pro Tip: Connect the Chromecast to an HDMI port labeled ARC, Audio Return Channel. This allows the TV audio to play through your Google Home speaker.
Step 2: Download the Google Home App
Next, download the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet. This app allows you to manage and control compatible smart home devices.
The Google Home app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Step 3: Set Up Your Chromecast
Open the Google Home app and tap the “+” icon to add new devices. Select “Set up device” and choose Chromecast from the list.
The app will walk you through connecting your Chromecast to your WiFi network. Follow the on-screen prompts, which includes:
- Confirming the setup code shown on your TV matches the app
- Linking your Google account
Once complete, your Chromecast and Google Home speaker will show as available devices in the app.
Step 4: Enable HDMI-CEC Control
The final step is enabling HDMI-CEC control on your television. This allows devices to directly communicate with the TV via HDMI cable.
The exact steps to enable HDMI-CEC varies by TV manufacturer, but it’s generally found in your TV settings under:
- External Device Manager
- Anynet+ (Samsung)
- SimpLink (LG)
- BRAVIA Sync (Sony)
Consult your TV manual for specifics.
Start Using Voice Commands
With everything configured, you can now use your Google Home speaker to turn your TV on and off!
Try saying:
- “Hey Google, turn on the TV”
- “Hey Google, turn off the TV”
You can even specify a particular device:
- “Hey Google, turn on the living room TV”
- “Hey Google, turn off the bedroom TV”
Additional Voice Commands
Beyond powering your TV on and off, Google Home also supports various other voice commands:
- Volume Control – “Hey Google, turn up/down the TV volume”
- Input Switching – “Hey Google, switch the TV to HDMI 1”
- Channel Changes – “Hey Google, change the channel to ESPN”
Give these a try to see what works with your devices. Functionality varies based on TV model and capability.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you find that Google Home is unable to power on your TV, here are some things to check:
- HDMI-CEC is enabled – Double check this option is switched on in your TV settings.
- Use an alternate HDMI port – Especially try using the ARC port if available.
- Check firmware versions – Update your TV firmware and Chromecast to the latest versions.
- Try rebooting devices – Power cycle your TV, Chromecast, and Google Home speaker.
In most cases, this functionality works seamlessly. But if issues crop up, run through this basic troubleshooting to help identify the problem.
Conclusion
The ability to power on your TV with Google Home voice commands can be incredibly convenient. No more fumbling to find misplaced remote controls!
Just follow the steps above to connect your Chromecast and enable HDMI-CEC control on your television. Then start enjoying hands-free voice control with your Google Home smart speaker.
From powering on the TV to changing channels and controlling volume, your Google Home speaker eliminates the need for traditional remote controls. Give it a try and simplify the way you watch television!
