Ring cameras and Google Home automation are both popular additions to many smart homes around the world, but interoperability is becoming a growing concern.
But do Ring cameras work with Google Home?
Interoperability is the ability of various smart devices to interact and operate in unison, which is also known as the Internet of Things theory. Ring cameras are only partially compatible with Google Home and can be integrated into the Google home control scheme.
While you can sync the devices for some functionality, the Google Home system will not notify the homeowner if the doorbell rings.
Google Home may work in some ways with Ring cameras, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Continue reading to find out how Ring works with Google Home and how you can use the two systems together.
IS GOOGLE COMPATIBLE WITH THE RING?
While Google Home is currently advertised as being compatible with Ring, this is a fairly broad generalization given the two systems’ current lack of intraoperative functions.
This means you won’t be able to view video from your Ring device using a Google Nest Hub. Furthermore, Chromecast devices do not display Ring content on televisions or other screens. Aside from those constraints, there are numerous ways to combine Google Home and Ring.
Google Home can be linked-to Ring cameras, and the system can track when motion sensors and doorbells are triggered, but it cannot alert homeowners to someone at the door.
HOW TO INSTALL RING WITH GOOGLE HOME?
1. Visit the Google Home Assistant Ring Page
To connect your Ring device to Google Home, go to the Ring device section of the Google Home Assistant Services page.
This is the page where you will link your Google Home device to your Ring account. Make a note of your Google account information as well as your Ring account information. Both are required to complete the process.
2. Connect to Google Assistant
Access your Google account. If you have multiple Google email addresses, make sure this is the account you use with your Google Home device.
3. Select the Google Home Device to Use With Ring
After you’ve signed in, select Send to Device. You’ll be presented with a menu where you can select the type of Google Home device you want to pair with Ring.
The ring is compatible with Android 6.0 and higher Watches, Android 6.0 and higher TVs, Google Home Assistants, Android 5.0 Phones, iOS 10.0 and higher devices, some headphones, smart displays, and some Android 6.0 and higher tablets. This process does not support devices that are not listed here.
Additionally, if you only have one device that you’ve registered to work with Google Home, then only that type will be in the menu. If you have multiple Google Home devices, select the one that you intend to use with Ring.
4. Link Your Ring Doorbell With Google Home
If you chose your device from the Send to Device menu, a notification will appear in the Google Assistant app on your phone or tablet. This notification will request authorization to connect to Ring. Select Yes to move on to the next step.
If you don’t see the Send to a Device button, you’ll need to use your web browser to link your Ring account. To do so, go to the Google Home Assistant Ring page and click the blue link text in the upper right corner.
In a popup, confirm that you want to connect your Ring account to your Google account. To proceed, click the Link button.
5. Sign In to Your Ring Account
Following that, you’ll be asked to enter your Ring account information. Enter it into your phone’s, tablet’s, or browser’s address bar. The images depict how your iPhone’s screen will appear if you use it. The windows will be similar if you use a tablet or browser.
After you’ve entered your account information, you may be prompted to enter it again, along with a two-factor authentication code. This code should be texted to the Ring phone number you have on file. This security feature protects your devices from unauthorized access.
Enter your credentials and the code you received a second time. Then select Sign in. When finished, you may get an email or text verifying that your Ring account was accessed by Google Home. Feel free to disregard this email.
6. Authorize Google Home to Access Ring
To finish the linking process, click the orange Authorize button. Return to the Ring web page in Google Assistant to ensure everything worked properly. Reload the page.
You should see blue text that says Unlink in the upper right corner of the page. This means your Google Home device has been successfully connected to your Ring account.
Note: If you want to remove Google Home’s access to your Ring device for any reason, click the Unlink text. If you move or give away your Google device, make sure no one else can access your Ring.
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CAN YOU VIEW THE RING CAMERA ON THE GOOGLE HOME HUB?
One of the most significant disadvantages of using Ring and Google Home as part of an integrated smart home system is that your Ring security cameras cannot be viewed through the Google Home console.
That means that even if your Google Home system detects motion or someone at the door, it will not notify you and you will not be able to see them.
This is a significant disadvantage for many people, given that the primary purpose of Ring door cameras is to remotely view whoever is at the door.
Ring Support has confirmed that it is working to improve the interoperability of Google Home and the Ring home security network. However, for the time being, this pairing only serves a few purposes. Here are a few things you can do with your Google Home to control your Ring cameras.
- Make a 30-second video with one of your Ring camera devices.
- Receive notifications via your Google Home hub when the Ring cameras detect movement or a person at the door.
- Check the status of the camera to see if it is operational.
The one function that the Google Home cannot command the Ring camera to perform is recognizing when someone is at the door. As it stands, Google Home is a pointless controller for the Ring camera system, and you’d be better off using the Ring app to control your Ring devices than Google Home.
DO RING LIGHTS WORK WITH GOOGLE HOME?
Ring Lights are compatible with Google’s Home Assistant, but as with their camera systems, interoperability is limited to a few basic functions.
The Google Home Assistant also has the advantage of allowing you to control your Ring camera and light systems with voice commands.
However, you won’t be able to verify them by watching security footage on your Google Home hub. Most Ring products are Google Home compatible, but their functionality is limited to some extent.
Because Amazon’s Ring and Google Home are competing companies, and Google is working hard with its Nest products to create a self-sufficient smart home ecosystem, some of the smart functions Ring products include are limited.
DOES GOOGLE NEST HUB WORK WITH RING?
Google Home has limited capabilities with Ring cameras, but what about Google Nest Hub? The answer, like Google Home, is both yes and no. While the two services can technically be linked, their functionality and interoperability are limited.
Here are some of the things Google Nest and Ring can do together (source: Lifewire):
- Google Nest can receive Ring camera system notifications and notify you when motion detectors, doorbells, or cameras are activated. You will be unable to view your Ring camera videos from your Google Nest Hub.
- You can use voice commands to control your Ring devices via Google’s Home Assistant in the Google Nest Hub.
So far, the lack of interoperability makes Google Home and Ring a risky pairing. Despite this, both companies are working hard to improve both software and firmware to make the systems more compatible. These compatibility enhancements will result in a more seamless smart home experience.
ARE GOOGLE HOME AND RING TOGETHER WORTH IT?
Even though there isn’t full compatibility between Google Home and Ring, there are many features you can use if you want to control your Ring with voice commands.
The most significant disadvantage of incorporating Google Home and Ring into a smart home system is that none of Google’s control consoles or hubs are currently capable of receiving and playing back real-time Ring camera footage.
If you want to control your smart home primarily through Google Home, Ring’s effectiveness as a doorbell and security system is diminished.
Since Ring services are relatively affordable and the system is very robust in its own right, it may be worth it to add Ring cameras to your Google Home system if you’re willing to go between two applications. Just don’t expect to look at the footage without signing directly into the Ring app itself.
BEST WAY TO CONTROL RING DEVICES WITH GOOGLE HOME
On iOS devices, install the Google Home app and connect it to the required Ring product. However, for a more unified and seamless experience, use Google Home with connected Android devices.
This will allow you to take advantage of quick-access controls as well as new updates as they become available.
BRINGING TOGETHER A RING DOORBELL AND GOOGLE HOME
While the Ring Video Doorbell’s full functionality isn’t available, connecting it to a Google Home device provides a number of useful features.
By following the steps in this guide, you will be able to check the health of your Ring device, begin recording on your Ring device, and learn when your Ring doorbell last detected a visitor.
Connecting these devices provides an additional convenient way to manage two powerful components of your smart home. Simply ensure that the security of your devices is always a priority in smart home planning.
Alternative Video: Do Ring Cameras Work With Google Home?
CONCLUSION On Ring Cameras Working With Google Home
Despite the fact that Google and Ring have both made significant technological advances to make their devices more easily integrated, the inability of Google devices to read and playback Ring camera footage is a significant disadvantage of this smart home combination.
If you want a smart home system that can fully integrate Ring, you should look elsewhere. IFTTT enables you to connect smart products even if they are incompatible or have limited functionality.
The best part is that the procedure is not particularly time-consuming. All you have to do is download IFTTT for Android or iOS and use the app to connect all of your smart devices.
FAQs About Ring Cameras Working With Google Home
Do Ring cameras record all the time?
To answer the question, do ring cameras record 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the answer is yes. However, while Ring cameras can record indefinitely, this feature is only available through paid monthly subscriptions to Ring’s premium home security software and app.
Is Ring charged a monthly fee?
Ring Protect Basic costs $3 per month or $30 per year (annual purchase saves $6). Ring Protect Plus enables video recording for all of your home’s doorbells and security cameras. In addition, you will receive an extended warranty and 10% off select Ring product purchases on Ring.com and Amazon.com.
How long are Ring videos saved without a subscription?
For up to 30 days, your Ring videos are saved in the cloud. Download important videos to your PC or mobile device to keep them longer. You can do this through the Ring app or by visiting this page.
Ring records without a subscription?
Will a ring record if you don’t have a subscription? No. To record video, you must subscribe to either the Ring Protect basic plan or the Ring Protect Plus plan. A subscription allows you to view recorded footage from the last 60 days.