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20 Ways to Automate Smart Plugs & Switches with Google Assistant Routines

Just Tech Me At


>Google Routines with Smart Plugs and Switches

20 Ways to Automate
Smart Plugs & Switches
with Google Assistant Routines

October 4, 2025

by Just Tech Me At


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Table of Contents



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Introduction

Smart plugs and smart switches let you control "dumb" devices without replacing them. Using Google Assistant routines, you can automate these outlets for convenience, safety, and energy savings. Each routine below uses a clear Trigger → Action → Optional structure so you can implement it quickly.

1. Morning Coffee Routine

  • Trigger: Scheduled time (e.g., 6:30 AM).
  • Action: Turn on coffee maker via smart plug.
  • Optional: Announce "Coffee is brewing" on your smart speaker.

    • 2. Bedtime Device Shutoff

  • Trigger: Voice command ("Good night") or schedule.
  • Action: Turn off bedroom plugs (TV, chargers, lamps).
  • Optional: Dim hallway light via smart switch for safe path.

    • 3. Workday Energy Saver

  • Trigger: Leaving home (phone location) or scheduled weekdays morning.
  • Action: Turn off non-essential plugs (TV, entertainment, chargers).
  • Optional: Send a confirmation push notification to your phone.

    • 4. Arrival Welcome Lights

  • Trigger: Arriving home (phone geofence).
  • Action: Turn on entryway lamp or living room lights via smart switch.
  • Optional: Play a short welcome message on the living room speaker.

    • 5. Away-from-Home Appliance Cutoff

  • Trigger: Leave Home routine or voice command ("I'm leaving").
  • Action: Turn off high-risk plugs (irons, space heaters, toasters) to prevent accidents.
  • Optional: Announce via Assistant: "All high-power appliances are off."

    • 6. Holiday Lights Schedule

  • Trigger: Sunset or specific calendar dates.
  • Action: Turn on holiday lights plugged into outdoor smart plugs.
  • Optional: Turn off at a set time or sunrise automatically.

    • 7. Fan Auto-Shutoff

  • Trigger: Voice command ("Turn on fan") or schedule.
  • Action: Turn on fan via smart plug.
  • Optional: Add delay to automatically turn off after set minutes to save energy.

    • 8. Voice-Controlled Desk Lamp

  • Trigger: Voice command ("Hey Google, desk light on").
  • Action: Turn on desk lamp via smart plug or smart switch.
  • Optional: Set brightness or color via compatible smart bulb integration.

    • 9. Smart Charging Station

  • Trigger: Scheduled nighttime (e.g., 11:00 PM).
  • Action: Turn off plugs used for device charging to prevent overnight trickle-charging.
  • Optional: Turn chargers back on in the morning or when alarm dismisses.

    • 10. Nightlight for Kids

  • Trigger: Scheduled bedtime or voice command ("Kids nightlight").
  • Action: Turn on a low-wattage lamp via smart plug at 10-20% brightness.
  • Optional: Turn off after a set duration (e.g., 30 minutes).

    • 11. Exercise Equipment Power

  • Trigger: Voice command ("Workout time") or schedule.
  • Action: Turn on treadmill or smart plug powering fitness equipment.
  • Optional: Start workout playlist on smart speaker.

    • 12. Kitchen Appliance Safety

  • Trigger: Leave Home or schedule end of day.
  • Action: Turn off plugs for small appliances (toaster oven, slow cooker, etc.).
  • Optional: Send push notification if any appliance remains powered.

    • 13. Pet Feeder Power On

  • Trigger: Scheduled feeding times.
  • Action: Activate smart plug to power automatic pet feeder for a set duration.
  • Optional: Send an image from pet cam to confirm feeding.

    • 14. Outdoor Garden Lights

  • Trigger: Sunset or motion detection.
  • Action: Turn on garden/pathway lights connected to exterior smart switches/plugs.
  • Optional: Turn off at a scheduled time or sunrise.

    • 15. Home Office Energy Saver

  • Trigger: End of workday voice command ("End work").
  • Action: Turn off monitors, desk lamps, and chargers via grouped smart plugs.
  • Optional: Lock the office door via smart lock if integrated.

    • 16. Movie Mode Power Setup

  • Trigger: Voice command ("Movie night").
  • Action: Turn on TV power strip, soundbar plug, and dim lamps through smart switches.
  • Optional: Turn off other plugs to reduce background noise and save energy.

    • 17. Wake-Up Lamp

  • Trigger: Alarm dismiss or scheduled time.
  • Action: Turn on bedside lamp via smart plug to help you wake up gently.
  • Optional: Pair with smart bulb to ramp brightness over several minutes.

    • 18. Laundry Cycle Reminder

  • Trigger: Timer matching washer/dryer cycle length.
  • Action: Turn on a notification lamp or play announcement on speaker indicating cycle completion.
  • Optional: Turn off the lamp automatically after acknowledgement.

    • 19. Weekend Sleep-In Lights

  • Trigger: Weekend schedule (later morning time).
  • Action: Turn on bedroom or kitchen lights later to allow for sleep-in.
  • Optional: Start a gentle playlist when lights come on.

    • 20. Emergency Appliance Shutoff

  • Trigger: Voice command ("Emergency off") or integration with smoke/CO alarm.
  • Action: Turn off all smart plugs and switches to cut power to appliances instantly.
  • Optional: Announce status and send push notifications to household members.

    • Conclusion

    Smart plugs and switches are fast, affordable ways to add intelligence to your home. These 20 Google Assistant routines cover convenience, safety, and energy-saving scenarios-use them as templates and tweak triggers or devices to match your household needs. Want these as a downloadable checklist or spreadsheet? I can export them for you with affiliate link placeholders.

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