Google Home Assistant and Amazon Alexa are two leading smart home ecosystems, but they don’t directly work together natively.

However, you can use third-party services, smart home hubs, or creative workarounds to make the two assistants coexist in your smart home setup.

This allows you to control devices or integrate basic functions between Google Assistant and Alexa.

Here’s how you can make Google Home Assistant and Amazon Alexa work together.

1. Use Shared Smart Home Devices

While Google Home and Alexa operate independently, they can control many of the same smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, plugs, or cameras. By linking both assistants to the same smart device, you can control it from either system.

Steps to Link Shared Devices:

1. Set Up Your Smart Device:
   • Follow the setup instructions in the device app (e.g., Philips Hue, TP-Link, Nest).
2. Connect to Alexa:
   • Open the Alexa app > Devices > Add Device > Select the smart device.
3. Connect to Google Home:
   • Open the Google Home app > Add Device > Link the same smart device account.
4. Control the Device with Both Assistants:
   • Use Alexa: “Alexa, turn on the living room lights.”
   • Use Google Assistant: “Hey Google, turn off the living room lights.”

Supported Shared Devices:

• Smart lights (Philips Hue, Lifx)
• Thermostats (Nest, Ecobee)
• Smart plugs (TP-Link, Wemo)
• Cameras and doorbells (Ring, Arlo)

Also Read: How to Use Google Home Assistant for Price Comparisons

2. Integrate Using IFTTT (Third-Party Automation)

IFTTT (If This Then That) is a third-party automation service that can bridge Google Assistant and Alexa for basic commands. While not a direct integration, it enables you to trigger Alexa actions using Google Assistant.

How to Set Up IFTTT for Integration:

1. Create an IFTTT Account:
   • Sign up at ifttt.com.
2. Connect Google Assistant:
   • Search for Google Assistant in IFTTT services and link your account.
3. Connect Amazon Alexa:
   • Search for Amazon Alexa in IFTTT services and link your Alexa account.
4. Create an Automation (Applet):
   • Example: When you say “Hey Google, start Alexa,” trigger an Alexa routine.
5. Test the Command:
   • Use the automation for basic tasks like switching devices on or off.

3. Use a Smart Speaker with Dual Integration

Some third-party smart speakers support both Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing you to switch between the two assistants.

Examples of Dual-Assistant Devices:

• Sonos One: Supports both Google Assistant and Alexa, letting you choose which assistant to use during setup.
• Bose Smart Speakers: Offers compatibility with both assistants for music playback and smart device control.

Steps to Use:

1. Set up the speaker with the preferred assistant during installation.
2. Toggle between Google Assistant and Alexa in the speaker’s settings.

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4. Run Both Assistants Side by Side

If you have both Google Home devices and Amazon Alexa devices, you can set them up side by side in the same home. While they won’t interact, you can trigger tasks with both assistants independently.

How to Use Both Assistants Together:

1. Place a Google Home device and an Alexa device in the same room.
2. Assign shared smart devices to both platforms.
3. Use separate wake words:
   • “Hey Google, turn on the TV.”
   • “Alexa, turn on the fan.”

This setup allows each assistant to perform specific tasks based on your preference.

5. Use Routines for Workarounds

Both Google Home Assistant and Amazon Alexa support Routines, allowing you to automate tasks within their respective platforms. You can create mirrored routines for similar functionality.

Example Setup for Lights:

• In Alexa App:
  • Create a routine: “Alexa, turn on the lights.”
• In Google Home App:
  • Create a routine: “Hey Google, turn on the lights.”

While this doesn’t sync the two systems, it allows you to achieve similar outcomes with mirrored routines.

Limitations of Google Assistant and Alexa Integration

1. No Native Integration:
   • Google and Amazon have not developed official compatibility, so assistants cannot directly communicate.
2. Limited Cross-Platform Automation:
   • Third-party tools like IFTTT offer limited functionality and work only for basic tasks.
3. Device-Specific Support:
   • Not all smart devices support both ecosystems. Always check for compatibility.

Also Read: Can Google Home Assistant Suggest Daily Deals

Quick FAQs

1. Can I Use Google Assistant to Control Alexa Devices?

No, Google Assistant cannot directly control Alexa devices, but shared smart devices can be managed by both assistants.

2. Can I Run Alexa and Google Assistant on the Same Smart Speaker?

Yes, some third-party speakers like Sonos One and Bose Smart Speakers support both assistants.

3. How Do I Use IFTTT to Connect Google and Alexa?

You can create IFTTT applets that trigger Alexa actions using Google Assistant commands, such as turning devices on or off.

4. Can I Control the Same Smart Devices with Both Google and Alexa?

Yes, as long as the smart device supports both platforms, you can connect and control it using either assistant.

5. Is There a Device That Combines Google and Alexa Functions?

Currently, no device integrates both assistants simultaneously, but dual-support speakers like Sonos allow you to choose one during setup.

Also Read: Can Google Home Assistant Track Online Orders

Conclusion

While Google Home Assistant and Amazon Alexa do not natively work together, they can coexist in the same smart home environment. By connecting shared smart devices, using IFTTT for automations, or opting for dual-support smart speakers, you can leverage the strengths of both platforms. Although full integration isn’t available, these workarounds make it possible to enjoy Google Assistant and Alexa side by side for a more versatile smart home experience.