Google Home Assistant can provide visual notifications through compatible devices like the Google Nest Hub, smart lights, and your smartphone.

These notifications help you stay informed with visual cues for reminders, timers, calls, or alerts, making the experience more accessible and versatile.

Here’s how to enable and customize visual notifications on Google Home Assistant.

Step 1: Use the Google Home App

All notifications for Google Home devices are managed through the Google Home app.

How to Enable Notifications:

1. Open the Google Home App:
   • Download and launch the app on your smartphone.
2. Go to Device Settings:
   • Select the Google device for which you want to enable notifications.
   • Tap the Settings icon.
3. Turn On Notifications:
   • Navigate to Notifications & Digital Wellbeing.
   • Enable options like Timers and Alarms or General Notifications.

Step 2: Enable Visual Notifications on Smart Displays

For devices like the Google Nest Hub, visual notifications can show on the screen.

Steps to Enable Visual Notifications:

1. Go to the Device Settings:
   • In the Google Home app, tap on your smart display.
2. Turn On Visual Notifications:
   • In Settings, enable options for visual alerts for timers, reminders, and incoming calls.
3. View Notifications:
   • Notifications will appear on the screen with icons, text, or animations.

Also Read: Does Google Home Assistant Support Screen Readers

Step 3: Use Smart Lights for Visual Alerts

If you have smart lights linked to Google Home, you can use them for visual notifications.

Steps to Set Up Smart Lights for Notifications:

1. Connect Smart Lights:
   • Ensure your lights (e.g., Philips Hue, LIFX) are connected to Google Home.
2. Create a Routine for Notifications:
   • Open the Google Home app > Routines > + Add a Routine.
   • Add actions like:
     • “Turn on the living room light.”
     • “Change light colour to red when I get a notification.”
3. Customize Triggers:
   • Use commands like “Hey Google, flash the lights when the timer ends.”

Step 4: Enable Notifications on Smartphones

Google Home Assistant can send visual push notifications to your phone for reminders, timers, and updates.

Steps to Enable Push Notifications:

1. Open Assistant Settings:
   • In the Google Home app, tap your profile icon > Assistant Settings > Notifications.
2. Turn On Alerts:
   • Enable notifications for events like reminders, calls, or timers.
3. Customize Preferences:
   • Select specific types of notifications to receive (e.g., only urgent alerts).

Step 5: Set Up Visual Routines

Google Assistant routines allow you to create customized visual notifications for specific events.

Example Routine:

1. Create a Routine:
   • In the Google Home app, go to Routines > + Add a Routine.
2. Add a Trigger:
   • Choose triggers like specific times, phrases, or device actions.
3. Add Actions:
   • Examples include:
     • “Flash the kitchen lights.”
     • “Display a message on the Nest Hub.”
4. Save and Activate:
   • Test the routine by saying the trigger command, e.g., “Hey Google, show my daily updates.”

Also Read: Can Google Home Assistant Assist in Emergency Situations

Step 6: Troubleshooting Visual Notifications

If visual notifications aren’t working, try these steps:

1. Restart Your Device:
   • Reboot your Google Home device or smart display.
2. Recheck Permissions:
   • Ensure the Google Home app has notification permissions enabled on your phone.
3. Test Connected Devices:
   • Verify that smart lights or displays are linked and functional.
4. Update the Google Home App:
   • Make sure your app is up to date to access the latest features.

Quick FAQs

1. Can Google Home Flash Lights for Notifications?

Yes, if you have smart lights connected, Google Home can use them for visual alerts like reminders or timers.

2. Can I See Missed Notifications on a Nest Hub?

Yes, missed notifications appear as icons or messages on the Nest Hub screen.

3. Are Visual Notifications Available on All Devices?

Visual notifications are primarily available on smart displays, connected smart lights, and phones. Standard Google Home speakers only provide audio alerts.

4. Can I Customize the Colour of Light Notifications?

Yes, many smart lights allow you to set specific colours for different types of notifications.

Also Read: How to Use Google Home Assistant for Hearing-Impaired Users

5. Can Google Home Send Notifications to Multiple Devices?

Yes, you can configure notifications to appear on multiple Google Home devices, phones, or smart displays.

Conclusion

Enabling visual notifications on Google Home Assistant enhances accessibility and ensures you never miss important alerts. By customizing smart displays, connecting smart lights, and setting up routines, you can create a tailored system of visual cues for reminders, timers, and updates. These features are especially useful for users who prefer non-audio notifications or need accessible solutions.