Google Home Assistant makes it easy to get real-time traffic updates for your daily commutes, trips, or errands.

By integrating with Google Maps, it provides current traffic conditions, estimated travel times, and route suggestions via voice commands or smart displays.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to set up and use Google Home Assistant for real-time traffic updates.

Step 1: Enable Location Services

To get accurate traffic updates, enable location services on your device:

1. Enable GPS on Your Phone:
   • Go to your smartphone’s Settings > Location and turn it on.
2. Set Home and Work Addresses:
   • Open the Google Home app.
   • Tap your profile icon > Assistant Settings > Your Places.
   • Add or update your Home and Work addresses.

Step 2: Ask Google Assistant for Traffic Updates

Once your location is set, you can use voice commands to get traffic updates.

Common Voice Commands:

• Check Traffic for Your Commute:
  • “Hey Google, how’s the traffic to work?”
  • “Hey Google, what’s the traffic like on my way home?”
• Get Updates for a Specific Destination:
  • “Hey Google, what’s the traffic to [destination]?”
  • “Hey Google, how long will it take to drive to the airport?”
• Check Traffic on Specific Routes:
  • “Hey Google, what’s the traffic on the I-95?”
• Plan Ahead:
  • “Hey Google, how’s the traffic tomorrow morning to work?”

Also Read: Can Google Home Assistant Suggest Nearby Attractions

Step 3: Set Up Commute Notifications

1. Enable Commute Alerts:
   • In the Google Home app, navigate to Assistant Settings > Commute Settings.
   • Enter your regular commute details (e.g., home and work addresses).
2. Receive Daily Updates:
   • Google Assistant can notify you of traffic conditions before you leave.
   • Say:
     • “Hey Google, send me traffic updates every morning at 7 AM.”
3. Smart Displays:
   • If you use a Nest Hub or other smart display, traffic updates will show visually along with estimated travel times.

Step 4: Use Google Maps for Detailed Traffic Reports

For detailed routes and live traffic visuals, integrate Google Maps with Google Assistant:

1. Link Google Maps to Your Account:
   • Open Google Maps, go to Settings, and ensure your Google account is linked.
2. Use Navigation Commands:
   • “Hey Google, navigate to [destination].”
   • Google Maps will open with the best route based on current traffic conditions.

Step 5: Automate Traffic Updates with Routines

You can automate traffic updates with Google Assistant routines:

1. Create a Routine:
   • In the Google Home app, go to Routines > + Add a Routine.
2. Add Traffic Update Actions:
   • Include an action like “Tell me the traffic to work.”
3. Trigger the Routine:
   • Use a specific time or voice command to start the routine, such as:
     • “Hey Google, start my morning routine.”
4. Customize Actions:
   • Combine traffic updates with weather reports or calendar events.

Advanced Features

1. Get Alternate Routes

• If traffic is heavy, Google Assistant may suggest alternate routes.
  • Say: “Hey Google, is there a faster route to [destination]?”

Also Read: Does Google Home Assistant Work with Ride-Hailing Apps

2. Real-Time Updates During Navigation

• While navigating, Google Assistant provides updates on delays, accidents, or road closures.

3. Estimate Arrival Times

• “Hey Google, what’s my ETA to [destination]?”

Troubleshooting Tips

1. Traffic Updates Not Accurate:
   • Ensure your GPS is enabled and location permissions are granted to Google Assistant.
   • Check if your addresses in Your Places are correct.
2. No Updates for Specific Routes:
   • Google Assistant may not provide updates for unsupported or obscure roads. Use Google Maps for detailed traffic layers.
3. Missed Notifications:
   • Verify that traffic notifications are enabled in the Google Home app.

Quick FAQs

1. Can Google Assistant Provide Public Transit Traffic Updates?

Yes, Google Assistant can provide traffic updates for public transport if available in your area.

2. Does Google Assistant Notify About Traffic Delays Automatically?

You can enable commute notifications to get automatic alerts about delays or alternate routes.

3. Can I Use Google Assistant for International Traffic Updates?

Yes, Google Assistant provides traffic updates globally in areas supported by Google Maps.

4. Does Google Assistant Work Offline for Traffic Updates?

No, real-time traffic updates require an active internet connection.

Also Read: How to Set Travel Reminders on Google Home Assistant

5. Can Google Assistant Suggest the Best Departure Time?

Yes, say: “Hey Google, when should I leave for [destination]?” to get the best time based on traffic.

Conclusion

Google Home Assistant makes it easy to get real-time traffic updates and plan your trips efficiently. By setting up your locations, using voice commands, and automating routines, you can stay informed about road conditions and travel times. Whether commuting to work or planning a road trip, Google Assistant helps you avoid delays and find the best routes.