How to Trigger Google Assistant Service Applets Without Saying “Activate”

You can use Google Assistant and Google Home Routines to trigger IFTTT Applets with natural phrases instead of having to say "activate" every time.

The Google Assistant service's Activate a scene Trigger lets you run an Applet by saying "Hey Google, activate [scene name]." By creating a Google Home Routine, you can replace that phrase with something more natural, such as "Hey Google, movie time."

Example: Trigger a smart home Applet with a custom phrase

In this example, you'll create an Applet that responds to a Google Assistant scene, then use a Google Home Routine to trigger it with a custom phrase.

Step 1: Create an Applet

Create a new Applet with the following configuration:

• Trigger: Google Assistant V2, Activate a scene
  • Scene name: Enter a placeholder name, such as Movie Mode
• Action: Choose the Action or Actions of your choice.

For example, you could use an action that turns on your living room lights or activates a smart home scene.

Step 2: Create a Google Home Routine

1. Open the Google Home app and select Routines.
2. Create a new Routine.
3. Under Add starter, select the option to start the Routine with a voice command.
4. Enter the phrase you want to say, such as Movie time.
5. Save the starter.

For more information, see Google's guide to creating and managing Google Home Routines.

Step 3: Add the IFTTT scene to your Google Routine

1. Under Add action, select the option to adjust home devices or add a scene, depending on the options available in your Google Home app.
2. Select the scene you created in Step 1.
3. Save the Routine.

Step 4: Test your Routine

Say your custom phrase, such as "Hey Google, movie time." Google Assistant will run the Routine, which activates your IFTTT Applet.

You can create additional Routines with different voice commands to trigger other IFTTT Applets.