Using Google Home with Rachio

Last Update: Apr 21 2026 10:01am • Est. Read Time: 3 MIN

Summary

Rachio supports integration with Google Home, one of several third-party smart home platforms compatible with Rachio. Once linked, your Rachio controller will appear as a device in the Google Home app, where you can view it and perform basic controls. The integration also supports voice commands through Google Assistant.

Contents

1. Getting Started
2. Step-by-Step Instructions
3. Troubleshooting
4. Google Assistant Commands & Customization

Getting Started

Before you start, make sure:

1. Your Rachio devices are online and connected to your Rachio account.
2. You have downloaded the Google Home app.
3. You have linked Google Home with your Google account.
4. For iOS (Apple), make sure you have downloaded the Google Assistant app as well as the Google Home app.

The Google Assistant allows you to interact with Google's voice control platform. Simply say "Hey Google" followed by an action (see below) to make a request.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To configure your Rachio device to work with Google Home via the Google Assistant App, follow the steps below. Actual integration steps may vary from those listed below depending on your usage of Android (Google) or iOS (Apple).

1. Connect Rachio to Google Home: On your mobile device, open the Google Home app. On the Devices tab, click the "+ Add" button to add a device.
2. Set Up Device: From there, tap "Works with google" and then search for Rachio in the list of integrated services. Tap "Rachio" and then "continue". If adding a second device you may also have to tap "Reconnect account".
3. Log In: After tapping "continue" you'll be redirected to the Rachio login page. Log into your Rachio account with your credentials and follow the steps to link your controller.
4. Allow Google to connect to one of your Rachio controllers?: You may be prompted to select which device you'd like to add to Google Home. Make sure the correct device is selected and then tap "Allow". Please note, you will need to complete these steps again if adding multiple device types.
5. Add smart home devices: After your controller is linked to Google Home, you will be prompted by Google Home to add the device to a "room". Select the device, select a Home where you want to add it, tap "move device" and then select the "room" where you'd like google to add the device. "Garage" is a common selection for the "room".

Troubleshooting

For general troubleshooting...

Try power-cycling the phone or device you are using and then follow the steps above.

Is your Rachio device not responding?

The Rachio device must be online for the Google Home integration to work. Ensure

Need to remove your devices from Google Assistant?

Note

This will remove all Rachio devices from Google Home.

From the Google Home app, go to "Settings" > "Services" > "Works with Google" > and tap "Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller". You can then select "Unlink account". This will remove all Rachio devices from Google Home.

Google Assistant Commands & Customization

Below are the commands you can use to control various Rachio devices with your Google Assistant.

Rachio Smart Hose Timer:

When you open a valve using the voice command, it will open and remain open for the default Quick Run duration before closing. This default quick run duration can be adjusted in the Rachio app from the valves settings page.

To open a valve, use the command:

_"Hey Google, open [valve name]."

To close a valve, use the command:

_"Hey Google, close [valve name]"

To find out if a valve is currently open or closed, use the command:

"Hey Google, is [valve name] open?" or "Hey Google, is [valve name] closed?"

Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller:

To perform a 3 minute quick run on all active Zones, use the command:

_"Hey Google, start watering." or "Hey Google, start watering [controller name]."

To stop watering, use the command:

_"Hey Google, stop watering." or "Hey Google, stop watering [controller name]."

To find out if a controller is already watering, use the command:

"Hey Google, is [controller name] running?"

Google also offers Routines for even more ways to customize your integration.