Sunset Sunrise Google Home Schedule Devices

Yes, you can schedule Google Home devices to turn on or off at sunset and sunrise, but only through a Google Home Routine with a custom “Schedule” trigger — the built-in sunrise/sunset option is not available in the standard device schedule settings. You set the routine to run at a specific time, but Google does not natively adjust that time based on the day’s actual sunrise or sunset. This article explains exactly how to set it up, what the limitations are, and what alternatives exist.

What Google Home Can and Cannot Do

Google Home’s native scheduling feature (in the device settings) only lets you pick a fixed time of day. There is no option to choose “sunset” or “sunrise” as a trigger. However, Google Home Routines have a “Schedule” trigger that also only allows a fixed time. So out of the box, you cannot schedule a device to turn on at sunset directly.

The workaround is to use a third-party service or a smart home platform that computes sunset/sunrise times, and then have it trigger a Google Home routine via an integration. For example, IFTTT (If This Then That) has sunrise/sunset triggers, and you can connect it to Google Home. Similarly, SmartThings and Hubitat can calculate sunset/sunrise and then control Google Home devices through their integrations.

How to Set Up a Sunset/Sunrise Routine (Workaround)

To get a device to turn on at sunset, you need to create a routine that is triggered by a third-party service, not by Google Home itself. Here is the general process:

1. Create an account on a service like IFTTT or use a smart home hub (SmartThings, Hubitat, etc.) that supports sunrise/sunset triggers.
2. In that service, create an applet or automation with the trigger set to “Sunset” or “Sunrise” for your location.
3. Set the action to “Send a command to Google Home” (IFTTT has a Google Assistant action) or to control the device directly if it is connected to the hub.
4. In the Google Home app, create a routine that listens for a specific phrase (e.g., “Turn on porch light”) and set the action to turn on the device.
5. Link the third-party service to your Google account and enable the integration.

Note that IFTTT’s Google Home integration may require a paid subscription for multi-step applets. Free alternatives include using a smart home hub that natively supports sunrise/sunset and can control devices directly without Google Home.

Why Google Home Doesn’t Have Native Sunrise/Sunset Scheduling

Google has not added this feature to the device schedule settings, likely because it requires location-based astronomical calculations and would add complexity to the user interface. Many users have requested it on Google’s support forums, but as of now, it remains unavailable. The only native workaround is to manually update your routine times each week, which is impractical for most people.

Alternatives to Google Home for Sunrise/Sunset Automation

If you are not tied to Google Home, several other platforms handle this natively:

• Amazon Alexa: Routines can be set to trigger at sunrise or sunset directly in the Alexa app.
• Apple HomeKit: Automations can be set to run at sunset or sunrise with a time offset.
• SmartThings: Automations can use sunrise/sunset as a trigger.
• Hubitat: Similar to SmartThings, with local processing.
• Home Assistant: An open-source platform with full flexibility, including sunrise/sunset triggers.

If you are willing to switch or add a hub, these options give you the exact behavior you want without a workaround.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

When using a third-party service, you may run into issues:

• Device not responding: Ensure the device is online and linked to Google Home. Check the Google Home app for device status.
• Routine not triggering: Verify that the third-party applet is active and that the Google Home routine is enabled. Test the routine by saying the trigger phrase.
• Time zone/location errors: Make sure your location is set correctly in the third-party service and in Google Home, as sunset times depend on geographic coordinates.
• IFTTT free tier limitations: IFTTT’s free plan only allows a limited number of applets, and some Google actions may require Pro. Check your plan.

Costs and Considerations

Using a third-party service may involve costs:

• IFTTT Pro costs a monthly fee, but the free plan may suffice for one or two applets.
• SmartThings and Hubitat require purchasing a hub (one-time cost).
• Home Assistant is free but requires a Raspberry Pi or similar device and some technical setup.

There are no recurring costs for Google Home itself, but the workaround may add expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a Google Home device to turn on at sunset without IFTTT?

No, not directly. The only native way is to set a fixed time, which won’t match sunset. You need a third-party service or hub that can calculate sunset and trigger the routine.

Does Google Home have a sunrise/sunset routine trigger?

No, the Google Home app does not offer sunrise or sunset as a trigger for routines. Only fixed times are available.

Will Google add sunrise/sunset scheduling in the future?

There is no official announcement, but users have requested it. It may come in a future update, but there is no guarantee.

Can I use Alexa to control my Google Home devices?

No, Alexa cannot directly control Google Home devices. You would need to use a hub that bridges both ecosystems, but that is complex and not recommended.

What if I only want a light to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise?

Consider using a smart plug with a built-in astronomical timer, such as some TP-Link Kasa models, which can be set to sunrise/sunset without any hub. Check your device’s features.

Final Thoughts

While Google Home lacks native sunrise/sunset scheduling, the workaround with IFTTT or a smart home hub is reliable and widely used. For most users, the simplest solution is to use a smart plug with an astronomical timer, or switch to a platform like Alexa that supports it natively. Always test your automation after setting it up to ensure it works as expected.

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