Turn on TV Google Home: 3 Ways That Work

Yes, you can turn on a TV with Google Home, and there are three main ways to do it: using an IR blaster built into a Nest speaker or Hub, using Google TV’s built-in controls, or using a compatible smart plug. The method that works for you depends on your TV’s age, your speaker model, and how your TV is connected. This guide walks through each option, the exact voice commands, and the most common setup problems.

What “Turn on TV� Means to Google Home

When you say “Hey Google, turn on the TV,â€� the Google Home system interprets that as a command to switch the TV’s power state from off to on. It does not mean opening an app or changing the input. The assistant can send this command through one of three hardware paths:

• IR blaster: A built-in infrared emitter on Nest Hub (2nd gen) and Nest Hub Max that mimics your TV’s remote control.
• HDMI-CEC: A control signal sent over the HDMI cable from a Chromecast or Google TV device to the TV.
• Smart plug: A Wi-Fi outlet that cuts or restores power to the TV — a blunt but effective method.

Understanding which path your setup uses is the key to fixing why “turn on TVâ€� isn’t working.

Method 1: Using a Nest Speaker with IR Blaster

Google Nest speakers and displays with a built-in IR blaster can control TVs directly, just like a universal remote. This works with nearly any TV from the last decade, because it uses the same infrared signals your original remote uses.

1. Open the Google Home app on your phone.
2. Tap Add > Set up device > New device.
3. Select your home and choose the Nest speaker or display that has the IR blaster.
4. Choose TV from the device type list.
5. Enter your TV’s brand and follow the on-screen prompts to test the IR signal.
6. Name the TV (e.g., “Living Room TV�) and finish setup.

After setup, say “Hey Google, turn on Living Room TV.â€� The Nest device must have a clear line of sight to the TV’s IR receiver, usually the bottom bezel or the area near the power button. If the TV doesn’t respond, move the speaker closer or reposition it.

Method 2: Using Google TV / Chromecast with HDMI-CEC

If you have a Chromecast with Google TV, a Google TV built into your television, or an Android TV device, you can use HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) to power the TV on. This works over the HDMI cable, so no line of sight is needed.

• Make sure your TV has CEC enabled. It’s often called “Anynet+â€� (Samsung), “Bravia Syncâ€� (Sony), “Simplinkâ€� (LG), or “CECâ€� on other brands. Check your TV’s settings menu.
• Plug the Chromecast or Google TV device into an HDMI port that supports CEC (usually HDMI 1).
• In the Google Home app, add the device if it isn’t already there.
• Say “Hey Google, turn on TV.â€� The assistant sends a CEC command through the Chromecast to the TV.

This method also lets you control volume and input switching, and it works even if the TV is on a different HDMI port than the Chromecast — as long as CEC is enabled. If the TV doesn’t turn on, check that the Chromecast is powered (not plugged into a USB port on the TV that turns off) and that CEC is definitely on.

Method 3: Using a Smart Plug (Works with Any TV)

For older TVs without IR support or for a simple on/off toggle, a smart plug is a reliable fallback. You plug the TV’s power cord into the smart plug, and Google Home turns the plug on or off.

1. Connect the smart plug to a wall outlet and pair it with the Google Home app.
2. Plug the TV’s power cord into the smart plug.
3. Make sure the TV’s physical power switch is in the ON position (many TVs have a rocker switch).
4. In the Google Home app, name the plug “TV� or “Living Room TV.�
5. Say “Hey Google, turn on TV.�

Important: this is a hard power cut, so the TV will not go into standby — it will completely lose power. This can cause the TV to take longer to boot, and some TVs may forget settings or show a “no signalâ€� message on next power-up. It’s not ideal for modern TVs, but it works for older models.

Why “Turn on TVâ€� Isn’t Working

If your command fails, the problem is usually one of these:

• No IR line of sight: The Nest speaker is behind the TV or in a cabinet. Move it so the IR port has a clear path.
• CEC is disabled: Go into your TV’s settings and turn on HDMI-CEC. It’s often off by default.
• Device name mismatch: You named the TV “Bedroom TVâ€� but say “turn on TV.â€� Use the exact name from the Home app.
• Multiple TVs: If you have more than one TV, say the full name, e.g., “turn on Living Room TV.â€�
• TV doesn’t support IR codes: Very old or very new TVs might not respond to the IR codes Google uses. Try the smart plug method.
• Speaker is not linked to the TV: In the Google Home app, make sure the TV and the speaker are in the same home and room.

Setting Up a Routine for “Turn on TV�

You can also create a custom routine that turns on the TV and does more, like dimming lights or opening an app. In the Google Home app:

1. Tap Automations > Add > Household.
2. Choose a starter (e.g., “Hey Google, movie time�).
3. Add actions: “Turn on TV,� “Set volume to 50%,� “Turn on living room lights.�
4. Save and test.

Routines are useful because they let you use a single phrase to trigger multiple devices. They also work with the Google Home app’s “Startersâ€� like time of day or sunrise/sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Google Home turn on any TV?

No. It works with most TVs from the last 10 years via IR or CEC, but not all. If your TV is a very old model without IR support or a modern TV that blocks CEC, you may need a smart plug. Check your TV’s manual for CEC support or test if the IR blaster works.

Can I turn on the TV with my phone using Google Home?

Yes. You can use the Google Home app on your phone to tap the TV device and turn it on, or use the Google Assistant on your phone (say “Hey Google, turn on TV�). The phone uses the same backend as the speaker, so if the speaker works, the phone will too.

Why does Google Home say “I can’t turn on that TVâ€�?

This error usually means the TV is not linked to the Google Home account, or the TV is not responding. Re-add the TV in the Home app, check the IR/CEC connection, and make sure the TV is powered (even standby counts). If you’re using a smart plug, ensure the plug is online.

Can I turn on a TV that is not a smart TV?

Yes, if you use a Nest speaker with an IR blaster or a smart plug. A non-smart TV has no network connection, so CEC won’t work, but IR and smart plug methods work fine. You just won’t be able to control apps or input selection.

Does turning on the TV via Google Home work if the TV is unplugged?

No. The TV must be plugged into a power outlet and in standby mode (red light on) for IR or CEC to wake it. If it’s completely unplugged, only a smart plug can restore power, but that’s not a true “turn onâ€� — it’s a power cycle.

Is it safe to use a smart plug to turn off a TV?

It’s generally safe for the TV, but it’s not recommended for modern TVs because it cuts power abruptly, which can cause wear on the power supply over time and may lose settings. For older TVs without standby, it’s fine. For modern TVs, prefer IR or CEC.

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in t | Time to turn on | seconds | 5 | 0 | 120
in d | Distance from speaker to TV | meters | 3 | 0 | 20
out pace | Setup difficulty (1-10) | - | min(10, (d / 2) + (t / 10)) | 1