Control smart devices with your Android phone or tablet

You can quickly add controls for compatible smart home devices like thermostats, lights, locks, and cameras from your Android phone or tablet. Turn devices on or off and change some of their settings without opening an app.

Home controls and the home panel work with compatible smart home devices that you connect and can control in the Google Home app .

• Home controls are only available on phones with Android 11 or higher.
• The home panel is only available on devices with Android 14 or higher.
• Hub Mode is only available on Pixel Tablets attached to a Charging Speaker Dock.
• Before you control smart devices in home controls, the home panel, or the Google Home app, make sure you check and update your mobile device’s Android version.

Tip: The first time you open home controls or the home panel on your phone or tablet, compatible devices you add to your favorites in the Google Home app will be added to the home panel automatically. With the Pixel Tablet, set up Hub Mode to view live cameras and allow everyone at home to control devices when your tablet is locked and docked. You still need to unlock your tablet to control sensitive devices and change settings.

Control connected devices

Use the Home Controls screen saver (Android 15 or higher)

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 15 and up. Learn how to update your Android version.

The Home Controls screen saver lets you use your phone or tablet as an always on smart home controller while it’s locked and charging.

1. Open your device’s Settings app .
2. Tap Display & touch Screen saver.
3. Turn on Use screen saver.
4. Scroll down and tap Home Controls.

Choose when your screen saver starts

1. Open your device’s Settings app .
2. Tap Display & touch Screen saver When to start.
   • Tap While charging to have access to home controls without docking your device.
   • Tap While docked and charging to only turn on the Home Controls screen saver when docked.

Related resources:

• Control smart home devices with the home panel on your Pixel Tablet
• Control your smart home devices with the Gemini mobile app