This article explains how privacy and security work when you connect third-party apps to your smart home devices in Google Home. Google's Privacy Policy describes what information we collect and why we collect it, including when you link third-party apps.
Certain devices have associated risk levels with them. These levels help the developers determine what type of access they need to request from you. For example, it makes sense for a vacation rental app to request access to locks to unlock homes for guests, but it doesn’t make sense for a movie streaming app to request access to locks.
By default, all apps can request access to your home data, rooms, and the device types (lights, thermostats, locks, etc.) that the app has been approved for. A Google Home manager can grant or revoke access to the app, to members of the home and to selected device types.
Learn how to manage third-party app control of smart home devices.
Security and privacy for sensitive devices
Sensitive devices, such as locks, can provide physical access to your home or share sensitive data. Before third-party apps can request access to these devices, they must complete certification to show they can securely handle data and follow a limited data-use policy.
Related content