Google Home has long been the odd one out in the smart home ecosystem—while Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit let users trigger routines with physical buttons, the platform stubbornly ignored this basic feature. That gap just closed.
With the latest update, Google Home now supports Matter-compatible smart buttons as automation triggers. Users can assign single, double, long, or multi-press actions to devices like the Ikea Bilresa (a dual-button model priced at $6) or Arre’s premium smart button, finally matching the flexibility of competitors. For example, a double-press could activate a dining room lighting scene, while a long-press might turn off all lights in a room.
The feature isn’t just about buttons. Google also expanded automation conditions to include humidity thresholds, robot vacuum docking status, and contact sensor alerts for doors or windows. A leak sensor can now trigger routines when it detects a freeze or water leak.
A long-overdue catch-up
Smart buttons have been a staple in Alexa and HomeKit ecosystems for years, yet Google Home users were left without a straightforward way to assign button presses to routines. The delay is especially puzzling given Google’s push for Matter compatibility—many smart buttons now support the standard, but Google’s platform only recently unlocked their full potential.
Matter’s adoption has accelerated this shift. Brands like Ikea and Arre now offer buttons that work across platforms, but Google’s integration was the missing link. The Bilresa, for instance, is a budget-friendly dual-button option with adhesive backing, making it easy to deploy throughout a home. Meanwhile, Arre’s button—though pricier—delivers more advanced features like customizable press patterns.
Beyond buttons: new automation triggers
The update also introduces finer-grained control over home automations. Users can now set routines to activate when
- A room’s humidity exceeds a set level (useful for preventing mold or adjusting HVAC systems).
- A robot vacuum returns to its dock (perhaps triggering a cleaning confirmation notification).
- A contact sensor detects a door or window opening or closing.
- A battery in a connected device drops below a threshold or begins charging.
- A leak or freeze is detected by a sensor.
These additions make Google Home’s automation engine more versatile, though the feature remains accessible only through the standard —not yet via Gemini-powered voice commands or the ‘Help me create’ wizard. That limitation may change soon, as Google continues to integrate Gemini into its smart home tools.
What this means for users
For Google Home users frustrated by the lack of button triggers, this update is a game-changer. No longer will they need to rely solely on voice commands or phone apps to control routines. The Ikea Bilresa, in particular, offers an affordable entry point, while Arre’s button caters to those seeking premium functionality.
However, the feature’s rollout isn’t without quirks. Button triggers are currently limited to the standard automation , meaning users must manually configure presses rather than describe their desired actions to Gemini. Once that barrier is removed, the potential for voice-driven button automations could redefine how people interact with their smart homes.
The update also signals Google’s broader commitment to Matter and interoperability. As more devices adopt the standard, Google Home’s automation capabilities will only grow, narrowing the gap with Alexa and HomeKit. For now, though, the focus is on buttons—and finally, after years of waiting, they’re here.
