Allows for simpler integration of family members in managing smart home devices via Google.
In a recent update, Google Home has introduced two distinct user roles for managing smart home devices and user access: Admin and Member. This change aims to make smart home management more flexible and secure by providing granular access, allowing homeowners to assign the right level of permissions to family members or guests depending on their needs.
The Admin role provides full home management capabilities. Users with this role can add, manage, and remove people, delete the home, add and remove devices, share devices and data with partner services, link subscriptions to the home, set up or manage presence sensing, access full device controls and settings, and manage home-wide settings such as automations, home address, Nest Wifi network features, and Nest Aware and Nest Renew features [1][2].
On the other hand, Members have basic device controls such as turning off lights or unlocking a smart door. They can also be granted additional privileges, such as Settings access, which gives some control over device and home-wide settings, and Activity access, which allows viewing recent activity like deliveries seen on doorbell cameras and checking device history [1][2]. Members cannot add or remove devices or users or manage critical home-wide settings, making this role suitable for trusted users needing limited control, such as children or guests.
Google has simplified the process of adding children under 13 by integrating with Google Family Link. Now, children under 13 can be set up with a Google account through Family Link, and they will be added as Members by default in Google Home, streamlining parental controls and access [1].
This update (version 3.33) is now available for users. It does not involve any new AI tool from Google. Many users reported struggling with the previous process of adding a child to the smart home, and this update aims to address those issues [1].
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[1] Google Home Update Introduces Admin and Member Roles for Smart Home Management, Tom's Guide, June 30, 2025. [2] Google Home Update Simplifies Adding Children Under 13 and Introduces Admin and Member Roles, Google Blog, June 30, 2025.
The Admin role in Google Home provides not only full control over smart-home devices and technology, but also the ability to manage user access, home-wide settings, and subscriptions. In contrast, Members have limited controls, primarily focusing on basic smart-home gadget operations and with optional privilege upgrades like Settings access or Activity access.
