Google Home App Update Adds Manual Device Search For Easier Smart Home Setup

Google is launching a new update to its Google Home app, which should make smart home control even easier. The improved version adds manual device search, which comes to the rescue when QR code scan or auto detection is not successful. First noticed by Android Authority, the feature lets you search for compatible third-party devices directly from the app and start pairing them without having to go through the setup process again. This QOL change is meant to make smart home setup quicker and less annoying.

How Device Pairing Worked Before

Previously, Google Home relied mainly on two methods:

- Scanning a QR code on the device

- Automatically detecting nearby unpaired devices

If both methods did not work, users had to start over the entire pairing flow and often perform the same steps without success.

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New Manual Search Option in Google Home

The latest update introduces a new button called “Add a different way”.

This opens a new screen that displays:

- A list of popular smart home device brands

- A search bar to locate a specific device model

Once a device is selected, Google Home again prompts users to pair using:

- A QR code, or

- A manual pairing code found on the device or its packaging

In the case of many devices, the pairing screen will also display product images, making it easy for users to ensure they’re setting up the right product.

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Version Availability

Users who cannot see it should update the app to the latest version. Although the feature hasn't shown up for them, it's likely that there will be a wider release soon.