Create automations with camera events as automation starters
You can now create specific camera triggers with natural language to start an automation. You can write custom phrases like “FedEx truck at the mailbox” or “dog on the couch” instead of a general camera detection already enabled like person seen, package seen, motion seen, vehicle seen, animal seen, familiar face seen.
To use custom camera starters, you need to:
- Enroll in Public Preview for the Google Home app.
- Have an active Google Home Premium (Advanced plan) subscription.
- Acknowledge the Gemini for Home disclosures.
- Have an eligible camera and ensure event detection is turned on for each camera
- Be over 18 and a home Admin or Member with Settings access.
Custom camera starters are currently available in Public Preview:
- Through the Google Home app automation editor.
- Not yet available with Ask Home, Help me create, or Voice.
- In English (US) only.
Set up your automation
Important: Before you begin, turn on these settings:
- In your camera settings, turn on Gemini for Home camera features.
- For each camera you want to use for custom triggers, turn on event detection.
- Open the Google Home app 👁 Image
. - At the top right, tap Add 👁 Image
👁 and then
Automation. - Tap Add name to name your automation.
Optional: Tap Add description to include a description for your automation. - Tap Add 👁 Image
next to Starters.- Tap Gemini detects, then write a custom phrase such as “package on the porch,” "kids playing," "person moving furniture," or " raccoon in the backyard." Then, save the starter by tapping the arrow pointing next to your custom phrase, or on the lower right of your keyboard.
- Alternatively, to select specific cameras, tap Device 👁 and then
and select the cameras you want. Tap Gemini detects, write a custom phrase, then save the starter.
- Add any action you want, such as a Notify action.
- Tap Save to save the automation.
Edit a custom camera starter
- Open the Google Home app 👁 Image
. - Tap Automations 👁 Image
👁 and then
the automation you want to edit. - Under “Starters,” tap the saved camera to edit the starter.
- You can edit the devices or the camera query.
- At the top right, tap Done 👁 and then
Save.
Create strong camera event starters
To make sure your automations work the way you want, follow these best practices when you create with Gemini detection starters:
- Describe something visual: Only create starters for things your cameras can identify. For example, a camera can detect "dog on couch" but not “speakers playing music.”
- Use statements or descriptive phrases: Avoid questions.
- Use gender-neutral words: Use words like “person” or “child” instead of “woman” or “boy.” The camera can’t identify gender.
- Use safe and respectful language: Avoid words and phrases that Google prohibits, such as profanity or abuse. For more information, refer to Google’s Generative AI Prohibited Use Policy.
- Use US English.
Troubleshoot errors
When you create an automation, the app checks if your custom starter works. Sometimes you might get an error message if the app detects a problem. To help resolve these errors, the app may rewrite the prompt for you.
To close the message and fix the error, tap Keep editing.
The app sometimes gives you the option to create the automation and fix the error later. To select this option, tap Continue. Your automation will save, but it won’t work until you fix the error.
Troubleshoot specific error messages
|
Error message |
Outcome |
Troubleshooting steps |
|
“This may be difficult to detect” Gemini shows this message when the prompt describes something that’s hard for a camera to see or identify. |
Your automation will save, but it might not always work as intended. |
Refine your prompt to something that a camera can more easily identify. |
|
“Can’t detect this” Appears when the prompt is not in English, hard to understand, or includes profanity. |
You will not be able to save and must rewrite the prompt. |
Use real words that can be interpreted in the English language. Avoid swear words, obscenity, slang, or safety violations. |
|
“Reword as…” Shows when Gemini has a suggestion to improve the prompt. |
The app rewrites the automation for you, or you can edit the prompt to get the result you want. |
To use the suggested phrasing, tap Reword and save. If the suggested phrasing won’t work, keep editing your prompt. Use clear statements or descriptive phrases. Choose gender-neutral words. |
Share feedback
By sharing your feedback, you help us improve this feature before it’s made available to the general public. To send your feedback:
- Open the Google Home app 👁 Image
. - Tap Automations 👁 Image
, select the automation you want to share feedback on. - Tap the menu 👁 Image
on the top right of the automation editor. - Tap Send feedback 👁 Image
from the menu and include the phrase "Gemini detects" in your message.
Tip: You can also touch and hold the automation you want to share feedback on. Choose an error type or select Other to provide a custom description. - Follow the remaining prompts to describe your issue and include a screenshot.
- Once you submit, you will see a confirmation message: “Thanks for sharing your feedback!”
You can also use Google Home app surveys to share your experience or on the automation you create, you can tap 👁 Thumbs up
or 👁 Image
.