Google Home sharing is powerful, but it is not very granular. Someone added to your Google home can control shared devices and may see cameras and routines, so only add people you trust.
These steps apply to the Google Home app on iPhone and Android for permanent household members and temporary guests.
Does this affect you?
Use this if a guest, roommate, partner, or visiting family member needs to control lights, speakers, thermostats, or other Google Home devices. Google does not offer a simple limited guest tier for the whole home.
Add someone as a full home member
This is best for a person who lives with you or regularly needs access.
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap the home name at the top or open Settings.
- Go to Household or the members section.
- Tap Add member or the + icon.
- Enter the person’s Google Account email address.
- Send the invitation.
- Have the person accept the invite from their Google Home app.
After acceptance, the new member can control devices, see shared home information, manage routines, and in many cases add or remove members. Treat this like trusted household access, not a temporary remote control.
Give temporary access and remove it later
For a house sitter or weekend guest, add them only for the time they need access, then remove them promptly.
- Add the guest using the home member process above.
- When the visit is over, open Google Home Settings > Household.
- Tap the guest’s name.
- Choose Remove from home.
- Confirm removal.
Removing a member revokes access to shared Google Home devices immediately. It does not delete their personal Google account or their own data.
Use device-specific sharing when possible
If you do not want someone in the entire Google home, check the individual device first. Some smart locks, cameras, and thermostats offer their own guest code, PIN, invite, or shared link feature.
This is especially important for Nest cameras and doorbells. A home member may be able to view live feeds and recorded clips, not just turn lights on and off.
Voice Match still keeps personal Assistant results separate. A guest who has not trained their voice in your home should not receive your calendar or personal reminders. That said, device control and camera access are the larger privacy concern.
Sources
- Google Nest Help – Invite or remove members and guests from your home (2025)
- Google Nest Help – Add and manage users in the Google Home app (2025)
- Google Nest Help – Set up and manage your home in the Google Home app (2025)