Google Assistant Door Lock Control - A Simple Yet Effective Solution

General
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Hey everyone, I wanted to share a really neat workaround I discovered for controlling door locks using Google Assistant. I stumbled upon this method while trying to streamline my smart home setup, and I thought it might be helpful for others who are looking for a similar solution without getting too deep into custom coding or complex integrations.

The Setup

I’m using a Hubitat Hub v3 and a Kwikset Obsidian Z-Wave lock. The key here is to use a virtual switch within the Smarthings IDE. Here’s how I did it:

  1. Create a Virtual Switch: I named it “Door Lock”. This virtual switch acts as an intermediary between Google Assistant and my door lock.

  2. Set Up Automations: I created four automations to handle the lock and unlock states:

    • When “Door Lock” is ON, set the door to Locked.
    • When “Door Lock” is OFF, set the door to Unlocked.
    • When the door is Locked, turn “Door Lock” ON.
    • When the door is Unlocked, turn “Door Lock” OFF.

  3. Create Routines: I set up two routines named “Lock Door” and “Unlock Door” to trigger the virtual switch states.

The Magic

Once everything is set up, controlling the door becomes incredibly straightforward:

  • Say “Hey Google, Lock Door” to lock the door.
  • Say “Hey Google, Unlock Door” to unlock the door.
  • You can even check the status by asking, “Hey Google, Is Door Lock ON?”

Why I Love This Solution

  • Simplicity: No need for custom device handlers, IFTTT, or third-party apps.
  • Customization: You can rename the commands to something unique to prevent accidental unlocks.
  • Versatility: This setup can be adapted to work with most Z-Wave locks by replacing “Kwikset Obsidian” with your specific lock model.

Real-World Applications

  • Goodnight Routine: I created a routine that turns off all the lights, locks the door, and even checks the lock status before I go to bed.
  • Hands-Free Entry: When my camera detects my wife approaching, I can unlock the door hands-free with a simple voice command.
  • Security Automation: I even set it up to lock the door automatically after 45 seconds if I say, “Hey Google, I’m Leaving”.

Final Thoughts

This solution has been a game-changer for me. It’s reliable, easy to set up, and integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant. If you’re looking to enhance your home security or streamline your smart home setup, I highly recommend giving this a try!

Let me know if you have any questions or if you’ve found other creative uses for this setup. Happy automating! :rocket: