The Google Home is a smart and helpful voice-activated device that allows you to play music, check the weather, make lists, control smart devices, and more.
So, it’s understandable that you’d want to have it in your bathroom.
But is it safe to use a Google Home in the bathroom?
A Google Home isn’t safe to use in the bathroom. That’s because it’s not waterproof. Even if you keep it away from direct water sources, exposure to water from shower steam or splashes from the sink or tub can damage it.
This article will discuss what you need to know about using a Google Home in the bathroom and how water can damage it.
I’ll also suggest alternatives to using Google Home in the bathroom. Keep reading!
Learn more: Can Google Home / Nest be hacked?
Things To Know Before Using a Google Home in the Bathroom
Even if you’re familiar with Google Home devices, you may wonder if it makes sense to place one permanently in the bathroom.
Putting a Google Home in the bathroom makes sense for many since they spend most of their time there.
You get ready, freshen up, and relax in the bathroom, so why not have a Google Home right by your side, right?
Many Google Home users have multiple devices throughout their home, so they’re never far away from their Google assistant.
You can use Google Home to catch up on the news and weather while getting ready in the morning.
It can also help you make a to-do list and set reminders to organize your day.
You can even instruct it to read affirmation and words of encouragement to start your day off strong.
It also allows you to listen to your favorite music, audiobooks, or podcasts.
Finally, Google Home can be used to create a relaxing environment. You can listen to relaxing music in the tub or meditation music in the shower.
According to a study in the Scientific Reports journal, you can improve sleep quality by listening to relaxing music before bedtime.
Before you put your Google Home in the bathroom, take note of the following:
1. Google Home Devices Aren’t Waterproof
Most Google Home devices aren’t waterproof or water-resistant. They’re made of plastic, metals and contain microphones.
None of these components can withstand water.
That means, even small amounts of water or heavy humidity can affect the device’s functionality.
You may not notice that water is damaging the device right away; it can be an invisible process that happens slowly over time.
Mixing water with an electronic device also poses a safety risk. It can short-circuit or spark and create a risk of fire or electrocution.
The Google Home Safety & Regulatory Guide specifically states that users shouldn’t expose the device to water or extreme conditions.
They’re designed to operate in temperate, dry environments.
There are 2 primary ways water can damage your Google Home device:
- Short-circuiting: this is the number one cause of water damage in electronic devices. It happens when water enters the device and carries electric charges to places in the device where electricity shouldn’t reach. This mostly happens when the device is on when exposed to water.
- Corrosion: continual water exposure, even in small quantities, can slowly corrode the device’s inner components. This may happen over time, so you may not realize there’s a problem until it’s too late.
Reading tip: Is the Google Home Mini Waterproof? 7 Things To Know
2. You Can Use Mounting Devices To Hide Your Google Home’s Cord
If you’re looking for a safe way to use your Google Home in the bathroom, mounting it is a good option.
Mounting your device away from water sources will help minimize exposure to water. Try to find an outlet far away from the following:
- Sink
- Bath
- Shower
- Toilet
Many mounting devices also hide the Google Home’s cord, minimizing the cord’s chances of being exposed to water.
Mounting your device can be done in minutes and is one of the most effective ways to protect your Google Home from water.
If you have a Google Home Mini, I recommend the AMORTEK Outlet Wall Mount (available on Amazon.com).
It’s affordable, has an elegant and convenient design, and hides the device’s cord.
If you have a full-size Google Home, I recommend the Mount Genie Easy Outlet Shelf (also on Amazon.com).
This product has a patented bracket system that installs in just seconds.
3. Using Google Home in Bathrooms Without a Shower Is Safe
If you place your Google Home in a safe place in your bathroom, you can probably avoid direct water exposure from the sink or other water sources.
However, the steam from a shower is very difficult to contain.
So, if you keep your device in a bathroom with a shower, the chances of your Google Home getting damaged are high.
Even one shower or showering with the door open poses a risk to your Google Home device.
A good compromise is placing the device in a bathroom with no shower. You can still use it while getting ready or freshening up.
This way, you still have the convenience of your Google Home in the bathroom, without the additional risk of water damage from shower steam.
Alternatives to Using Your Google Home in the Bathroom
If you still want the functionality of your Google Home in the bathroom but want to avoid the risk of exposing it to water, there may be a couple of alternatives.
The following explains what you can do to use Google Home in the bathroom:
Mount or Place Your Google Home Outside the Bathroom Door
As mentioned earlier, mounting your Google Home inside the bathroom can be a good way to get it away from water sources.
However, mounting it outside the bathroom door is an even more effective way to protect it.
If you have an outlet outside the bathroom door, this can be a great location to mount the device.
The Google Home has a voice recognition range of several meters.
So, if it’s stationed right outside your bathroom door, it can still respond to your commands.
The Google Home has sophisticated speakers, so you’ll still be able to hear it clearly when it’s mounted outside.
By mounting your Google Home outside, you can have the best of both worlds.
You’ll experience all of Google Home’s features without risking damage to it.
Use a Remote Waterproof Speaker
Another popular solution is supplementing your Google Home with a waterproof speaker.
There are several brands of speakers that are both waterproof and integrated with Google Assistant.
This way, you still get the functionality of a Google Home while in the bathroom.
You can even use some waterproof speakers directly in the shower.
Be mindful when you’re shopping for a waterproof speaker, as some are only water-resistant.
Waterproof speakers are also multifunctional. You can use it in all of your bathrooms, then take it to another water risk area like the pool or kitchen.
Many of these speakers designed for the bathroom are small and mountable, making them an easy fixture to install.
Most speakers can be installed in just a few minutes.
I recommend the Bose SoundLink Color II Wireless Speaker (available on Amazon.com).
This speaker has innovative sound technology with a voice range of 30 feet.
Check out: Why Is Google Home So Loud? 3 Reasons & Instant Fixes
Final Thoughts
A Google Home can add a lot of convenience and simplicity to your life.
With all of Google Home’s features, it’s understandable why you may want one in your bathroom.
Since putting your Google Home device in the bathroom is risky, do consider other solutions.
Mounting your device or investing in a speaker will allow you to benefit from Google Home’s features without risking damage to the device.