Using a smart clock display as a bedtime energy routine

What you’ll need

• The assistant app
• Wi-Fi
• Your existing smart plugs or bulbs

Step by step

1. 1

   Place and power it

   Nightstand, kitchen counter or desk. Keep it away from the edge and out of reach of a sleepy arm.

2. 2

   Complete the app setup

   Connect it to Wi-Fi and sign into your assistant account so it can see the devices you already own.

3. 3

   Dim the display at night

   Enable night mode or automatic brightness so the screen is not glowing at full output in a dark bedroom.

4. 4

   Build a goodnight routine

   One phrase that turns off the lights, drops the thermostat and switches off the media power strip.

5. 5

   Add a morning routine

   Alarm, lights up gradually, thermostat back to daytime — so heating does not run through the night unnecessarily.

Energy-saving tips

• The saving comes from the routine, not the device — write the routine on day one.
• Mute the microphone when you want privacy; the button is usually on the top edge.
• Keep the device on a normal outlet rather than a scheduled smart plug, or the routines cannot run.