Limitation: Virtual Button device can't be shared with Google Home

[a.mcdear]

Hi! I've created a virtual button device to use for activating certain other devices and building automations. However, when I attempt to share a virtual button device with Google Home, it simply fails and never shares. Is this something that can be fixed?

Current system is 2.3.3.122, it just updated this morning.

Thanks

[Ranchitat]

Google Home (Integration App)
NOTE: This integration allows Google Home to control switches, dimmers, thermostats, and bulbs that have been joined to your Hubitat Elevation hub, but the reverse is not possible. Devices that have been added directly to Google Home or Google Assistant cannot be shared with your Hubitat Elevation hub.

Try changing to a virtual switch with auto-off.

[bertabcd1234]

Google Home only supports certain device types, and buttons aren't one:

http://docs2.hubitat.com/apps/google-home

Depending on your goal, you could use a virtual switch (or combo button and switch driver, since it's virtual and should be easy).

[a.mcdear]

I switched it to a switch, made a rule to automatically reset it to the off position. All works now. Thanks!

One more question however - It appears that Hubitat give you the ability pick which "modes" Google Home has access to, however this functionality doesn't actually seem to be implemented yet? I can't find any way to see or change the mode from Google Home or Google Assistant...

[Slate]

No need for the extra rule. You can set the switch to automatically turn off after x time. Look on the device page for option called Enable Auto Off.

[hydro311]

@bertabcd1234

(or combo button and switch driver, since it's virtual and should be easy).

Robert - can you please say a bit more about this? Are you implying there's a driver with both button and switch properties that can be set on a single virtual device or am I wildly misunderstanding (it's been a long day, so very possible!). Thanks!

[bertabcd1234]

Well, I thought I had seen such a thing, but now I can't find one. If you really need one, it would be easy for someone (me?) to write. But depending on what you need, you might be able get by with just the Virtual Switch driver, using the auto-off option as above, configured to be effectively momentary and button-ish.

[hydro311]

Right on -- no need to create anything special, but it's very kind of you to offer! I recently started using tomw's Broadlink integration for controlling some window fans with odd-ball IR controls, and I did the virtual switch thing (w/ 1-sec auto-off) to get those commands in Google. It all works just fine -- I just need to remember the "off" indications in UIs aren't a reflection of state per se.

Anyway, I'm just grateful that option is available as a button workaround for Google -- I read about it in a previous thread where you mentioned it as a solution, so thank you!