Smart Home Devices Manufactured by Google Are Experiencing Technical Issues, Causing Aggravation Among Users
As of late July 2025, Google Nest and Home devices are experiencing widespread reliability issues, causing significant frustration for users worldwide. The problems include frequent misunderstandings of voice commands, failure to respond, incorrect actions, and breakdowns of core features like controlling lights, routines, and speaker groups.
The cause of these issues seems to be linked to the recent integration of Google's Gemini AI framework and possibly other system changes, although Google has not officially confirmed a direct connection. Users report error messages such as "Sorry, something went wrong, try again later," and problems like lights not turning off as scheduled or receiving weather updates for incorrect locations.
Google has publicly acknowledged these problems. Anish Kattukaran, the head of product for Google Home and Nest, issued an apology and promised comprehensive fixes and major improvements by the end of 2025. Early beta testing of upcoming patches has shown positive results, raising hope for restored functionality soon.
Workarounds suggested for affected users are limited and inconsistent. Rebooting or resetting devices may temporarily restore some functionality, while users are also advised to wait for Google’s forthcoming system updates expected later this year, which may coincide with new Pixel device launches and enhanced Gemini AI integration.
For users who rely on Google devices for their health and safety, the malfunctioning devices pose a real risk, such as missed medication reminders or failed backup safety devices. Some users have resorted to turning off and disconnecting their devices due to the issues.
In the interim, users who depend on Google Nest devices for safety may want to consider temporary alternatives like backup alarms or medication reminder alarms. Medical alert devices that can call contacts or emergency responders can also be a temporary solution for users who are worried about being able to get help after a fall.
When shopping for medical alert devices, consider the type of device that best suits your needs, such as a pendant, clip-on device, or wristwatch. Make sure to review associated costs and ensure the device will work with your home WiFi or cell service provider.
Google's Chief Product Officer for Google Home and Google Nest, Anis Kattukaran, has also stated that Google is committed to providing a long-term solution for better reliability and capability. Kattukaran wrote a second post, reiterating his commitment to the project and expressing optimism about the forthcoming updates.
Google Nest device users are encouraged to visit the Google Nest Help page for additional tips for troubleshooting Google smart home devices. The company has provided a variety of resources to help users navigate the current issues and prepare for the upcoming system updates.
- Some users, particularly those who depend on Google Nest devices for health and safety reasons, may find temporary alternatives, such as backup alarms or medication reminder alarms, helpful during this period of unreliability.
- During the integration of Google's Gemini AI framework and other system changes, users of Google's smart-home-devices have reported issues with gadgets like Google Nest and Home, including frequent misunderstandings of voice commands, failure to respond, incorrect actions, and breakdowns of core features.
