Google Home and Nest Devices Fail to Respond to Basic Queries
Numerous Google Nest and Google Home users report that their devices are not responding to basic voice commands, such as "What's the weather?" or "What time is it?" The issue, which surfaced around the holiday season, affects various devices including the Google Home, Nest Hub Max, Home Mini, Nest Audio, and Nest Hub. While widespread, the problem does not appear to affect all users.
Reports of this issue began appearing on Google's support forums as early as December 30, 2024, with users noting the problem started a few days prior. Affected devices appear to process the command, indicated by light changes, but ultimately fail to provide a response. The problem seems primarily limited to basic queries, with more complex commands functioning normally.
Although the exact cause remains unclear, the issue has been replicated by several users and tech publications, including Android Authority. The problem spans different regions and device models, suggesting a broader software or server-side issue. Google has yet to officially acknowledge or address the problem.
For users experiencing this issue, there are currently no known workarounds. It remains to be seen if Google will implement a server-side fix or if a future software update will resolve the problem. In the meantime, users can check related resources like Matter's support for streaming speakers and CES 2025 updates on AI and smart home technology for potential insights or alternative solutions.