Smart Home Gadgets from Google Experience Technical Malfunctions, Leaving Users Annoyed
Google Nest devices, including security cameras, speakers, doorbells, thermostats, routers, and smart speakers, are experiencing a range of technical issues. Users have reported problems such as unresponsive voice commands, broken automations and routines, offline devices, and failures in audio and video streaming.
The root cause of these issues is a combination of aging hardware, software bugs, and ongoing transitions within Google's smart home ecosystem, notably the shift from Google Assistant to Gemini AI. Some devices have not received updates for years, contributing to reliability degradation. A significant outage starting in July 2025 affected Nest cameras and other devices, causing them to appear offline and disrupting live feeds and recordings.
Google has acknowledged these issues and has publicly apologized for the deteriorating reliability of Google Nest and Home devices. The Chief Product Officer for Home and Nest, Anish Kattukaran, has committed to addressing these problems, stating that major improvements are actively being worked on. Kattukaran promises clearer communication and long-term solutions to enhance device stability and capability, with updates expected by fall 2025.
In addition, Google is retiring support for certain older Nest devices, such as the 1st- and 2nd-generation Nest Learning Thermostats, effective October 25, 2025. This retirement removes smart features and app connectivity, leaving only manual control. Affected users are being offered discounts for newer models to ease the transition.
For users who rely on these devices for health and safety purposes, such as reminders to take medication on time or as a backup safety device to call for help in case of a fall, the malfunctioning devices pose a real risk. In such cases, users may consider buying alternative devices such as medication reminder alarms or medical alert devices. Some medical alert devices do not require a subscription, and users should ensure the device they choose works with their home WiFi or cell service provider.
Users experiencing issues with their devices can try troubleshooting by restarting, checking WiFi connection, and installing software updates. The Google Nest Help page offers additional tips, and users can contact Google for further assistance.
Meanwhile, Apple has rolled out AppleCare One to simplify and expand device protection. As Google works to restore reliability and modernize its smart home ecosystem, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the competition in the market.
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- Users facing issues with their smart-home devices, such as Google Nest cameras, speakers, and thermostats, might consider exploring alternative gadgets from competitors, like medical alert devices or smart-home systems, especially if they rely on these devices for health and safety purposes.
- Aside from acknowledging and working on improving the technical problems with Google Nest and Home devices, Google is also retiring support for certain aging hardware like the 1st- and 2nd-generation Nest Learning Thermostats, encouraging users to upgrade to newer technology for continued smart-home functionality.
