Summary
- Google is aware of a bug affecting voice controls on smart lights and other Google Home products.
- Users can manually control lights, and some reported that having Google Home resync devices could be a fix.
- Google’s been busy switching from the Assistant to Gemini, so growing pains are expected.
Are you having trouble controlling some of the smart lights in your home using your voice with Google Assistant? If so, you’re not alone. A few weeks back, people started reporting voice control problems, and Google confirmed they’re working on a fix, but things aren’t looking too good.
Many of you have probably noticed your smart speakers glowing purple lately. This is part of Google’s switch from the old Assistant to Google Gemini. While we’re unsure if the problem is related, it’s pretty likely. However, the full switch isn’t here yet, meaning frustrated users are stuck with issues like uncontrollable lights.
Several people on Reddit and Google’s support forums have reported that they can no longer use the Google Assistant to control things like smart lights. To be more specific, using commands like “Hey Google, turn on my kitchen lights” and things of that nature.
Related
Android’s Google Assistant Is Getting Downgraded
Your Assistant is about to lose a bunch of key features.
Essentially, long-time Google Home users trying to control smart lights, switches, outlets, alarms, and more are having a lot of trouble. Owners report their Google Home failing to complete the task despite hearing the command and sometimes doing nothing at all. This includes entire light groups, routines, and automation tasks. There’s some sort of disconnect, and it needs to be fixed.
In that same Reddit thread, an official GoogleNestCommunity account confirmed these problems and suggested a fix is incoming. According to the spokesperson, “We’re aware of an issue with using voice commands to control some lights. We’ll share an update as soon as possible. Thanks for your patience.”
For now, we’ve seen a few reports that by saying, “Hey Google, sync devices”, may fix the problem, as it’ll force your Google Home to resync with some of your smart lights. Additionally, users can still control their lights using the app.
Spotted by Android Authority, one potential fix is to fire up the Google Home app and click the + button to add a new device. Next, you can head to the “works with Google” section and manually reconnect any of the services you use to lights. Naturally, this isn’t ideal for those with huge groups and an entire smart home, but it’s worth a try if you only have a few.
From what we’re hearing, this is probably a Google Assistant problem, which makes sense. Google is busy replacing the Assistant with Gemini in watches, smart home products, vehicles, phones, and more. In fact, Assistant lost several features earlier this year.
So far, the experience with Gemini has been pretty great, as long as it works and is well integrated. We’re hopeful Google can quickly fix whatever is happening with the Assistant or roll out Gemini for more smart home users. Give the few tricks above a try, otherwise, you’ll be waiting for Google’s official fix.
Source: Reddit via Android Police, Android Authority